Scripture Reading:Hebrews 10:35-39

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.”

But, we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.”

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCJmI35GUrMgCFQE6iAodIXoAZg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.keywordpicture.com%2Fkeyword%2Fi%2520am%2520the%2520vine%2520you%2520are%2520the%2520branches%2F&bvm=bv.104317490,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNE1Hx0mUNzno_aotq7oTwmFoUlHlw&ust=1444162802682547

Jesus gives very important final instructions to his disciples in John 15:1-8

I. MAIN LESSON IS NOT THAT WE MUST BEAR FRUIT BUT THAT WE MUST REMAIN IN HIM

A. Don’t be wishy-washy

B. “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” Luke 14:33

C. Stickability is an important character trait

II. IMPORTANCE OF REMAINING

A. Not how strong, clever or experienced the branch is

B. All our abilities are worthless apart from the vine

C. It is not by “trying” but by “remaining”

III. BASIC MESSAGE: COMMIT YOUR WHOLE LIFE TO JESUS AND STAY THERE!

Let Him produce whatever fruit He wants—through you!

IV. WHAT IS THE FRUIT THAT HE BEARS THROUGH US?

A. Not Success (Our job is to be faithful, not successful)

B. Cannot be humanly done

Can be many things:

Christlikeness (Gal 4:19)Praise to the Lord (Heb 13:15)Contribution to needy (Rom 15:26)Every good work (Col 1:9-10)Others won to Christ (Jn 4:36, I Cor 16:15)

V. ALL IS DONE BY REMAINING (ABIDING)

Question Jesus asks today: “Are you remaining (abiding)as a faithful branch in Christ?”