“I AM” the True Vine

Ps David Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 13th of July 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kgvHcNoi9g

John 15:1–8 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

The True Vine: Total Dependence on Jesus

Jesus begins with a bold and exclusive statement—“I am the true vine”. In a culture where vineyards were common, Jesus makes it clear that He is not just a vine, but the true vine—the only source of real life and fruitfulness. In the Old Testament, Israel was described as God's vine, yet it often failed to bear good fruit. Jesus now redefines that image around Himself. Just as a branch cannot survive or produce fruit apart from the vine, so we are completely dependent on Jesus. The illustration speaks of ongoing, living connection—absolute dependence. Without Him, we cannot thrive.

Discuss:

• What does Jesus’ claim to be the “true vine” say about our relationship to Him?

• What are some everyday signs that we are depending on ourselves instead of abiding in Jesus?

• Why do you think Jesus chose a vine to illustrate this truth?

Lifted Up and Pruned

Verse 2 speaks of branches being pruned. The Greek word airo (ah'-ee-ro), meaning “carry away” or “lifted up", suggests a caring vinedresser lifting the branches off the ground so they can bear fruit. Rather than instant judgment, it shows the Father's care in helping us grow. Fruitful branches are also pruned—cut back so they can be even more fruitful. God wants us to bear the best fruit possible. He is actively at work in our lives, lifting, cleaning, correcting. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s evidence of His love and commitment to our growth. The goal is fruit—real, lasting impact, not just outward activity.

Discuss:

• How does it change your view of God to know He “lifts up” unfruitful branches?

• What fruit can we expect to see evident in our lives?

• What kinds of things might God be pruning from our lives?

  
  

Abiding In - Changing to be a Reflection of Christ

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”

To abide in Jesus means to stay, remain, dwell—it’s a posture of continual receiving, trusting, and surrendering. As we abide, the Holy Spirit is at work transforming us into the image of Christ. Just as grapes don't grow to look pretty but to be eaten, we are meant to bear fruit that reveals Jesus to the world. It’s about reflecting His glory—not by effort, but by proximity. The more we stay connected to Jesus, the more we reflect Him.

Discuss:

• What does “abiding” look like practically in your daily life?

• How is transformation different from self-improvement?

• How do we reflect Jesus to those around us?

  
  

Abiding In - Growing and Bearing Much Fruit

Galatians 5:22–24 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

God’s desire isn’t just some fruit—but much fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is the natural outworking of a life connected to Jesus. It’s not “fruits” (plural) as if we can pick and choose—it’s one fruit with many expressions. A key marker of abiding is love—self-giving, Jesus-like love. As we remain in Him, that love flows through us into all relationships. A fruitful life isn’t just spiritual performance, but transformed character.

Discuss:

• Why do you think “love” is central to the fruit of the Spirit?

• Which aspect of the fruit do you feel is growing in you right now?

• What would “much fruit” look like in your life, family, or workplace?

  
  

Abiding In - Connection to Jesus

Colossians 1:15–18 “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created… all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together… so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Jesus is not just a spiritual figure—He’s the centre and sustainer of all creation. Everything finds its purpose in Him. When we stay connected to Jesus, we tap into the ultimate source of life, purpose, and hope. Like the sap flowing from vine to branch, the Holy Spirit brings everything we need for life and godliness. Abiding in Jesus is not passive—it’s a choice to stay connected to the source.

Discuss:

• How does seeing Jesus as the Creator and Sustainer shape your faith?

• What are some things that try to cut us off from the “true vine”?

• How can you intentionally “remain” in Jesus this week?

  
  

Prayer and Response

Invite the group to linger in prayer and worship—encouraging an atmosphere of abiding, not rushing. Pray for deeper connection to Jesus, pruning where needed, and the Spirit’s work to bear much fruit. Encourage everyone to reflect:

• What is God lifting up in your life?

• What is He pruning?

• How are you abiding?