The Heart of Jesus | Week Four

Begin by sharing prayer requests and praying for one another

Read John 15:1-17 aloud as a group

Key Takeaways

This week we explored an illustration of the Christian life, and indications that you are experience that life. A few key takeaways:

Abiding comes before bearing fruit. Our priority isn't striving to produce fruit, but dwelling deeply in relationship with Jesus through prayer and Scripture. When we remain connected to the vine, fruit naturally follows.

God prunes those He loves. The Father, as our caring gardener, will lovingly discipline us and allow trials in our lives not to harm us, but to help us flourish.

You are Jesus' friend. This isn't just a positional truth—Jesus genuinely likes you and enjoys spending time with you. He's chosen you, appointed you to bear fruit, and invites you into a life-giving friendship marked by prayerful devotion, joyful obedience, and sacrificial love.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentioned we often try to "plug into" the wrong things for life and purpose. Which of these false vines are you most tempted to connect to? Position/Power, Possessions/Money, People/Relationships, Performance/Success

2. The word "abide" appears 11 times in John 15. In your own words, what does it mean to abide in Christ? How is it different from just believing in Jesus?

3. The purpose of a branch is to bear fruit. What does "bearing fruit" look like in the Christian life?

4. The sermon gave three practical indications of an abiding life:

1. Prayerful Devotion (Bible reading and prayer)

1. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current rhythm of Bible reading and prayer?

2. What obstacles keep you from making this a priority?

3. What would it look like to make this the "first part of your day"?

2. Joyful Obedience

1. Why do you think Jesus connects obedience with joy in verses 10-11?

2. Share about a time when obeying God brought you unexpected joy.

3. What area of obedience is God calling you to right now?

3. Sacrificial Love

1. Jesus says the greatest love is laying down your life for friends (v. 13). What are some practical ways we can sacrificially love others in our daily lives?

2. Who in your life needs to experience this kind of love from you right now?

This Week’s Challenge: Daily Devotion. Commit to 15-20 minutes each morning for Bible reading and prayer

Close in Prayer

Thank Jesus for being the true vine and inviting us into a relationship with Him. Ask God to help each person abide more deeply in Christ this week. Ask for the Holy Spirit's power to bear lasting fruit that glorifies God.