Group Discussion Guide
I am..., Part 7
GETTING STARTED
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Begin your time together by catching up with one another. Take a few moments to share how you have seen God at work in your lives, your families, or your group: “How have you seen God in your life since we last met?”
Scripture References from Message: John 15:1-17
Big Idea: Fruitfulness isn’t about what we do for Jesus, but what Jesus produces in us.
Big Idea: Fruitfulness isn’t about what we do for Jesus, but what Jesus produces in us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
Use these questions to talk through the message together.
- Jesus describes Himself (first) as the “true vine,” referencing the connection Israel being the vine that God planted but was corrupted (Isaiah 5:1-7). Jesus is declaring that He is the fulfillment of what God’s people were always intended to be. Why would this declaration have been significant to a first-century Jewish follower of Jesus? What significance does this have for us as twenty-first century Christians?
- Jesus describes us (His followers) as the branches, meaning that dependence on the vine is imperative. Why do you think we so often attempt to grow spiritually through our own strength rather than depending on Jesus?
- Jesus repeatedly calls His disciples to “remain” or “abide” in Him. What is the difference between simply believing in Jesus and actively abiding in Him?
- What does genuine dependence on Christ look like in our everyday lives, and how can we recognize when we're relying on our own efforts rather than abiding in Him?
GOING DEEPER
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
For groups who want to dig further into the scripture or topic.
- Jesus connects abiding in His love with obeying His commands, particularly the command to love one another (John 15:9–12). Why is obedience an expression of love rather than simply a religious obligation? How does the way we love others reveal the depth of our relationship with Jesus?
- In John 15:16, Jesus tells His disciples that He chose and appointed them to bear fruit that will last. What do you think lasting spiritual fruit looks like? If someone examined the fruit of your life today, what would they learn about your relationship with Jesus?
WEEKLY CHALLENGE
This week, intentionally create space each day to abide in Christ. Spend time reading His Word, praying, and asking God to reveal areas where He is pruning or producing fruit in your life. Then, identify one specific way you can demonstrate the love of Jesus to someone around you. Remember, the goal isn't to work harder to produce fruit, but to remain connected to the One who produces it. Spend time reading John 14:1–6 each day. In prayer, surrender that area to God and ask Him to help you trust not merely in knowing what comes next, but in knowing the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.
This week, intentionally create space each day to abide in Christ. Spend time reading His Word, praying, and asking God to reveal areas where He is pruning or producing fruit in your life. Then, identify one specific way you can demonstrate the love of Jesus to someone around you. Remember, the goal isn't to work harder to produce fruit, but to remain connected to the One who produces it. Spend time reading John 14:1–6 each day. In prayer, surrender that area to God and ask Him to help you trust not merely in knowing what comes next, but in knowing the One who is the way, the truth, and the life.