Posted by John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
I’ve spoken to many believers over the years who think their lives haven’t made much of a difference in the world around them. These same people often experience that huge gap between asking and receiving when it comes to prayer.
Jesus said we are like branches on a vine that bears “Much fruit.” He also said that apart from Him we can do nothing. So, the way to a productive life is a lifestyle of close fellowship with Jesus.
Here’s another fact to consider; Jesus is the vine, and every branch receives enough life from that vine, to produce all the fruit they were designed to. This means that all your productivity is Christ’s fruit being produced through you.
Your Influence Comes From Abiding
You have unlimited potential for fruitful living because Jesus is your source. This speaks of a divine partnership. Here’s how simple productivity is; Jesus the vine sends all that’s necessary for producing His fruit to you the branch. All you need to do is stay connected to Him to receive it and display it.
“If you abide in Me, and I in you” Jesus says, you will bear much fruit. He finishes his statement by saying “apart from me you can do nothing. Over and over again in this section, Jesus says abide. He’s saying that your fruthfulness comes from unbroken fellowship with Him.
Your Abiding Lifestyle is Your Lifeline
In Verse four Jesus says “abide in me,” he’s saying you’re already connected – stay that way. The original reads “Abide in me. and I in you.” Jesus is saying “you and I are already one.”
A believers lack of productivity comes from their lack of connectivity! Jesus goes on to say; “No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must abide in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in me.” Enjoying unbroken fellowship with Jesus is the secret to a fulfilling life of usefulness.
Answers to Prayer as well as the requests that Preceded them come from abiding in unbroken fellowship
Jesus promised, If you abide in him and his words abide in you, you may ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (see John 15:7). Jesus is consistent throughout John 15:1-10. The same principle that keeps life flowing through you, unfolding God’s plans for you, keeps answers to prayer flowing to you.
Both the promise of being fruitful, and of answers to prayer are conditional. Jesus is saying; “since we’re already connected, stay this way, and pray this way.” That’s right, He has all your answers before you ask for them, they’ll flow to you as long as you cooperate and stay in fellowship with Him.
While you’re sharing your heart with Jesus, he’s sharing his with you. His desires for you are so much more desirable and fulfilling than yours are for yourself, it’s overwhelming. You’ll naturally begin choosing them over your own, and you’ll begin asking God for them (See Psalm 37:4).
Begin today to stay connected to Jesus, he’ll open doors of opportunity for you, he’ll answer more of your prayers, he’ll share his overwhelming desires for you, he will guide you to where He wants you to be, and show you what he wants you to do, and you’ll Be fruitful and Encouraged! -JSP
(1) Featured Image from
You must log in to post a comment.