Characteristics of a Disciple

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Text: John 15:8-14
Title:Characteristics of a Disciple
Pastor Tommy Burrus
First Thonotosassa MBC

Introduction: Have you seen the recent Verizon commercials? The person who has Verizon is traveling with the Verizon network. The idea is that there are a team of professionals and techs always standing by to support us and assure that our network is functioning and reliable. If we have Verizon, we are never left alone, but always have everything we need so that we can do what we need to do. I have to say that as a Verizon customer, I think it works better in theory than practice. On the other hand, if we have Jesus, we always have support. We are never, ever left alone, but we have all that we need to be able to do what we should be doing.
Throughout this chapter and the previous chapter, Jesus is gathered in the Upper Room with His disciples. In Chapter 15, He begins to use an analogy of Him as the Vine and us as the branches. He supports and upholds us so that we can function properly as His disciples. During this exchange, He shares three characteristics of a disciple. It is those three characteristics of disciples that we want to notice tonight.

I.FRUITFULNESS of Christ’s Disciples-
That’s Fruitfulness not fruitiness. Disciples of Jesus Christ will bear fruit
Taking up the illustration Jesus has been using, we are extensions of Him and His life
He is the Vine that gives life and support and vitality to the branches.
The branches don’t support the Vine, but the Vine the branches
The source of the Life is in Him, is Him: He is the Way, the Truth and the Life
When we are connected to Christ and His life flows through us, it is only natural that the Christ Life in us will accomplish something for His kingdom.
The Vine has the responsibility to produce the fruit; the branches only responsibility is to stay connected to the Vine.
We hustle around trying to do something to win God’s favor and please Him
We want to satisfy Him with our works and our ability, but that isn’t what He wants
If we will abandon human effort, Jesus will lead us by His Spirit to do the work He has called us to do. That will please and glorify God.
When we stay connected, our actions will Glorify the Father. Jesus always glorified God.
In John 8:29, Jesus said, "And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him."
We have to ask ourselves, “What is a disciple?” It is an applied student of Jesus
A follower who implements the teachings and Life of Jesus and is in step with Him
A disciple walks in the same way with Him and follows His lead.
Paul was so convinced of this that he wrote under the guidance of the Holy Spirit in Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Let me ask you, who began the work and who will perform it? HE- Jesus

II. FAITHFULNESS of Christ’s Disciples-
9 We are to remain in Jesus’ love. In fact, this entire chapter is about remaining, abiding, continuing.
The Greek word is the same in every instance and appears no less than 12 times in this chapter alone! Do you think Jesus is trying to make a point?
We have a responsibility as Christ’s applied students, His disciples to faithfully stay with Him.
Jesus loves us the same way that God loves Him.... next page »