In Christ Faith and Obedience 6/1/25 Scripture “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me, he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John15:1-11 Yes, and I will rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance, as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 1:19-21 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:9-12 Biblical Interpretation Keep τηρέω (téreó) To keep, to guard, to observe, to watch over, to hold fast to Abide - μένω (menó) To remain, to abide, to stay, to continue, to dwell, to endure. More specifically not to depart, not to leave, to continue to be present (John 15) How do we live then “In Christ”? LIFE IN CHRIST Positional Vine and branches To be “In Christ” is immersive, all inclusive, and complete Based on who you are not what you have done Clothed with Christ Relational Your position is in Love You don’t dictate God’s view of you nor how He expresses Himself to you Practical By Faith - you remain In Christ experiencing God’s Love By Obedience - you grow and bear fruit - In Christ Questions: How are you finding your identity in your position and not your performance? Why is owning your position so critical to life “In Christ”? What does it realistically look like to remain in Love? How do you find yourself struggling with either believing your position has changed or that God’s Love towards you has changed? How do we best battle against such thinking? Jesus gave us his example of faith (remaining in love) and obedience, what can we learn and apply from Him. Where is God calling you to grow in faith and obedience? Can you recall any similar situations Jesus faced and overcame to help encourage you?