Source of Joy

John 15:7-11

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Notes

The Lord Jesus presented a powerful illustration: the vine, the branches, and the vinedresser. The Father is the vinedresser, Christ is the true vine, and the disciples are the branches. He warned that the Father would remove branches that did not bear fruit, but the branches connected to the true vine would be pruned. Another word for pruning is cleaning. The Lord said that His word cleaned the disciples, which also means that the Father uses the words of Christ to prune the genuine disciples.

1. Prayer

   Abiding in Christ also means abiding in His word. The blessing of abiding is answered prayers. However, it is essential to note that the person who abides by His word will pray according to His word, not according to self-centered or selfrighteous deceit.

   
   7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7).

   The Father prunes all disciples and shapes their intents and desires. He would then grant what is according to His word. The same author confirmed this in another writing (1 John 5:14).

   14 And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us (1 John 5:14).

   Application: Let us cultivate the habit of reading and learning the Scriptures and praying according to His will. Our desires and intents align with His will as we continue to abide in Him through His word and prayer. Above all, we must pray that we bear much fruit.

   
   

2. The Father Glorified

   The Lord stated that the Father is glorified if the disciples bear much fruit. Moreover, bearing fruit is proof of discipleship. But what is the fruit? It is the fruit of love, obedience, and joy in Christ. In this, the Father is glorified.

   
   8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (John 15:8).

   In an earlier statement, the Lord Jesus explained that those who abide in His words are His disciples, and the result is knowing the truth, which will set them free (John 8:31-32). John’s account remains consistent. Still, in this context of John 15, the writer adds that the Father is glorified.

   31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32).

   Application: By His grace, let us glorify the Father by bearing much fruit, which proves that we are His disciples. Remember the Lord’s statement that those who abide in His word are indeed His disciples. Thus, let us continue to abide in His word.
   

3. Love and Joy

   The Lord Jesus highlighted the Father’s love and His love for the Father. Then, He instructs the disciples to remain in His love. How? By keeping His commandments. Included in His commandments is loving one another and serving one another.

   
   9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full (John 15:9-11)

   Application: Let us abide in Christ and His word and expect its blessings. These blessings include immersion in God’s love and joy. Let us have the mindset that His word is our source of life and spiritual nourishment, which leads us to bear much fruit.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Explain the connection between answered prayers and abiding in His word.

2. How is the Father glorified, and what is the proof of discipleship?

3. How can a disciple remain in God’s love? Explain.