John 15 Part 2 - Study and Reflection

 

This study was done at Word Of Grace Church in groups on July 6thh 2025. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here.

JOHN 15 Sunday Study Part 2

John 15:3-8

INTRODUCTION

 Traditionally, the Gospel of John is attributed to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and part of His inner circle alongside Peter and James, John had a front-row seat to Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—in both content and style. Here's a breakdown of how it differs, as well as its historical and cultural context and the original language in which it was written.

Before we dive into Jon 15, let us look at the significance of the use of the word Logos/Word.

It is interesting to note that John does not start by mentioning Jesus’ name. He calls Him the Word, which the Jews associate with Gen 1:1. John makes it clear that he is not talking about the beginning of creation, but rather about a time before anything came into existence, when there was the Word.

The Significance of Logos in John 1:1

John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Introduction

The Gospel of John begins not with a narrative but with a profound theological declaration: “In the beginning was the Word (Logos), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

John’s use of the term Logos bridges two worlds—Greek philosophy and Jewish theology, both of which carried deep significance for his audience. Understanding what Logos meant to these audiences reveals the richness of John’s opening statement.

 What Logos Meant to the Greeks

- Logos Reason, Logic, Universal Order
- Thought to be the rational principle that governed the cosmos
- Seen as an impersonal force or bridge between the divine and the material.

Therefore, in this opening John said to both Jews and Greeks: “For centuries you’ve been talking, thinking, and writing about the Word (the logos). Now I will tell you who He is.” John met both Jews and Greeks where they were and explained Jesus in terms they already understood. – David Guzik ( commentary on John)

 “John was using a term which, with various shades of meaning, was in common use everywhere. He could reckon on all men catching his essential meaning.” (Morris)

John’s Radical Claim:

V4. In Him was life. So, Jesus is not only the source of biological life but also the very principle of life.
This Logos is not a force—it’s a Person. He is God, eternal, and has now taken on flesh in Jesus (John 1:14). From the Greek perspective, they thought of God as too lofty, i.e., gods like Hercules, who were superhuman but men all the same. John is saying this ‘divine reason’ became flesh.

For the Jew, they think of God as too high, so a great God of the Old Testament becoming Flesh was hard to swallow.

What Logos Meant to the Jews

- Hebrew equivalent: Dabar = word, action, or matter
- God created the world by His Word (Psalm 33:6)
- God revealed His will through His Word to prophets
- Targums used Memra (Word) as a way of speaking about God's presence and power

John’s Bold Assertion:
Jesus is the very Word of God—His creative, powerful, self-revealing expression in the world.

   

  Reflection Questions

1. Why do you think John starts his Gospel with the concept of Logos?
2. How does this portrayal of Jesus as Logos shape your understanding of His divinity?
3. What does it mean that the Logos "became flesh" and lived among us (John 1:14)?
4. How does Jesus embody both God’s wisdom and power in your life today?

 Application

- Reflect on Jesus as God’s Word to you today.
- Read John 1:1 18 slowly and prayerfully.
- Ask: Where do I need to let the Logos—God’s living Word—speak into my life?

 

 JOHN 15: 2-8 Bible Study

Reflective Questions

1.   In verse 3, Jesus says we are 'already clean' because of His word.
   - How do you understand being spiritually 'clean'?

2.  Do you understand the distinction between pruning ( katharie)  and being clean (katharoi)?

3.   'Remain in me, as I also remain in you' (v.4).
   - What does it look like for you to remain (or abide) in Jesus daily?
   - Are there specific practices or moments where you feel especially connected to Him?

4.   'Apart from me, you can do nothing' (v.5).
   - Have you experienced moments of striving without abiding?

5.  What is the ‘nothing’ that Jesus is referring to?

6.   Jesus uses the image of branches withering and being burned (v.6).
   - What warning or invitation do you hear in this verse?
   -What things in your life pose danger to you, withering?

7.   'If my words remain in you…' (v.7)
   - What does it mean for His Word to 'remain' in you?

8.   Bearing much fruit brings glory to the Father (v.8).
   - What kind of fruit is growing in your life right now (e.g., love, peace, patience—Galatians 5:22-23)?
   All of us are bearing fruit- What kind of fruit are you bearing, ones that glorify God or..?

Application Questions

1.  1. What role has God’s Word played in cleansing or shaping your heart recently?

2.   Where in your life right now do you sense God inviting you to deeper abiding?
   - Is it in prayer, Scripture, surrender, trust, or obedience?

3.   Is there any 'fruitlessness' in your life that may be a result of disconnecting from the Vine? - What needs to be realigned or surrendered?

4.   What practical rhythms can you build to help you remain in Christ and His Word?
   - (Examples: daily quiet time, Scripture memory, journaling, listening prayer)

5.   Think about a situation where you’ve tried to do something 'apart from Jesus.'
   - What was the result, and what did you learn about abiding?

6.   How can your life this week actively bring glory to the Father through bearing fruit?
   - Is there a relationship, task, or opportunity where you can show evidence of abiding?

7.  Can you see God’s Grace in this passage?

 

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

John 15 - Part 1 Study and Reflection

 

This study was done at Word Of Grace Church in groups on June 29th 2025. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

JOHN 15 SUNDAY MORNING STUDY - 

Part 1

Who Is the Author of the Gospel of John?

 Traditionally, the Gospel of John is attributed to John the Apostle, the son of Zebedee and brother of James. As one of Jesus’ twelve disciples and part of His inner circle alongside Peter and James, John had a front-row seat to Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of John is distinct from the Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—in both content and style. Here's a breakdown of how it differs, as well as its historical and cultural context and the original language in which it was written. 

How is the Gospel of John Different?

1. Structure and Content

·        No Parables: John does not contain parables like the Synoptic Gospels. Instead, it features long discourses and symbolic language (e.g., “I am the Bread of Life”).

·        Fewer Miracles, Called “Signs”: John focuses on seven signs that point to Jesus' divine identity, rather than a wide variety of miracles.

·        Focus on Jesus’ Identity: John emphasises Jesus as the eternal Word (Logos) and the Son of God. It’s more theological and less narrative-driven. 

 Historical and Cultural Context

1. Date and Location

·        Likely written around AD 90–100, later than the Synoptic Gospels.

·        Traditionally attributed to John the Apostle.

·        Possibly written in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey).

2. Audience

·        Aimed at a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles, possibly Jewish Christians who had been expelled from synagogues (see John 9:22). 

3. Cultural Setting

·        Written in a Greco-Roman world influenced by Hellenistic philosophy, especially Logos theology (the idea of the “Word” as divine reason or principle).

·        Reflects tension between early Christians and Jewish authorities, visible in phrases like “the Jews” (which needs careful contextual reading—it often refers to specific opponents, not all Jewish people). 

 Original Language

·        The Gospel of John was originally written in Koine Greek, the common dialect of the Eastern Mediterranean in the first century.

·        Although written in Greek, John uses Semitic thought patterns, indicating the writer’s Jewish background.

·        The use of the term "Logos" (Word) in John 1:1 is a profound bridge between Jewish theology (God speaks the world into being) and Greek philosophy (Logos as the rational principle of the universe). 

John’s Gospel is designed not just to tell the story of Jesus, but to invite faith in Him as the Son of God who gives eternal life (John 20:31). 

What Makes John's Gospel So Special? 

John’s Gospel diverges from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) in both content and style. Here’s what makes it stand out: 

1. Symbolic and Poetic Language

- Rich in metaphor: light vs. darkness, bread of life, living water, vine and branches.

- Simple Greek yet layered with profound spiritual meaning.

- Frequent use of repetition and contrast to drive home key themes. 

 2. Deep Theological Emphasis

- Often called the “spiritual Gospel.”

- Presents Jesus as the Logos (Word) made flesh (John 1:1, 14), the Son of God, and one with the Father.

- Clear purpose: “That you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31). 

3. Selective and Interpretive Storytelling

- Includes unique episodes: the raising of Lazarus, Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus, and the foot washing at the Last Supper.

- Omits familiar elements like parables and casting out demons.

- Structured around seven signs and seven “I AM” statements, each revealing aspects of Jesus’ identity. 

4. Use of Dualism

- Sharp contrasts: life vs. death, light vs. darkness, truth vs. falsehood, belief vs. unbelief.

- These dualities highlight the decisive choice each person must make about Jesus. 

5. Eyewitness Testimony

- The Gospel reads like a personal account from someone who walked closely with Jesus.

- Emphasises firsthand experience: 'We have seen His glory' (John 1:14); 'The one who saw it has testified' (John 19:35). 

Ways John Uses the Number 7

John masterfully uses the number 7 throughout his Gospel to convey completeness, divine perfection, and the fullness of Jesus’ identity and mission. In Jewish thought, the number 7 often symbolizes wholeness—rooted in the 7 days of creation (Genesis 1–2). John, steeped in this worldview, weaves this symbolism deeply into his Gospel to reveal Jesus as the new creation and the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan. 

1. 7 Signs (Miracles)

These are selected acts of power that reveal Jesus' identity and lead to faith (John 20:30–31).

1.  Water into Wine

2.  Healing the Official’s Son

3.  Healing the Lame Man

4.  Feeding the 5,000

5.  Walking on Water

6.  Healing the Blind Man

7.  Raising Lazarus

 Culminates in resurrection power and points toward the eighth sign—Jesus' own resurrection, ushering in a new creation week. 

2. 7 "I Am" Statements

Jesus declares His divine identity with 7 metaphoric “I AM” statements (echoing God's name in Exodus 3:14).

Statement	Reference
1. I am the Bread of Life	John 6:35
2. I am the Light of the World	John 8:12
3. I am the Door	John 10:9
4. I am the Good Shepherd	John 10:11
5. I am the Resurrection and the Life	John 11:25
6. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life	John 14:6
7. I am the True Vine	John 15:1

 These reveal how Jesus meets every human need—sustenance, guidance, protection, resurrection, truth, and abiding life. 

3. 7 Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity

John includes 7 key individuals (or groups) who testify to who Jesus is:

1.  John the Baptist – “Behold, the Lamb of God” (John 1:29)

2.  Nathanael – “You are the Son of God” (John 1:49)

3.  Peter – “You are the Holy One of God” (John 6:69)

4.  Martha – “You are the Christ, the Son of God” (John 11:27)

5.  Thomas – “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)

6.  Jesus Himself – “I who speak to you am He” (John 4:26)

7.  The Writer (John) – “These are written so that you may believe...” (John 20:31)

 These testimonies build a cumulative legal and theological case for belief. 

4. 7 Titles for Jesus in Chapter 1

In just the first chapter, John layers 7 titles for Jesus, creating a composite identity:

1.  The Word

2.  The Lamb of God

3.  Rabbi

4.  Messiah

5.  Son of God

6.  King of Israel

7.  Son of Man

Each title connects to Old Testament hopes and messianic expectations, fulfilled in Christ. 

5. 7 Feasts or Festivals Referenced

John structures much of Jesus’ ministry around Jewish feasts—all of which find their true meaning in Him:

1.  Sabbath (John 5)

2.  Passover (John 2, 6, 13)

3.  Feast of Unleavened Bread

4.  Feast of Tabernacles (John 7)

5.  Feast of Dedication (Hanukkah, John 10)

6.  Another Sabbath healing (John 9)

7.  Final Passover → Crucifixion and Resurrection (John 18–20)

Jesus fulfills and reinterprets these symbols as the true center of worship. 

Here are Bible study discussion questions based on John 15:1–3 (NIV):

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.” 

Bible Study Discussion Questions

Understanding the Passage

1.  What does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the true vine”?

o   How does this metaphor connect to Israel in the Old Testament?

2.  Who is the gardener, and what is His role in this passage?

o   What does this reveal about God's active involvement in our spiritual growth?

3.  What is the difference between “cutting off” and “pruning” as used in verse 2?

o   How can pruning be both painful and necessary?

4.  In verse 3, Jesus says the disciples are already clean because of the word He has spoken. What does that imply about the power of His word? 

Personal Reflection

5.  Can you identify areas in your life where God might be “pruning” you right now?

o   What fruit might He be cultivating through it?

6.  Have there been times when you felt “cut off” from God? Looking back, do you think it was pruning or something else?

7.  How do you respond when God begins to prune areas of comfort, success, or control in your life? 

Application

8.  What practical steps can we take to remain connected to the “true vine”?

9.  What are some examples of “fruit” that God desires to see in our lives?

o   How can we discern what kind of fruit we are bearing?

10.              How can the Word of God continue to “clean” us today?

• In what ways do you allow Scripture to shape your thoughts, habits, and relationships?

  Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org. 

Unless the Lord Builds the House

 

 This message was preached at Word Of Grace Church on June 22nd 2025 by Donald. For the audio & video please click here.  For the worship please click here. 

Unless the Lord Builds the House

Why Dedication to God Changes Everything

In a world that runs on ambition, deadlines, and self-made success, the ancient wisdom of Psalm 127 reminds us of a deeper truth: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labour in vain.”

This verse, shared during a recent Sunday sermon, reveals a profound and often overlooked principle — true significance is found not in what we build, but in who builds with us. Whether it's our careers, families, dreams, or homes, when God isn’t at the foundation, all our striving is ultimately empty.

Dedication Is More Than a Ceremony

We often associate “dedication” with a one-time event — a child’s dedication, a wedding, or a church service. But real dedication is daily. It’s choosing to say, “God, take my time, my resources, my talents — all of it is Yours.”

That dedication ripples through generations. It’s not just about the present moment, but about planting seeds for a legacy built on God’s truth.

The Illusion of Control

Modern life tempts us to believe that we’re the masters of our fate. We are encouraged to optimize, hustle, and “build our brand.” But as the speaker pointed out, “The lives we create for ourselves may keep others out,” boxing us into small, self-centred worlds.

Yet storms will come. And when they do, no amount of wealth, skill, or strategic planning will sustain us unless we’ve built on the unshakable foundation of God.

When God Builds, There’s Rest

Psalm 127 also speaks of God giving His beloved sleep. Not just physical rest, but peace of heart — a gift in a world full of anxious toil.

Rather than chasing vanity or success for its own sake, we’re invited to hand our ambitions to God. Like the boy who gave his five loaves and two fish, what we offer may seem small, but in God’s hands, it multiplies beyond our imagination.

A Call to Rethink What Matters

Is our life centred around God, or have we subtly adopted the world’s “me-first” ideology? Are we pursuing success in things that, in the end, don’t matter?

William Carey once said, “I’m not afraid of failure. I’m afraid of succeeding at things that don’t matter.” That’s the invitation: to shift our focus from vanity to purpose, from self-building to God-building.

So today, pause. Reflect. Ask yourself — who’s building your house?

In a world rushing toward success, wealth, and recognition, there is a quiet yet powerful truth that echoes from the words of Psalm 127: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labour in vain.”

This message was at the heart of a recent sermon — one that not only challenged the ideals of modern life but called us back to a life of eternal significance, centred on God, relationships, and legacy.

Don’t Just Build — Let God Build

We all build something: careers, homes, reputations, and dreams. But the speaker reminded us that unless God is at the centre of it, all our labour ends up in anxious striving. True rest comes not from what we accomplish, but from knowing that God is in control.

“Rest is a weapon,” he said. “The enemy hates it because he wants you stressed and occupied.”

When we trust God, we gain more than peace — we gain purpose. Even in chaos, we don’t have to act out of control, because our anchor is secure.

From Vanity to Value

In the age of likes, hustle, and superficial wins, the question we must ask is: What truly matters?

• Are we giving our best hours to work while our children receive our leftovers?
• Are we present with those we love, or simply performing life beside them?
• Are we building for ourselves, or leaving behind something worth inheriting?

True wealth isn’t in assets — it’s in relationships, in time invested, and in a life marked by faithfulness.

Children: Not Just Our Future, But God’s Gift

Psalm 127 describes children as “a heritage from the Lord… like arrows in the hands of a warrior.” They are not interruptions to our legacy — they are our legacy.

“Every child has the potential to inherit the kingdom of heaven… and it’s our responsibility to prepare them for it.”

Too often we treat children as background noise, burdens to manage, or projects to fix. Instead, the speaker challenged us to see every child as a carrier of God’s vision — one who must be shaped with love, not just correction.

• Do you notice the children in your life?
• Are you building a legacy they can build upon?
• Are you training them in the way of the Lord — not just with your words, but with your life?

Because in the end, children learn more from what we are than what we say.

Legacy Isn’t Luxury — It’s Discipleship

We spend our lives trying to leave behind fortunes and fame. But let us always remember this:

“The world leaves behind materialistic and atheistic ideologies. But God calls us to leave behind moral and spiritual foundations.”

What are we really passing on? Wealth that fades, or a faith that lasts. Are we raising kids who know how to calculate price — or value?

Let’s teach them what matters:

• How to walk with integrity.
• How to love deeply.
• How to seek God above all else.

Final Reflection: A Life Dedicated to God

It is not just about children or parenting — it is about living a dedicated life. A life where every relationship, every choice, and every dream are laid at God’s feet.

“Life is not all about children. But it is all about living for God.”

And in doing that, we will leave behind more than memories. We will leave behind a legacy of faith — one that shapes generations.

Are you building a house God can dwell in? Or one built in vain?

As we return to our daily routines, let us pause and pray:
“Lord, build my life. Help me invest in what matters. Let my legacy be shaped by Your hands, not mine.”

 Word of Grace is an Evangelical (Born Again),  Spirit-filled (Charismatic), Reformed, English-speaking church in Pune that upholds the Bible as God's inspired Word for life. We are a church community that has people from every part of India and parts of the world. We are here to put the Great Command and the Great Commission into practice by equipping and releasing every member into works of service.  Word of Grace is part of a wider international family of Churches called RegionsBeyond.To know more about us please log onto www.wordofgracechurch.org.