Brief Summary
Derek Prince discusses the parable of Jesus in John 15, focusing on the vine, the branches, and the importance of bearing fruit. He explains that Jesus is the vine, the Holy Spirit is the life-giving sap, God the Father is the gardener, and true disciples are the branches. The key to bearing fruit, which comes in the form of character and new believers, is abiding in Jesus. This involves holding fast to Jesus' words and obeying His commands, emphasising relationship over religious activity.
- Jesus is the vine, the Holy Spirit is the sap, God is the gardener, and believers are the branches.
- Bearing fruit (character and new believers) is God's objective.
- Abiding in Jesus is the essential condition for bearing fruit.
- Holding fast to Jesus' words and obeying His commands are how we abide in Him.
The Vine, the Branches, and the Purpose of Fruit
Derek Prince interprets the parable of Jesus in John 15, explaining that Jesus represents the vine, the Holy Spirit is the sap flowing through the vine, God the Father is the owner and cultivator, and true disciples are the branches. God's primary objective is for the vine to produce fruit, which Jesus describes in three stages: fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. This progression applies to the life of every believer, with the alternative being bearing no fruit, which leads to being discarded and burned.
Two Types of Spiritual Fruit
Fruit comes in two main forms: the fruit of character, known as the fruit of the Spirit, and the fruit of other believers brought to the Lord through our lives. God has ordained that every tree bears seed in its fruit, symbolising that new life and potential (new believers) come from the fruit of our lives. Proverbs states that the fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and those who win souls are wise, highlighting the importance of bringing others to Christ through the fruit we bear.
The Essential Condition: Abiding in Jesus
The essential condition for producing fruit is to remain or abide in Jesus. John 15:5 states that if a person remains in Jesus, they will bear much fruit, but apart from Him, they can do nothing. The focus should be on a personal relationship with Jesus, as He guarantees fruitfulness if we abide in Him. Fruitfulness comes from abiding in Jesus, not from excessive effort or religious activity, emphasising the importance of relationship over doctrine or theology.
Relationship Over Religion: Life Flows Through Christ
Spiritual or eternal life is found only in Jesus, and this is a matter of relationship. 1 John 5:10-12 states that those who believe in the Son of God have this testimony in their heart, while those who do not believe make God out to be a liar. God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. Those who have the Son have life, and those who do not have the Son of God do not have life, presenting two distinct alternatives.
How to Abide: Holding Fast to Jesus’ Words
To abide in Jesus, there are two requirements. The first is to hold fast to the words of Jesus. John 15:7 states that if you remain in Jesus and His words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you. The test of whether we love Jesus is that we keep His word. If we keep His word, God the Father will love us, and God the Father and God the Son will come and make their abode with us.
Obedience: The Key to Remaining in Christ
The second requirement for abiding in Jesus is obeying His commands. John 15:10 states that if you keep His commandments, you will abide in His love, just as He has kept His Father's commandments and abides in His love. Keeping His commandments is a condition for abiding in His love.
Lasting Success: Living by God’s Word and Commands
To bring forth fruit, the basic condition is abiding or remaining in Jesus, which is about maintaining the right relationship with Him rather than engaging in religious practices or fleshly efforts. To abide in Him, we must hold fast to His words and obey His commands. Putting God's word at the centre of your life is key to success in practical Christian living. Those who succeed in Christian living are those who truly hold fast to the word of God. Knowing the Bible is important, but it is not sufficient; we must first know it and then obey it.