I Am Tired
I. The Source of Fruitfulness (John 15:1–3)
1 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.
2 “Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.
3 “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Hebrews 12:11 KJV
II. The Secret of Connection (John 15:4–5)
4 “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.
6 So then, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in him, 7 being rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and overflowing with gratitude.
Colossians 2:6-7 CSB
III. The Purpose of Abiding (John 15:6–8)
6 “If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
7 “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you.
8 “My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.
16 “You’ll recognize them by their fruit. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes or figs from thistles? … 20 “So you’ll recognize them by their fruit.
Matthew 7:16, 20 CSB
Community Life Group Questions
1. What does it look like in practical daily life when you are trying to “glue fruit to yourself” instead of letting it flow from Christ?
2. How can we tell the difference between divine pruning (designed for more fruit) and personal burnout (caused by our own striving)?
3. What practical routines or habits help you structure your daily life around constant communion with Christ rather than performance?
4. What specific area of your life or ministry do you need to surrender your “white-knuckling” efforts in exchange for resting in the Vine this week?
How can we pray for you?