1. Why did Christ use the illustration of "the Vine and the branches"? He was trying to show the importance of relationship between Himself and those who follow Him. As the branches can do nothing without the life-giving vine, so the Christian can do nothing without Christ.
2. What does the phrase "he taketh away" mean (v. 2)? This expression comes from a Greek word which means to raise up, elevate, or lift up. When a branch does not bear fruit, Jesus will encourage and lift up that branch and try to do what He can to produce fruit from it.
3. What does the word "prune" mean? Prune is translated purged in the Bible, and it means to cleanse of filth and impurity. This expression is a gardening term, and it pictures the vine dresser pruning the branches, or cutting them back, so that they can produce even more. Jesus will clean up our life so that we can better serve Him.
4. What is the difference between union and communion? Union pictures regeneration when the lost sinner comes to and is united with Christ. Communion pictures our daily walk with Him as we strive to serve Him with our lives.
5. What does the phrase "he is cast forth as a branch and is withered" mean (v. 6)? This expression could mean losing one's salvation, not really being saved in the first place, losing eternal rewards, or premature death. Dr. Towns believes the words warn of premature death for the Christian who will not abide in and walk with the Lord.
6. List the progress of fruit bearing. The progression begins with no fruit, then fruit, then more fruit, and finally much fruit.
7. What is the abiding life? The abiding life is a life of love and service. It involves having the fruit of the Holy Spirit, the fruit unto holiness, the fruit of righteousness, the fruit of the lips, the fruit of our hands, the fruit of the righteous, and the fruit of the womb.
8. Why will the disciples be persecuted? Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated and persecuted because the world hates Him and God's people. He told them to remember that the world hated Him first, that the hatred and persecution are signs to them that they are not of this world, that they are sharing their Master's lot, and that their sufferings would be for His sake.
9. What should a Christian remember in persecution? As was just said, Jesus told His disciples to remember that the world hated Him first, that the hatred and persecution are signs to them that they are not of this world, that they are sharing their Master's lot, and that their sufferings would be for His sake.
10. What does the phrase "eternal procession" mean? Jesus told His disciples that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, would come as soon as He was gone. Eternal procession pictures the relationship between the three Persons of the Trinity. The Father sends the Holy Spirit in the name of the Son so that He may undertake His new ministry.
Tom of Spotswood"He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life." (I John 5:12)
"And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
Index to Selected Essays And Book Reviews
Lesson 18 - Christ - The Preeminent One
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