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John 15:5
Verse
Context
Jesus the True Vine
4Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Without me ye can do nothing - Χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν - Separated from me, ye can do nothing at all. God can do without man, but man cannot do without God. Following the metaphor of our Lord, it would be just as possible to do any good without him, as for a branch to live, thrive, and bring forth fruit, while cut off from that tree from which it not only derives its juices, but its very existence also. Nearly similar to this saying of our Lord, is that of Creeshna (the incarnate God of the Hindoos) to his disciple Arjoon: "God is the gift of charity; God is the offering: God is the fire of the altar; by God the sacrifice is performed; and God is to be obtained by him who maketh God alone the object of his works." And again: "I am the sacrifice; I am the worship; I am the spices; I am the invocation; I am the fire; and I am the victim. I am the Father and Mother of this world, and the Preserver. I am the Holy One, worthy to be known; the mystic figure Om; (see on Joh 1:14 (note)) I am the journey of the good; the Comforter; the Creator; the Witness; the resting-place; the asylum, and the Friend. I am the place of all things; and the inexhaustible seed of nature; I am sunshine, and I am rain; I now draw in, and now let forth." See Bhagvat Geeta, pp. 54 and 80. Could such sentiments as these ever come from any other source than Divine revelation? There is a saying in Theophilus very similar to one of those above: Θεος ου χωρειται, αλλα αυτος εστι τοπος των ὁλων. - God is not comprehended, but he is the place of all things.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
without me--apart, or vitally disconnected from Me. ye can do nothing--spiritually, acceptably.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a man abide not in me,.... Christ does not say, "if ye abide not in me"; he would not suppose this of his true disciples; Judas now being removed, to whom he may have some respect in this verse; though it may be applied to anyone who has made a profession of Christ, and denies the truths of the Gospel, neglects the ordinances of it, or walks unworthy of his profession: of whom the following things may be truly said, he is cast forth as a branch; that is unfruitful, and is therefore taken away from the vine, and cast forth out of the vineyard. This signifies the ejection of worthless and fruitless professors out of the churches; for such who are either unsound in their principles, or are remiss and negligent in their attendance on the worship of God, with the church, or are loose and vain in their lives and conversations, are to be removed from communion with the people of God. And is withered. Some versions, as the Arabic, Syriac, and Persic, read this as an epithet of the word "branch", thus; "the branch that is withered"; expressing the condition the branch is in before it is cast forth out of the vineyard, and the reason of its being cast forth: but others read it as a new and distinct predicate of the branch, showing the case it is in, immediately upon its being cast forth: it may be cut off, and cast out with its leaves upon it, though without fruit; but as soon as ever it is ejected, it withers away. So mere external professors of religion, when they are cast out, of the communion of the church, presently the leaf of profession, which once seemed green, decays, loses its verdure, and that seeming fruit which grew upon them shrinks to nothing, and they become "trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit", Jde 1:12, their show of life, zeal, religion, and holiness, disappears, and all their external gifts, light, knowledge, and understanding, even in a speculative way, vanish: and men gather them; or, as some copies have it, "it", which best agrees with the word "branch". This was a common thing, when branches were thrown out of a vineyard, for men to come and gather them up for an use hereafter mentioned. So when unworthy members are put out of a church of Christ, the men of the world gather them into their society: or they are taken into the congregations of false teachers, who being sensual, and without the Spirit, separate themselves; or it may be read impersonally, "they are gathered", or "it is gathered": so wicked men, and Christless professors, will be gathered by the angels at the last day, and severed by them from the righteous, whom they will place at Christ's left hand to receive their awful doom: and cast them, or "it", into the fire, and they are burned, or "it is burned"; for nothing else is such a branch good for; see Eze 15:2. This may respect either the gnawings of conscience, that distress of mind, if not despair, that fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which attend apostates in this life; or their being cast into the everlasting burnings of hell fire by angels at the last day, as will be the case of every unfruitful tree, of the chaff and tares.
John 15:5
Jesus the True Vine
4Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.6If anyone does not remain in Me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers. Such branches are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Free to Do
By Kathryn Kuhlman12K10:52FreedomPSA 62:1MAT 16:24JHN 15:5ACT 17:28ROM 6:231CO 6:19GAL 2:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and accepting God as the ultimate authority in our lives. He compares the disciplined self to an aviator who must obey the laws of aviation at all times to avoid disaster. The speaker also highlights the need for a deep connection with God, stating that we do not all have our being in Him until we accept His Son as our Savior. He emphasizes that life is restless and disruptive until we submit to something beyond ourselves and obey it supremely. The central message is that self-discipline and surrendering to God's will are necessary for true freedom and abundant life.
Surrender to the Faithful One Brings Abiding Victory
By Kathryn Kuhlman9.6K17:12VictoryJHN 15:5ROM 8:9COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal journey of seeking holiness and a deeper relationship with God. He describes how he believed that holiness could be attained through diligent use of spiritual practices. However, he experienced a breakthrough when he read a letter that emphasized the importance of faith in Christ and the provision of divine grace for victory in every circumstance. The speaker highlights the need for surrender and the value of paying a high price for spiritual growth. He also mentions the slow understanding of believers and suggests that understanding can be gained by examining the experiences of devoted individuals.
If My People
By Curtis Hutson7.6K39:13Revival2CH 7:14PSA 51:17MAT 6:33JHN 15:52TI 3:16HEB 13:8JAS 4:6In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of approaching the platform with confidence and faith. He encourages the congregation to start a fire in their hearts and unite in prayer to bring revival to their church and nation. The preacher emphasizes that God is still powerful and capable of working miracles today. He references 2 Chronicles 7:14, where God promises to hear and heal if His people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways. The preacher challenges the congregation to believe in the power of God's promises and take action to bring about revival.
How to Be Blessable
By Warren Wiersbe7.2K44:46PSA 1:2PSA 119:15PSA 119:23PSA 119:47PSA 119:77JHN 15:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the destructive power of sin and the importance of reaching out to those who are perishing. He uses Psalm 1 to illustrate the contrast between the blessed and the perishing. The preacher also highlights the danger of being friendly with the world and how it can lead to being influenced by its ways. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the Word of God over worldly possessions and desires. The sermon references various Bible verses, including James 4:4 and John's definition of the world.
(Biographies) Adoniram Judson
By John Piper6.7K1:11:08PSA 22:27MAT 10:16MAT 28:18JHN 15:5ROM 8:36REV 5:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of guarding the deposit of the gospel with fences. He warns against the consequences of not protecting the truth of the gospel, using examples of denominations that have strayed from their original beliefs. The speaker outlines five main points: God's purpose to spread the gospel to all peoples, God's plan to use suffering as a means to accomplish this purpose, the current position of the church in regard to world evangelization, and a plea to join Christ and Adoniram Judson in sacrificing for the sake of the world. The sermon emphasizes the need for a clear and powerful message that believes in heaven, hell, and the necessity of faith in Christ.
Forgiveness
By Alan Redpath5.3K34:52ForgivenessMAT 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 18:15JHN 15:5ROM 8:9GAL 5:22EPH 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a submissive and simple heart. He warns against causing others to sin and highlights the severe consequences for those who do so. The speaker then discusses the need for forgiveness, referencing Matthew 18:15-20. He acknowledges that forgiveness may not be popular, but emphasizes its significance in the Christian faith.
Communion Service
By Alan Redpath5.2K1:25:13CommunionMAT 6:33JHN 14:16JHN 15:51CO 6:19GAL 2:20GAL 6:14PHP 4:13In this sermon, the speaker welcomes the audience to a communion service and emphasizes the importance of worshiping God with thanksgiving and music. The speaker highlights the need for both clean hands and a pure heart for admission to heaven, but also emphasizes the importance of having dirty hands and a warm heart in preparation for it. The speaker encourages the audience to be willing to be used by God to lead others to Jesus and to be humble links in a big chain. The sermon also emphasizes the need for the indwelling Holy Spirit in our lives and the importance of being crucified with Christ. The speaker shares a powerful story of a minister and his wife who took in two girls and shared the gospel with them, highlighting the importance of reaching out to those in need.
Bless Me Father
By Alan Redpath5.0K48:02BlessingGEN 25:28PSA 51:5MAT 6:33JHN 15:5ACT 3:19ROM 8:321PE 5:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking spiritual recovery and not making false steps in life. He uses the story of Esau from the Bible as an example of someone who despised his birthright and later regretted it. The preacher warns that there are irrevocable consequences for every false step and that opportunities and youth cannot be recovered. He encourages the audience to prioritize the will of God over temporary desires and to live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.
(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 2- the New Cruse
By B.H. Clendennen5.0K1:07:25RecoveryISA 61:1MAT 6:33LUK 4:21JHN 14:6JHN 15:5ACT 4:12ACT 14:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having life in Christ. He refers to John 1-4, which states that in Jesus was life, and this life was for all men. The preacher explains that wherever Jesus went, his life exposed the devil and caused demons to cry out. He then discusses the need for a specially prepared vessel, calling out a remnant who are dissatisfied with the superficiality of religion. The preacher highlights that the world and tradition have infiltrated the church, hindering the true power of Christ. He emphasizes that sanctification must point to a person, Jesus Christ, and that the missing ingredient in today's religion is life.
Abide in Christ
By Bill McLeod4.2K48:40AbidingPSA 1:2PSA 1:4JHN 15:5JHN 15:7COL 3:161JN 3:6In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time with the Word of God. He highlights how many Christians nowadays spend more time in front of the TV than with the Bible. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their own lives and consider if God is satisfied with the amount of time they dedicate to studying the Scriptures. He shares a personal testimony of how he typed out the New Testament and parts of the Gospel of Matthew to ensure he could read and understand it clearly. The speaker concludes by stating that many of the problems in our lives stem from our ignorance of certain things in the Bible.
Everything Is for the Glory of God
By Jim Cymbala3.8K37:51GEN 1:1PSA 115:1JHN 14:13JHN 15:5ROM 11:361CO 10:31PHP 4:131TH 5:16JAS 4:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everything is for God's glory and everything comes from God. It delves into the need for complete reliance on God for transformation and provision, highlighting the power of prayer in Jesus' name and the significance of humbly acknowledging our dependence on God for all aspects of life.
The Spirit at Work
By Alan Redpath3.6K35:28God's WorkJHN 15:5ROM 12:41CO 12:41CO 12:131CO 12:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being still and silent in our hearts to hear the will of God. He highlights the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, including the baptism of the Spirit and the various roles in the church such as apostles, prophets, and teachers. The speaker acknowledges that the charismatic movement is often associated only with speaking in tongues, but he argues that it is much broader and has made a significant impact on the evangelical church worldwide. He also cautions against envy of others' gifts, as all gifts are given by the Spirit of God.
No Formula for Revival
By Charles Price3.3K03:13PSA 127:1PRO 3:5MAT 6:33JHN 15:5JAS 4:8This sermon addresses the tendency of the Church to rely on programs and formulas rather than seeking God's presence and guidance. It highlights the danger of trying to replicate past revivals without God's involvement, leading to a mere imitation of spiritual experiences. The message emphasizes the importance of not reducing God's work to a formula or manual but instead seeking a genuine relationship with Him.
The Use of Your Time
By Steven J. Lawson2.8K1:02:48JOB 14:5PSA 90:12PSA 139:16LUK 14:13JHN 15:5JHN 19:301CO 10:312CO 4:18EPH 5:16This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his preparation for death. Edwards' resolutions focused on living with an eternal perspective, making the most of time, and considering the pains of martyrdom and hell. His life exemplified a dedication to pursuing God's will and maximizing every moment for God's glory, culminating in his faithful death at a young age.
(Women) 01. Marriage Is Honourable
By Keith Daniel2.6K1:09:47MarriageMAT 5:21JHN 1:12JHN 3:3JHN 14:6JHN 15:5HEB 13:41JN 1:7In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the lack of faithfulness and trust in the world, particularly in marriages. However, their perspective changes when they meet their new neighbors who are born again Christians and serve Christ together. The speaker is amazed by the couple's dedication to God and their efforts to share the message of Jesus. The sermon takes a personal turn when the speaker reunites with the couple after many years and learns that they have gone through a divorce and faced numerous tragedies. The speaker ponders the tragic ending to their marriage and family, but does not delve into the details out of respect for their privacy.
Martha and Mary
By C.H. Spurgeon2.5K55:32MarthaPSA 23:2ISA 61:3MAT 6:33LUK 10:20LUK 10:38JHN 15:5In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a strong inner life and a deep connection with God. He uses the example of Mary and Martha to illustrate this point. Mary is praised for her devotion to learning and growing spiritually, while Martha is criticized for valuing mere activity over communion with God. The preacher warns against prioritizing work over prayer and urges believers to maintain a balance between being active and contemplative. He also highlights the significance of holding onto and defending the truths of the faith, even if they are considered unimportant by society.
Cross, Identification
By Miles J. Stanford2.2K47:34Spiritual GrowthIdentification with ChristIdentificationJHN 15:5ROM 6:3ROM 6:6ROM 8:11CO 12:13GAL 2:20EPH 2:6COL 3:32TI 2:111PE 2:24Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the critical importance of understanding our identification with Christ in his sermon 'Cross, Identification.' He explains that true growth in the Christian life is rooted in the foundational truths of justification and acceptance, which must be firmly established before one can grasp the deeper truths of identification. Stanford highlights that believers must recognize their union with Christ in His death and resurrection to experience true freedom from sin and self. He stresses that this understanding is essential for spiritual growth and liberation, as it allows Christians to live out their new identity in Christ. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper revelation of these truths to combat the struggles many face in their Christian walk.
Total Dependence Upon God
By Zac Poonen2.2K58:39HAB 2:4MRK 9:24JHN 15:52CO 12:92CO 13:3PHP 1:91TI 1:191JN 2:27This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, highlighting the need for discernment, humility, and faith. It discusses the dangers of relying on human wisdom, the significance of discerning spirits, and the power that comes through weakness and reliance on God's strength. The speaker uses biblical examples like Abraham, Paul's thorn in the flesh, and Jesus' crucifixion to illustrate the concept of living by faith and total dependence on God.
The Worst Sin
By Sandeep Poonen2.2K51:42GEN 3:1PSA 23:1ISA 53:6JHN 15:5GAL 3:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of total dependence on God, likening believers to sheep who need a shepherd. It delves into the concept of the worst sin being independence from God, drawing parallels to Adam and Eve's choice in the Garden of Eden. The speaker highlights the need for faith, not in our own strength, but in God's ability to lead and guide us in all aspects of life, especially in overcoming sin and seeking Him above all else.
(Genesis) - Part 16
By Zac Poonen2.1K1:00:24IshmaelGEN 16:16MAT 6:33JHN 15:5HEB 12:5REV 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of coming to a point of brokenness before God. He uses the example of Jacob's journey, where Jacob initially relied on his own cleverness and worldly pursuits. However, after 20 years, God breaks Jacob and humbles him, allowing him to become a prince of God. The speaker highlights the lesson that when we are broken and humble ourselves, God can do a mighty work through us. The sermon encourages listeners to seek this brokenness and surrender to God's will.
Christ in Us - Part 1
By Norman Grubb2.0K48:27GEN 1:26JHN 8:12JHN 15:51CO 3:16EPH 2:10COL 1:27TIT 1:2HEB 6:18HEB 12:291JN 1:5This sermon delves into the concept of God's nature as a person of love and light, emphasizing the transformation from being self-focused to becoming a vessel for God's love and blessings. It explores the idea of God as a consuming fire that turns into light, symbolizing the shift from self-centeredness to selflessness. The speaker reflects on the importance of being a complete vessel for God to dwell in, acknowledging the need for personal transformation to align with God's character of love and truth.
Surviving the Anointing
By David Ravenhill1.9K40:35MAT 5:3LUK 11:5JHN 15:5ACT 7:221CO 1:26HEB 11:32This sermon by David Ravenhill emphasizes the importance of surviving the anointing in ministry. He highlights the need for absolute dependency upon God, using examples from the Bible of individuals who started well but failed due to lack of dependency on God. The message stresses the significance of acknowledging weakness and relying on God's strength to overcome challenges and fulfill one's calling.
(Following the Footsteps of Christ) the Garden of Gethsemane
By Willie Mullan1.9K50:49Garden Of GethsemaneMAT 26:39MRK 14:37MRK 14:41LUK 22:39LUK 22:46JHN 15:5JHN 18:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the scenes in the gospels that are recorded by different gospel writers. He emphasizes the fearlessness, knowledge, and power of Jesus as the Son of God. The preacher highlights a specific scene where Jesus declares "I am" and the crowd falls backwards in awe. This event serves as a solid proof of Jesus' divinity. The sermon also emphasizes the importance of relying on Jesus in all aspects of life, including prayer, preaching, and studying the Bible.
Youth Convention at Fairhaven 1964-03 Returning to the Principles
By Major Ian Thomas1.8K1:28:48PrinciplesMAT 6:33JHN 14:6JHN 15:5ROM 6:232CO 5:172CO 5:21EPH 2:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to God. He highlights the realization that many Christians have had when they finally acknowledge their own shortcomings and unproductive lives. The preacher encourages listeners to let go of their self-pity and pride and to embrace the truth of Christ's sacrifice. He urges them to be willing to lose their own lives for the sake of following God, as this is where true life and purpose are found. The sermon concludes with a call to prayer and a reminder that salvation comes through accepting Christ's gift of grace.
Hyper-Grace the Great Deception of the 21st Century
By Michael L. Brown1.7K1:06:31Hyper GraceJER 31:31MAT 5:18LUK 6:38LUK 16:16JHN 6:35JHN 15:5HEB 8:12In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal anecdote about their daughters and the concept of surrendering for the sake of blessings. They then discuss the preaching of the good news of the kingdom of God by Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus is the ambassador of the gospel. The speaker also mentions a viral article they wrote about judging others and clarifies that while we should not judge hypocritically or superficially, there is a biblical basis for judging those within the body of Christ. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the importance of working and serving in the Lord, enduring hardships, and preaching the Word by reproving, rebuking, and exhorting with patience and teaching.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Without me ye can do nothing - Χωρις εμου ου δυνασθε ποιειν ουδεν - Separated from me, ye can do nothing at all. God can do without man, but man cannot do without God. Following the metaphor of our Lord, it would be just as possible to do any good without him, as for a branch to live, thrive, and bring forth fruit, while cut off from that tree from which it not only derives its juices, but its very existence also. Nearly similar to this saying of our Lord, is that of Creeshna (the incarnate God of the Hindoos) to his disciple Arjoon: "God is the gift of charity; God is the offering: God is the fire of the altar; by God the sacrifice is performed; and God is to be obtained by him who maketh God alone the object of his works." And again: "I am the sacrifice; I am the worship; I am the spices; I am the invocation; I am the fire; and I am the victim. I am the Father and Mother of this world, and the Preserver. I am the Holy One, worthy to be known; the mystic figure Om; (see on Joh 1:14 (note)) I am the journey of the good; the Comforter; the Creator; the Witness; the resting-place; the asylum, and the Friend. I am the place of all things; and the inexhaustible seed of nature; I am sunshine, and I am rain; I now draw in, and now let forth." See Bhagvat Geeta, pp. 54 and 80. Could such sentiments as these ever come from any other source than Divine revelation? There is a saying in Theophilus very similar to one of those above: Θεος ου χωρειται, αλλα αυτος εστι τοπος των ὁλων. - God is not comprehended, but he is the place of all things.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
without me--apart, or vitally disconnected from Me. ye can do nothing--spiritually, acceptably.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If a man abide not in me,.... Christ does not say, "if ye abide not in me"; he would not suppose this of his true disciples; Judas now being removed, to whom he may have some respect in this verse; though it may be applied to anyone who has made a profession of Christ, and denies the truths of the Gospel, neglects the ordinances of it, or walks unworthy of his profession: of whom the following things may be truly said, he is cast forth as a branch; that is unfruitful, and is therefore taken away from the vine, and cast forth out of the vineyard. This signifies the ejection of worthless and fruitless professors out of the churches; for such who are either unsound in their principles, or are remiss and negligent in their attendance on the worship of God, with the church, or are loose and vain in their lives and conversations, are to be removed from communion with the people of God. And is withered. Some versions, as the Arabic, Syriac, and Persic, read this as an epithet of the word "branch", thus; "the branch that is withered"; expressing the condition the branch is in before it is cast forth out of the vineyard, and the reason of its being cast forth: but others read it as a new and distinct predicate of the branch, showing the case it is in, immediately upon its being cast forth: it may be cut off, and cast out with its leaves upon it, though without fruit; but as soon as ever it is ejected, it withers away. So mere external professors of religion, when they are cast out, of the communion of the church, presently the leaf of profession, which once seemed green, decays, loses its verdure, and that seeming fruit which grew upon them shrinks to nothing, and they become "trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit", Jde 1:12, their show of life, zeal, religion, and holiness, disappears, and all their external gifts, light, knowledge, and understanding, even in a speculative way, vanish: and men gather them; or, as some copies have it, "it", which best agrees with the word "branch". This was a common thing, when branches were thrown out of a vineyard, for men to come and gather them up for an use hereafter mentioned. So when unworthy members are put out of a church of Christ, the men of the world gather them into their society: or they are taken into the congregations of false teachers, who being sensual, and without the Spirit, separate themselves; or it may be read impersonally, "they are gathered", or "it is gathered": so wicked men, and Christless professors, will be gathered by the angels at the last day, and severed by them from the righteous, whom they will place at Christ's left hand to receive their awful doom: and cast them, or "it", into the fire, and they are burned, or "it is burned"; for nothing else is such a branch good for; see Eze 15:2. This may respect either the gnawings of conscience, that distress of mind, if not despair, that fearful looking for of judgment, and fiery indignation, which attend apostates in this life; or their being cast into the everlasting burnings of hell fire by angels at the last day, as will be the case of every unfruitful tree, of the chaff and tares.