Book of John - Sunday Morning Class

Lesson 14 of 15 September 23, 2018

In the Sunday morning class, Art Clark guided the congregation through John 15, the final chapter of the Gospel of John that the group was studying. He reviewed the seven “I am” statements of Jesus—bread of life, light of the world, good shepherd, resurrection and the life, the way, truth and the life, and the true vine—showing how each declaration underlined Jesus’ Messianic role. The focus then shifted to the metaphor of the vine and branches, explaining that believers must "abide" in Christ to bear spiritual fruit, as highlighted in verses 4‑10, 7, and 9. Clark emphasized that abiding is not merely a mystical experience but a practical, grace‑enabled obedience to Christ’s word, linking it to the transformation of mind, will, and affection. He connected this teaching with previous lessons on love (John 13) and future themes of unity (John 17), and he drew parallels to Colossians 3:16. The class concluded with a call to love one another as Christ loved us, to embrace the new identity of friends rather than slaves, and to live out discipleship through fruit‑bearing obedience.

John 15:1

I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine dresser.

John 15:5

I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in me, and I in him, he bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.

John 15:4-10