Nathan Brosher
Apr 12, 2026
John 15:1-5 ESV - 1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1. Abide in the Vine
Abide - Meno - to remain (in reference to place) not to depart, (in reference to time) to continue to be, (in reference to state or condition) to remain as one, not to become different.
Jesus said in verse 5 "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide/remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”
Prunes - kathairō - to cleanse, of filth impurity. Metaphorically from guilt.
John 15:6-9 ESV - 6 If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
Fruitfulness is not produced by effort, but by connection.
2 Directions of Abiding:
1. You in Him.
2. His Word in You.
John 15:9 ESV - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
2Timothy 1:7 NKJV - 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
John 14:23-26 NLT - 23 Jesus replied, "All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them. 24 Anyone who doesn't love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. 25 I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative--that is, the Holy Spirit--he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.
Abiding is not just obedience, it’s relational!
2. The Holy Spirit is our Helper.
2Timothy 3:16 NKJV - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
John 14:15-17, 20-21 NLT - 15 "If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. ... 20 When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them."
We can’t live the sermon on the mount without the Spirit of God!
Luke 24:49 NLT - 49 "And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven."