JESUS THE SAVIOR
Christian and Missionary Alliance Churches
of the Philippines
Lesson 11
THE TRUE SOURCE OF LIFE
Aim: That the learners will draw their spiritual nourishment from Jesus
Christ.
Scripture: John 15:1-16
Memory Verse: John 15:7 – If you remain
in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you will, and it will be done unto
you. (NIV)
In Advance
1.
Pray
2.
Memorize John 15:7
3.
Prepare
a.
for ENTRANCE – a newly cut
branch
b.
for SUBSTANCE – write down the
questions for each group on different sheets of paper.
4.
Study john 15:1-16
Background of
the Scripture passage used:
The fifteenth chapter of John is one of
the familiar chapters in the Bible. How
disturbing is the analogy of the vine and branches to one who is not “bearing
fruit”! Yet those who are actually
abiding in Christ know how significant these truths are. The analogy of the vine was very common in
Palestine. This is not surprising since
grape culture has always been a major item in the agriculture of the country.
The vineyards of Palestine are usually
rather small in size, but they are numerous.
Grapes can be grown almost anywhere.
The vines a pruned severely and lie on the
ground or upon the stones in the field. These grapes are among the best-tasting
in the world.
The harvesters sing a song of joy when
they gather and tread out the grapes in the winepress.
CLASS SESSION
ENTRANCE
Object Lesson
and Discussion
1.
show newly cut branch
2.
ASK:
a.
Is this branch alive or dead? Why?
Answer: Looks
alive but dead
b.
What will happen to this after a few days?
Answer: It will
wither.
Transition Sentence: Today we will learn how we
are like this branch.
SUBSTANCE
1.
Divide the class into three
groups
2.
Distribute questions far
each group.
Groups 1 – a) How
does Jesus describe Himself? v.1
Answer: The True
Vine
b) How does Jesus describe the Father? v.1
Answer:
The Gardener
a)
How does Jesus describe Christians? v.5
Answer: The
Branches
b)
What command does Jesus give to His followers? v.4
Answer: To remain in Christ.
Group 2 – a) What is the result if one remains in Christ?
v.2,4
Answer: 1.
fruitfulness
2. pruning – trials that develop strong
Christian faith and character (ex. persecution, difficult responsibilities).
b) What is the meaning of fruit in v. 16?
(cf. Galatians 5:22)
Answer: The fruit may include
the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22.
There is an indication that “fruit” here refers to other people coming
to Christ through our lives. This is
indicated by the verb “go” (v.16) which is the verb for the Great Commission
(Matthew 22:18-120).
Group 3 – a) Describe life of
a person who does not remain in Christ v.5,6
Answer:
He is nothing. He is as worhtless as
withered branches that deserve to be burned.
b) Describe
the life of a person who remains in
Christ v.7
Answer: Christ’s word remains in Him. Whatever he asks from the Lord will be given
to him. He enjoys answered prayer.
General Truth: We must remain in
Christ in order to grow in our spiritual lives.
SIGNIFICANCE
Question and Answer
Questions:
1.
What things or events cause branches to break?
Answer: a.
Things – objects heavier than the branches
-
heavier branches
-
manual blows
-
mechanical blows/objects
b. Events – heavy rains,
storms, typhoons, earthquakes, tornadoes and other natural calamities.
2.
What are some reasons why some Christians find it hard to remain in
Christ? (write their answers on the board)
Answer: a. The word of God no longer guides their lives.
b. They seldom pray.
c. Less fellowship with
believers.
d. Worship is boring.
e. They no longer witness
f.
Disobedience
g. Being engrosed in worldly and material things.
h. etc.
3.
What are some things that make it hard for you to remain in Christ?
SAY: Look at the list on the board and
see which ones are true in your life.
PERFORMANCE
1.
Each learner will turn to a
prayer partner to exchange prayer requests before prayer.
2.
Challenge them to share with
their partners what specific fruit they want to have in their Christian life.
Reminder
“The
essential source of spiritual nourishment for growth is Jesus Christ.”
