I Can't Do It

I want to learn more Scripture, to "hide it in my heart". I hope to learn John 15 (Vine and Branches) verse by verse. Each week I will add another verse, building the thoughts and teachings of this wonderful chapter.

Each Wednesday, I will "recite" what we have learned on my blog post. If you wish to join me in this challenge of learning this chapter verse by verse, you can either email your "recitation" or post it as a comment. (Let me know if you see any mistakes that I miss.)

Memorizing anything takes persistance. Read the verse everyday. Think about it. Write it down. Post it on a card, in a place that you look at often (the frig, bathroom mirror, etc.)Review previous verses often.

(Let me know if you are using something besides the King James Version.)

John 15:1-4
I am the true vine and my Father is the husbandman.
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, He taketh it away; every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you.
Abide in me, and I in you; as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, unless ye abide in me.
(without looking at my Bible)

Self corrections: 2 errors (it- vs.2, unless-vs.4)




NEW VERSE

John 15:5
I am the vine, ye are the branches;
He that abideth in me, and I in him,
the same bringeth forth much fruit,
for without me, ye can do nothing.

Jesus used metaphors in his teachings. People understand plants, especially those of his time. We know that the nurients and water reach the branches through the roots and main stem of the plant. Without them, the branches will wither and die.

What are the fruits he is speaking of?
Galatians 5:22,23 tells us the fruit of the Spirit is...
LOVE - (unconditional giving)
JOY - (inner contentment)
PEACE - (calmness, despite trials)
LONGSUFFERING - (patience)
GOODNESS - (kindness)
GENTLENESS - (tenderness)
FAITH - (trustworthiness)
MEEKNESS - (unselfishness)
TEMPERANCE - (selfcontrol)

It is one fruit with many characteristics. We can't have just some of His traits and not another. When God's Spirit is working, all of the fruit will be evident.

Notice that when we abide in Him, much fruit will be produced...not just a little, here and there. It will be very abundant and obvious to those around. It will not be of our efforts, because we are not doing it; He is. We can't do anything worthwhile of ourselves.

Lord, teach us to abide in You. Let us live so that it is You living through us, showing Your love and joy and peace, so that others see You and not us. Amen.