Sunday School | January, 2020
Abiding Love
Bible Background · John 15:4-17
Printed Text · John 15:4-17 | Devotional Reading · Psalm 80:7-19
Printed Text · John 15:4-17 | Devotional Reading · Psalm 80:7-19
Aim for ChangeBy the end of this lesson, we will COMPREHEND how the metaphor of the vine and the branches applies to Jesus and those who follow Him; YEARN for a more intimate, life-giving relationship with Jesus; and COMMIT to keeping Christ’s commandments and abiding in his love.
In FocusJordan met Mr. Mason at Shady Acres Retirement Home. He thought about Pastor Thomas’ words to them on Sunday about service and sacrificial love. And yet, he wondered if he had made the right choice when he had agreed to lead worship at Shady Acres. Mr. Mason vigorously shook Jordan’s hand. “I am so happy that you are here. Come this way, we have been waiting for you! My mother has been asking for a church service for so long.” “Well, Mr. Mason, I’ve never done anything like this before. But when I heard Pastor Thomas talk about the needs here, I decided to try to help.” Mr. Mason led Jordan to the recreation room. Seated inside were ten elderly residents, waiting for them. With a calming breath, Jordan moved to the room’s piano and pulled out his music, some sermon notes, and his Bible. “Hi, my name is Jordan. I’m here to worship the Lord with you. I thought that we could begin with a word of prayer.” As he prayed, he felt his uneasiness melt away. Forty-five minutes later, Jordan, Mr. Mason, and the residents were singing and clapping. As he led them in a closing hymn, Jordan knew he made the right choice.
How has Christ blessed you to see the fruit of your labor when you trusted His love and followed Him? Keep in Mind“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15, KJV).
|
Focal VersesKJV John 15:4-17
4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that ye love one another. The People, Places, and TimesCommandment. This term is used in the English Bible to translate a number of Hebrew and Greek words including law, ordinance, statute, word, judgment, precept, saying, and charge. The idea of authority conveyed by these words comes from the fact that God as the sovereign Lord has a right to be obeyed. The instruction of Jesus is full of ethical teachings that have the force of divine commandments. That is true even when He does not use the word “commandment” or its equivalents as He often does. The Bible is clear that God is not satisfied with mere external compliance with His commandments but expects willing and joyful obedience.
Vine. The grapevine was common to western Asia south of the Caspian Sea. Grape vineyards flourished in Palestine, especially in the central highlands near Hebron, Shiloh, and Shechem. The vine is often used in the Bible literally and figuratively. The vine is a symbol of prosperity and a sedentary life (1 Kings 4:25), which was the ideal for the once-nomadic nation of Israel. The vine is also a picture of God’s people (John 15:2; Psalm 80:8; Isaiah 5:2). Since every vine will produce sterile branches, the gardener must trim away unproductive and old branches, lest the vitality of the vine is diverted from its function of bearing fruit. |
Daily Bible ReadingsMONDAY
God Is Disappointed with Israel (Isaiah 5:1-7) TUESDAY God Will Redeem Israel (Isaiah 27:2-6) WEDNESDAY Believers Continue God’s Work (John 14:8-14) THURSDAY Jesus Freely Lays Down His Life (John 10:11-18) FRIDAY Facing the World as Jesus Did (John 15:18-25) SATURDAY Jesus Tends to His Vineyard (John 15:1-3) SUNDAY Always Love One Another (John 15:4-17) |
Worksheet |