Growth in the Vinedresser
John 15:1 (NKJV)
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” – John 15:1 (NKJV)
“I am the vine, you are the branches” – John. 15:5. Jesus spoke these words to His disciples to describe His relationship with His Father and with them. He had taken the Last Supper with them and had washed their feet as an example of how they should care for each other. Growing in Christ is growing in love and compassion for others.
“As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the Vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” – (v 4). Growing in Christ is being in Him or connected to Him. Without the connection to the vine, the branches cannot receive the life-giving sap that flows through and will not survive.
Being connected, however, is not sufficient. We MUST remain connected or continue abiding in Him so that we can draw the nourishment (His Word) we need to stay alive and healthy; and bear fruit. Growing in Christ is bearing fruit (winning souls), and bearing fruit that is not shed prematurely, but remains to maturity.
“Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.” – (V 2). The Vinedresser prunes or removes dry twigs and leaves to allow for more and better yield. Growing in Christ is allowing God to remove from our lives those things that distract us from our purpose and hinder our walk in Him. Growing in Christ is becoming more productive in our Christian service.
It is in Him that we live and move and have our being (Acts 17: 28), for without Him we can do nothing. (John 15:5)
Prayer
Lord, we need Your guidance and Your correction, every day in order for us to bear much fruit in the Kingdom. Help us to grow in You as we diligently seek Your face, in Jesus’s name. Amen.
Read: John 15:1-8; Acts 17:28
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 68:1-6; John 16:5-33; John 17:1-5; 1 Samuel 17:38-58; 1 Samuel 18
