John 15:1-11
1. The nature of the Father’s work, v. 1-2
A vinedresser is an agriculturalist involved in the daily pruning and cultivation of grapevines. As with any agricultural professional, vinedressers work nearly year-round to help ensure the vineyard has a successful crop. Pruning is one of the preeminent tasks of a vinedresser. These pruning techniques take into consideration the shape and consistency of the vine. Pruning is an essential task as it removes dead, diseased or stunted fruits to make room for new growth, ultimately leading to a healthy and productive vine. The pruning process begins very shortly after planting, usually within a few weeks. Keeping pests away from burgeoning vines is vital to maintaining the vineyard and ultimately the wine production. Vinedressers must also closely monitor vineyards to ensure each is receiving the correct amount of water and irrigation during the growing season. Failure by the vinedresser to provide adequate water to vines could lead to sunburn, immature vines and pest problems.
2. That austerity is not the norm, v. 3
-John 13:10
3. Union makes it all possible, v. 4-10
Union means learning to believe and enjoy God’s relentless commitment to you, His holy capacity towards you and His sheer delight in you.
- Matthew 11:28-30
“There is no joy in this world like union with Christ. The more we can feel it, the happier we are.” -Charles Spurgeon
“Nothing cuts the nerve of the desire to pursue holiness as much as a sense of guilt. On the contrary, nothing so motivates us to deal with sin in our lives as does the understanding and application of the two truths that our sins are forgiven and the dominion of sin is broken because of our union with Christ.” -Jerry Bridges
4. That joy is the goal, v. 11
- Hebrews 12:1-2
- James 1:2-4
- Matthew 13:44
Questions for digestive thinking...
How does understanding what God does (the vinedresser) inform what you do?
What stirs in you when you think of yourself as completely clean before God?
What has joy caused you to do lately that you normally wouldn’t do?
What are you guilty of not enjoying enough?
If you were having lunch with Jesus after this service what part of the sermon do you think he would want to discuss with you?