Feb 20, 2022
Lessons of the Vine: The Procedure of the Gardener
By: Phil Peacock
Series: Lessons of the Vine
In Jesus’ grapevine illustration, the heavenly Father is the gardener, or vine-dresser. (“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”)
The removal of the fruitless branches points to His divine judgment. (“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…”)
The pruning of the fruitful branches points to His divine discipline. (“… while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”)
THOUGHTS ON GOD’S DISCIPLINE/PRUNING— Hebrews 12:5-12
- God’s discipline is a sign of His love for us.
- It may come in the form of punishment.
- It may come by experiencing the consequences of sin.
- It is often simply the discipline of learning through trials.
- Though unpleasant at the time, it is for our ultimate good.
- “Pruning” is God’s job, not ours!
- God’s pruning is both for fruitfulness and for shape. As we become more fruitful, we also better reflect the likeness of Christ.
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- Feb 20, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Procedure of the Gardener
Feb 20, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Procedure of the GardenerBy: Phil PeacockSeries: Lessons of the VineIn Jesus’ grapevine illustration, the heavenly Father is the gardener, or vine-dresser. (“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”) The removal of the fruitless branches points to His divine judgment. (“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit…”) The pruning of the fruitful branches points to His divine discipline. (“… while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”) THOUGHTS ON GOD’S DISCIPLINE/PRUNING— Hebrews 12:5-12
- God’s discipline is a sign of His love for us.
- It may come in the form of punishment.
- It may come by experiencing the consequences of sin.
- It is often simply the discipline of learning through trials.
- Though unpleasant at the time, it is for our ultimate good.
- “Pruning” is God’s job, not ours!
- God’s pruning is both for fruitfulness and for shape. As we become more fruitful, we also better reflect the likeness of Christ.
- Feb 13, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Provision of the Vine
Feb 13, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Provision of the VineBy: Phil PeacockSeries: Lessons of the VineJohn 15:1-17 Jesus provides us with His word.
- “If you remain in me and my words remain in you ...“ (v.7)
- “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.” (v.9)
- “… that my joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.” (v.11)
- “I no longer call you servants … Instead I have called you friends.” (v.15)
- “Then my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (v.16b)
- Feb 6, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Produce of the Branches
Feb 6, 2022Lessons of the Vine: The Produce of the BranchesBy: Phil PeacockSeries: Lessons of the VineJohn 15:1-8 John 15 records for us an illustration Jesus used involving grape vines. It presents to us three powerful images: 1) Jesus is the vine. 2) The Heavenly Father is the gardener. 3) We are the branches of the vine from which fruit should grow. It is important we understand what kind of “fruit” God expects from us. The fruit God is looking for is not the balance of your bank account, the size of your family, the number of people you know, diplomas you have on your wall, or how many cars are in your garage. In and of themselves, they have no lasting value. God is looking for spiritual fruit that has an eternal value.
- Inner Fruit = developing the character of Christ
- Outer Fruit = good deeds that positively impact people and glorify God
- Evangelism = helping people come to know Christ as Lord
How fruitful have you been for God?How fruitful do you want to be?