In this week’s study, Derek will be taking a look at the Parable of the Vine and the Branches, which Jesus gave in John’s gospel. This parable concerns the disciples’ relationship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and with God the Father. Jesus expressed the need for the disciples to abide in Him, using a picture of a vine—with branches, sap, and a gardener—all elements relating to the three persons of the Godhead.

In delving further into this picture of the vine and the branches, Derek shows us that God expects us, as the branches, to produce fruit. Every branch in us that does not bear fruit is pruned away. What kind of fruit is God looking for? First is the fruit of the Spirit, which makes up aspects of our character. The second type of fruit would be those whom we have won to the Lord through our lives.

How can we abide in the vine? Derek uses Jesus’ words to explain this concept. His words must remain in us and we must do what He says. Jesus said that if we love Him, we will keep His commandments. As we do this, He will come and make His abode or dwelling place in us.

One major way of taking care of vines is by pruning. In looking at this process of pruning, Derek emphasizes that the vines that are bearing fruit are the ones that are cut back. This is so they will produce more and better fruit. Pruning in a Christian’s life is not an indication of wrongdoing or punishment. In fact, it shows that God knows how to bring out the best in them.

Finishing this week’s study, Derek reveals four results of bearing fruit in our lives. First, we will get our prayers answered; second, the Father is glorified thus proving we are Jesus’ disciples; third, we remain in God’s love and security; and fourth there is double joy—Jesus’ joy in us and our own joy in our relationship with Him.

Derek begins this study in the first chapter of John looking at the person who is the Word, who was before time began, and who came into the world born as a man, Jesus, the Son of God. He was the very image of God, and came to show mankind what God is like—to reveal God as Father.

Today Derek looks at how men responded to the One who came into this world to save them. Most people just saw Jesus as a man, not as the Son of God. But all of creation knew and responded to their Creator. Storms, trees, animals, and demons all knew Him for who He really was. How do we respond to that fact today?

In today’s study Derek looks at three distinctive features of the new birth. First, the new birth is from God. Second, the new birth is from above. And third, the new birth is by the Spirit of God. The new birth makes us God’s children. It is not of blood (natural descent), nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man.