Community Group Discussion Guide

John 15:1-11 - Weekend of June 2 & 3

I. Starter Questions:

1. What needs to happen for a plant to bear fruit? Does the fruit grow by accident, or is it the result of an intentional effort on the part of a gardener or farmer? Do you have a gardening story?

2. In the life of a Christian, what is the primary factor in determining the kinds of fruit (attitudes, actions, words) that will be produced in life?

II. Discussion of Scripture:

John 15:1-11 (ESV) - “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. 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. 10 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Brief Explanation: Jesus walks with His disciples as He teaches them the importance of staying connected to Him. He explains to them that they will not be able to do any of the work for the kingdom’s sake without abiding in His Spirit. There will be seasons of pruning and cleaning, but they are necessary for more fruit to come in their lives. All of this, Jesus says, comes down to them loving one another as He has loved them. That glorifies the Father.

For Discussion:

1. When Jesus says, “I am the true vine,” what is he claiming about himself? Have we seen Jesus make similar statements? Read John 6:35; 8:12; 10:9 & 11; 11:25; and 14:6.

2. When the vine is talked about in the Old Testament, who is that a reference to? Read Psalm 80:8-16 and Isaiah 5:1-7.

3. Who is the vinedresser? What does the vinedresser do to care for and provide for the vineyard? Read John 15:2.

4. How has God provided for and cared for you?

5. Have you ever undergone the pruning process so that you can produce more fruit? Was that process painful? Was the result worth undergoing the pruning process?

6. How many times does Jesus use the word “abide” in this passage?

7. What is the key to producing fruit in the life of a Christian? What must we do to bear much fruit? Read John 15:5.

8. What does it look like for someone to “abide in Jesus”?

9. When Jesus talks about bearing much fruit, is he talking only about evangelism? What other fruit could he be talking about that is important to see in the life of a Christian?

10. When Jesus says, “apart from me you can do nothing,” what is he talking about? What things are impossible to accomplish apart from Jesus?

11. What eternal things are accomplished when you are connected to Jesus?

12. What does Jesus say about those who choose to not abide in him? Read John 15:6. Is there any eternal value in the branches that are not connected to the vine?

13. As you live connected to Jesus and bear fruit in your life, how can that serve as a witness to unbelievers around you? Read John 13:35; 14:31; and Matthew 5:16.

III. Responding in Prayer:

1. Spend some time praying and considering how we can abide more deeply in our daily walk with Christ.

2. Pray for our church, Middle School camp, the upcoming VBS, and upcoming mission trips.