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Study 28 of 49

Abiding in Christ

The vine and the branch: union as the secret of fruit

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Christ's own illustration of the Christian life is not a soldier straining but a branch abiding. Fruit is the natural result of connection, and the branch's only work is to stay joined. This unit shows what abiding means in practice and what breaks it.

Key points

  • Fruit is the result of union, never of struggle.
  • Without Me ye can do nothing — no exceptions.
  • Abiding is maintained by the word, prayer, and obedience of faith.

Key texts

  • John 15:1-11
  • Galatians 2:20
  • Colossians 3:3
  • 1 John 2:6
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the branch's only responsibility in John 15?

  2. Scripture

    2. Read John 15:5. How absolute is 'without me ye can do nothing'?

  3. Scripture

    3. Read Galatians 2:20. Who lives the Christian life?

  4. Doctrinal Clarity

    4. Distinguish pruning from cutting off.

  5. Contrast

    5. Contrast working for Christ with working from Christ.

  6. Doctrinal Clarity

    6. What practically breaks the sense of abiding?

  7. Application

    7. What does abiding look like on an ordinary Tuesday for you?

  8. Application

    8. How do you restore the connection after a lapse?