Study Guide
I AM, Part 6 / The Vine /John 15:1-8
Lasting personal change and spiritual growth come from staying deeply connected to Jesus, the “true vine.” As God lovingly prunes harmful patterns and shapes our thoughts, we are called to actively examine the “fruit” of our lives—our behaviors, words, and attitudes—and allow His Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Through consistent spiritual practices and reliance on God as the source of life, believers can experience real change, becoming healthier, more Christlike, and fruitful in their relationships.
Newbreak’s Sermon Study Guide is an in-house resource that serves sermon-based Life Groups and/or individuals who want to reflect further on how the message contributes to their spiritual formation.
Icebreakers
- If your phone gallery suddenly became a museum exhibit, what would people see way too many photos of?
- What’s something small that consistently makes your week better?
Read John 15:1-11
Discuss It
In John 15:2, Jesus tells us that the Father cuts off every branch that does not bear fruit and prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they can produce even more fruit. A skilled vinedresser prunes or cuts back branches so that other branches can grow in and bring more health to the vine. In our relationship with God, He prunes us so that more branches can grow. What are some ways that God is currently pruning your life? What is our role in the pruning process?
Additional Thought
This metaphor of Jesus being the true vine connects to the Old Testament image of Israel being God’s vineyard (Isa 5:1-7). Instead of producing sweet grapes filled with spiritual life, Israel yielded bitter and wild grapes (Isa 5:2,4,7). Although Israel had seasons of obedience, they constantly failed in keeping their end of the covenant relationship with God. By Jesus calling Himself the true vine (John 15:1), He is saying that He is the authentic, real vine. Where everyone else in Israel failed in their obedience to God, Jesus will succeed.
Additional Scripture
Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Additional Question
According to Hebrews 12:2, we are called to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. In light of Hebrews 12:2, how have you seen Him be the pioneer and perfector of your faith?
In John 15:5, Jesus says that apart from Him we can do nothing but then in verse 8, Jesus says that God is glorified when we produce much fruit and thereby prove to be His disciples. This concept can feel confusing because a phrase like “do nothing” seems opposite to a phrase like “produce much.” How would you explain how these two things are related and aren’t contradictory?
Additional Thought
In this “I Am” statement, Jesus doesn't just talk about fruitfulness, He also talks about what happens when a branch stops abiding. It doesn’t become “neutral,” it withers away, because its life requires the vine to survive. Spiritual dryness in our lives is never about God stepping back from us but us detaching from the source of life without realizing it.
Additional Scripture
Jeremiah 2:13 (NLT) For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me, the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!
Additional Question
What are some subtle ways we can “abandon” God and begin looking to ourselves to find life, peace, and identity?
Jesus makes it clear in verses 9-10 that His love is not something we earn by being obedient. Instead, obedience is our response when we experience His love. How do these verses change the way you think about obedience and God’s love?
Additional Thought
At the end of our reading, Jesus connects abiding, obedience, and love to experiencing complete JOY. He does not say that this joy is circumstantial but is directly tied to remaining in Him. In hard seasons or when God calls us into places that feel uncomfortable or stretching, this truth becomes especially important. If joy is ultimately found in His presence and not in ease, comfort, or outcomes, then our obedience isn’t based on life’s circumstances. When we stay close to Him, in even when the path is difficult, we find complete joy.
Additional Scripture
Read Psalm 16:11 (CSB)
Additional Question
What do you think Jesus means when He says that our joy is made “complete” in Him? How can this change our response to God in times of hardship?
Apply It
John 15:1 (NLT)
In today’s discussion, we’ve seen that Jesus is the true vine, that remaining connected to His life enables us to bear much fruit, and that true joy is found in abiding in Him rather than in our circumstances. What are ways you can remain connected to Jesus throughout this week?
Pray
How can we be praying for you this week?
About the Current Sermon Series
What if the God you’ve heard about is more personal, more present, and more powerful than you’ve experienced? In this 6-week series, we’ll explore the “I AM” statements found throughout Scripture—words God uses to reveal His character, His heart, and His invitation into relationship.
These statements aren’t just descriptions—they’re declarations of who God is for us. He is not distant or abstract. He is near, knowable, and actively at work in our lives.
Each week, we’ll uncover a different aspect of His identity: the Bread that satisfies, the Light that reveals, the Shepherd who leads, the Resurrection who brings life, the Way who guides, and the Vine who sustains. Along the way, we’ll wrestle with what it means to move beyond knowing about God to truly knowing Him—personally, deeply, and authentically.
This series is an invitation to trade shallow familiarity for real intimacy… to encounter the living God, not as a concept, but as a Person.