How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the video and read this week's materials
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
How To Use This Guide:
listen
Listen to the weekly sermon and read through the main passage(s)
reflect
Prayerfully answer the questions below
discuss
Meet with your group to discuss
respond
Apply the truth of God’s word to your life
latest sermon:
background
In John 15, Jesus offers the last of his seven “I am” statements, clarifying what it truly means to have a personal relationship with him. This relationship is more than a commitment to doctrinal beliefs about God. It is a way of life in which we experience an ongoing connection with the living Christ. Through this relationship, the Son invites us into his relationship with the Father and the Spirit.
Here, Jesus uses the image of a vine and branches to remind us that true life, growth, and fruitfulness come from our connection to Him. When we are rooted in Him, we are transformed, becoming more like Him. And this change is decisive. Just as a branch relies on the vine, we can rest in the confidence that God is at work in us. When Jesus says, “abide in me,” it reminds us that the Christian life is not about trying to produce good things on our own. It’s about holding close to Christ and trusting that he will nurture and sustain us in ways we cannot accomplish on our own.
Here, Jesus uses the image of a vine and branches to remind us that true life, growth, and fruitfulness come from our connection to Him. When we are rooted in Him, we are transformed, becoming more like Him. And this change is decisive. Just as a branch relies on the vine, we can rest in the confidence that God is at work in us. When Jesus says, “abide in me,” it reminds us that the Christian life is not about trying to produce good things on our own. It’s about holding close to Christ and trusting that he will nurture and sustain us in ways we cannot accomplish on our own.
OPEN
1. Do you have a spot where you have your daily quiet time? Maybe a particular chair in your home? If so, what makes that place special?
REFLECT
2. Read John 15:1-11. What does the image of the vine reveal about our relationship with Jesus? What does he mean when he says, “abide in me”?
3. Read John 15:12-17. Jesus describes abiding as both a divine work and a demonstration of our faith in him. When it comes to this relationship, what is his role? What is our responsibility?
4. What benefits does Jesus describe for those who abide in him (see especially vv.8-11 and 15-16)? Which of these benefits do you most wish to experience more fully?
3. Read John 15:12-17. Jesus describes abiding as both a divine work and a demonstration of our faith in him. When it comes to this relationship, what is his role? What is our responsibility?
4. What benefits does Jesus describe for those who abide in him (see especially vv.8-11 and 15-16)? Which of these benefits do you most wish to experience more fully?
APPLY
5. In your own words, explain what it means to have “a personal relationship with Jesus.” After this week’s message, how has your understanding of this changed from how you have viewed it in the past?
6. What are some practices that help you remember to “abide” in Jesus? Why are these practices so effective?
7. Are there specific things you'd like to be more consistent about during the summer? What deliberate actions can you take now to help you achieve this?
6. What are some practices that help you remember to “abide” in Jesus? Why are these practices so effective?
7. Are there specific things you'd like to be more consistent about during the summer? What deliberate actions can you take now to help you achieve this?
RESOURCES
If you are interested in joining a group next semester, fill out the interest form below or contact Doug Barnwell at dbarnwell@fellowshipjackson.com.
We ask every Home Group participant to commit to the Four Essentials of a Healthy Group outlined in our Home Group Commitment. These essentials help ensure that every group stays healthy, welcoming, and spiritually meaningful for everyone involved. You can review those here.