Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Identity – John 15:5-8 – You Are The Branches – Growing As Disciples
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:5-8 (NIV)
Connected
Apart from me you can do nothing. That seems hard to believe, doesn’t it? You would think that you would be able to accomplish something all on your own. Think about one of your greatest accomplishments that you accomplished with your own efforts. Do you have something in mind? Yes, I do. How highly will your accomplishment be regarded in 50 years? Will it be remembered? Will it amount to something of great value? Will it have stood the test of time? Before, you answer that last question let’s evaluate your accomplishment a million years from now? Now, you can answer my questions. In a million years from now, or in the light of all eternity, my own accomplishments will amount to nothing. They will have been forgotten. They will have turned to dust. They will not have lasted. They will not be remembered. My own accomplishments will not even be a very small foot note in history. That’s true. Now, do you believe me when I say, “apart from me you can do nothing”? Yes, I do. You are saying that I can do nothing on my own that will bear fruit for all eternity. That’s right.
I would like to bear fruit that will last for all eternity. I would like you to use my life in ways that will bear fruit for your kingdom and glory. I would like to live my life so that I remain vitally connected to you. I want what you want. How will you remain vitally connected to me? How will you allow me to use your life to bear fruit for all eternity? I will live in an intimate relationship with you. I will draw near to you. I will come into your presence. I will listen to everything you want to say to me. I will submit myself to you. I will receive your guidance. I will follow your directions. I will go where you guide me. I will do what you ask of me. I will allow you to use my life as a tool in your hands. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and glory.
Lord, you are the vine and I am a branch. Help me to remain vitally connected to you. Feed, nourish and sustain my life. Help me to receive all I will need from you so I will be able to bear an abundance of fruit for your kingdom and bring glory to your name. Amen
For today’s complete 4 page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide click here:
Identity – John 15-5-8 – You Are The Branches – 4 Page Discipleship Devotional Study Guide
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