Victory in the Kingdom

As we seek the Kingdom of God, we must come to see the secret to the victorious Christian life. When you think of the life that Christ has called us to live what comes to mind? Do you think of things that you are supposed to do and things that you are supposed to avoid? Is Christianity simply a list of do’s and don’ts? Do you think of being busy at the church? Has Christianity become your weekend job? Do you think of another religion? Let me free you up this morning—The Christian life is not hard to live—it is impossible! You cannot do it so you can stop trying, but the good news is that Christ can and will do it through you.

You see the Christian life is Christ—it is not just a change in lifestyle; it is not just another set of activities and acts of serve—it is summed up in three words: CHRIST IN YOU. You see, living spiritually requires something more than just not sinning or doing good works—Christianity is Christ. Period. It was never meant to be another religion. It has always been and always will be about a relationship with Jesus. That is what is at the heart of John 15:1-5. Christianity is living in Christ while He lives in you.

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

When you read this passage you will discover a few things—first Jesus is the Vine. He is the source of life. There is no life outside of Jesus. Outside of a relationship with Jesus we are dead. Outside of Jesus there is absolutely no hope of anything resembling life. He is the Vine.

Second, the Father is the gardener. He is the owner. He is in control of all aspects of growth and every single bit of fruit that is produced is for His glory and for His glory alone.

Third, we are the branches. You cannot get around this—we exist for His glory and we have no life apart from Jesus Christ. We are not the source of life, we are not even the fruit—we are the branches. As you read this passage you discover that there are four types of branches.

First there are those who bear no fruit. “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit.”

Second there are those that bear some fruit. “While every branch that does bear fruit he prunes…”

Third, there are branches that bear more fruit. “He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Finally, there are branches that bear much fruit. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Let me ask you a simple question—which branch are you? Are you bearing some fruit, more fruit, much fruit or are you not bearing fruit at all? In the scriptures fruit is synonymous with good works. Paul said, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These are character issues—they are the natural byproduct of the Spirit of God indwelling you—abiding in you. Let me ask you again—are you bearing fruit?