John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. The fruitful source of all the Christian's blessings. Constantly felt and remembered tends to dignify and fructify his life. Leads to — (1) Purity. (2) Safety. In Christ. (3) Glory. I. UNION IN ITS NATURE. 1. Mysterious. 2. Mutually agreed. 3. Spiritual. 4. Living. II. PERMANENCE OF THE UNION. III. FRUITFULNESS OF THE UNION. "Bear much fruit." 1. Expected. It is a vine — a vineyard under care. "Father is the husbandman." 2. Only possible in union. Human nature. "No fruit of itself," "for without Me ye can do nothing." Linked to Christ by faith. "Much fruit." 3. To the highest end. Heavenward. "Glory to God" (ver. 8). Earthward. "So shall ye be My disciples" (ver. 8). The great want of earth — true disciples. God claims the glory. 4. Sign of life. "Bringeth forth" — out of — grow — result of the Divine life within. (E. Wickliffe Davies.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. |
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