The Key to a Fruitful Life
Who Is This Man? | Part 4
JulieJulie Mullins
The weekend doesn't have to end. Keep Talking on your own or with a group.
Start Talking – Find conversation starters for the group or with a friend.
- So far in our series “Who Is This Man?” we have looked at Jesus as the Bread of Life, the Light of the World, as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and as the True Vine. Which of these illustrations that Jesus used to reveal Himself resonates most with you? Why?
- What is the best pizza you have ever had and why?
Keep Reading – Read the scripture and ask a question to get the group thinking.
Read these scriptures out loud:
John 15:1-8
In this passage, Jesus reveals Himself to His disciples as the True Vine.
- As Pastor Julie mentioned, of all of the “I am” statements in the gospel of John, this is the only one that deals with our relationship with Jesus after entering into relationship with Him, what the Bible calls being saved or born again.
- Take the time to read this passage; what stands out to you the most from the perspective of being one of the branches connected to Jesus, the True Vine? What do you find most challenging?
Galatians 5:22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control…
- As we read in the John 15 passage above, as followers of Jesus we should be bearing fruit in our lives.
- Based on the list of the qualities of the fruit of the Spirit in this verse in Galatians, how have you seen fruit in your life as you have continued to follow Jesus? How has the “fruit” in your life changed from before you had a relationship with Jesus until now?
Keep Talking – Choose questions to create openness.
1. People see Branches before they see the Vine
- You may have heard it said that “you may be the only Jesus some people ever see.” As Pastor Julie stated, “People will either be drawn to or move away from the Vine based on the fruit on the branches.”
- As you think about your own life, do you find this statement encouraging, convicting,…? What image of Jesus do you think people see when they see you?
2. CONNECTION precedes PRODUCTION
- The passage in John 15 tells us that our role as branches in Jesus is to “bear” fruit, not produce it. The way that we bear fruit is by staying connected to Jesus – by remaining or abiding in Him.
- Have you been frustrated that you keep trying to live in a manner that’s pleasing to God, but you keep failing? How does understanding that Jesus simply calls us to abide in Him – the Vine – and allow the “sap” of the Holy Spirit to produce fruit rather than striving to produce fruit on your own change your perspective? How does this change how you think and behave?
3. Pruning is Painful – but it’s not Punishment
- Nobody likes pruning or correction, but it is necessary in order for us to be transformed more and more into the likeness of Jesus [see 2 Cor. 3:17-18]. Hebrews 12:11 tells us that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”
- Pastor Julie mentioned 3 areas of our lives that may require pruning: dead & diseased branches, “sucker” branches, and healthy branches. What pruning do you see is needed in your life right now?
Keep Moving/Going – Commit to a step and live it out this week.
- Pastor Julie challenged us with 2 items:
1. Make it a priority to give Jesus “more than an inch.” Whatever time you have given Him in the past, focus on intentionally abiding/remaining in Jesus throughout your week.
2. Pursue pruning. Ask God to reveal areas in your life that need to be “pruned” so that you can bear more fruit and better quality fruit in your life.
- Pick one of this week’s key Scriptures and make it a reminder in your phone. Spend a few minutes repeating it and thinking about it each day.
- S.O.A.P out the Scripture this week.
Keep Praying
- Prayer requests from everyone at group
- Prayer
Keep Praising
“House of the Lord” – Phil Wickham
“Too Good Not To Praise” – MVMNT Music
Or check out our "Faith Over Fear" playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.