Get Set!

Focal Scripture: John 15:1-16

1. Spiritually, what plant best describes you now? A Towering Oak? A Weeping Willow? A Tumbleweed? Or a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree?
2. Read verses 1-4. Who is the Vine? (Jesus) Who is the gardener? (God) Who are the branches? (We are)
3. What is fruit, as thought of in these verses? (all that God wants to accomplish through our lives. Character transformation in Galatians 5:22-23. Influencing others for Jesus)
4. In verses 1-8, how many different kinds of branches can you identify? (3. vs.2a – “in me that bears no fruit.” vs. 2b – “in me that bear fruit.” and vs. 6 – bears no fruit.)
5. If vine branches were humans and we pruned them, what pain would be associated with that? (Severe pain) What would it be that would be cut off? (amputated arms or legs) What value does pruning have to a tree? (breaks off the dead parts and allows the healthy ones to grow better and stonger)
6. What does Jesus mean in verse 4? (Abiding / Staying close to the source of strength)
7. If a branch fell off to the ground from the vine, could it bear fruit or be productive on it’s own? What would it need? (to be connected to the vine)
8. Just as a branch needs a strong connection or union to the vine, so too, we need a strong ________________ (connection or union) to Jesus! That is also called a personal relationship.
9. (Using an NIV Bible) Count how many times the word “remain” is used in verses 1-10. (11 times) Remain is another word for abiding. You can begin to see how important this is to God. What does the term “remain” or “abide” in Jesus really mean in our present world? For you in school? At work? Does it ring true or attainable in the real world where you have to live? What things may prevent us from “remaining” or “abiding” in our connection/union/personal relationship as close as we may want it to be?
10. What other word becomes obvious as you read these verses? (Love)
11. We are commanded to love each other as Jesus loved us (verse 12). Is this always easy? YES/NO But are we still supposed to try and love each other as best we can? Name some times when this may be difficult for you? (Name some times when you would think it would be difficult for Jesus to love you. Do you sometimes feel as though you are unlovable, even for God? God loves you in spite of you and your junk…just allow Him to love you and loving others will sometimes become much easier.) NOTE: Cover questions in parenthesis only as the Spirit moves you…these questions could bring out very sensitive answers and issues.
12. Read verses 14-16. How does it feel to know that Jesus CHOSE to be your friend long before you knew it? Wouldn’t you do about anything to make a friend happy? When you have a good friend, don’t you always want to hang out with them?
13. Jesus wants to be your friend and hang out and be in close relationship with you and help you in your life. He wants to TEACH you how to bear good fruit. But we have to be willing to LEARN! Are we willing to be a learner? Read Psalm 119:7 and 2 Peter 3:18. Don’t these verses encourage us to grow in knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ?

Go!

1. What thing could you do this week to help you become a better learner in your faith journey?
2. Do you think that learning as much as you can about Jesus would help you feel closer to Him in your faithwalk with Him?
3. Do you think you need help in becoming a better learner? If so, speak to one of the adult leaders about helping you.

PowerPoint!

Learning about each other is the key to any good relationship. Learning what makes them happy, sad, and angry are important steps to understanding how a relationship can grow closer together and become more intimate. The same applies in your relationship with God…learn what makes Him happy, sad, and angry. Learn what pleases Him and as you grow closer to Him, remember that listening is just as important! Pray that God will help you be a better learner for Him and show you the things that will lead you to be closer to Him and help you listen.