Bible Study September 27, 2023
John 15:1 – 4 (ESV)
15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
We have two lilac bushes and two burning bushes in our backyard. To say these bushes have overgrown is an understatement. We will be pruning when the right time comes. One provides some privacy but it has grown out through the fence. By pruning them they will flourish once again.
Jesus said it very well in the above verses. But we must allow Him to prune us. Like the bushes in our yard if cutting back and cutting out improves the bush in the long run Jesus’ pruning us will improve us in the long run. Sometimes it can be painful but worth the cost.
He prunes us to make us more effective in our ministry setting. If it were not for His pruning us we would wither away and be fruitless.
Pruning is necessary in order for us to mature and bear fruit. Do not resist the cutting away of the stuff in your life. Painful maybe, painful yes but look at the good we could do when we are moving in the path that He has set before us.
What do I need to be pruned of so I can stay healthy?
God Bless
Asbury Chapel 