When we publicly profess our faith we make a decision that is then followed by a process called “spiritual growth”.Jesus teaches in John 15 that it is absolutely essential that we abide in him as the source of spiritual life.How do we remain in him as the true vine?

I.WE ABIDE IN GOD’S WORD (John 15:7a)

A.Our Lives Are Shaped By Our Thoughts

B.We Memorize and Meditate On God’s Word

II.WE ABIDE IN PRAYER (John 15:7b)

A.Prayer Is Communication With God

B.We Receive What We Look and Seek For (Luke 11:10)

III.WE ABIDE IN OBEDIENCE (John 15:9-10, 17)

A.Our Capacity To Love Others Is Determined By Our Experience of God’s Love

B.We Need To Experience the Love of God (Ephesians 3:17-19)

1.To experience love there must be trust

2.To experience God’s Love we must trust:

• His promises

• That I matter

• That I belong

• That His way is best

3.Love is a matter of choice and conduct

IV.WE ABIDE BY COOPERATING WITH THE PRUNING PROCESS (John 15:1-2)

A.God Prunes The Sinful and Superficial

B.The Process Is Painful (Hebrews 12:11)

C.We Choose How We Will Respond

Conclusion:How much of a priority is abiding in Jesus for you?Each of us is a branch.What are you abiding in?