John 15

Verse 1 Christ is the true vine—in contrast to Israel.

Verse 2 Warning here—Beareth not fruit He take away.

Those that bare fruit—He purgeth them—He cleanseth them.

See Hebrews 12:11 = chastening.

Consider Verses 5-15.

We must be Clean. Verse 2. We must Abide. Verse 4. We must Obey. Verses 10, 12.

Verse 3 Now ye are clean through the Word.

C/p John Chapter 13.

Verse 4 Abide in me—and I in you.

The impossibility of bearing fruit apart from abiding in the vine.

Verse 5 “He that abideth in me, and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit.” Note: The stages in fruit bearing. Fruit Verse 2. More Fruit Verse 2. Much Fruit Verse 5.

Hampton Court vine.

Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear Much Fruit.

Verse 6 Difficult verse if interpreted out of context.

1. Armenians use this to defeat their erroneous doctrine of believers perishing.

2. The subject is Fruit bearing—not salvation.

Instances of men who were laid aside.

Paul’s fear Lest I become a castaway.

Mark (John)—Demas—R Scott.

The prominent word (used 6 times) is fruit. What is the fruit mentioned here?

1. Is it seeing souls saved?

2. Is it displaying more love for souls?

3. Is it in a multiplicity of meetings?

4. Is it in a display of piety?

The fruit here is Christlikeness.

Galatians 5:22-23

The fruit of the Spirit = Christ.

The fruit of a life with Christ is a life like Christ.

Verse 11 These things have I spoken unto you that my joy might remain in you—and that your joy might be full.