7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. 8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.9 “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.11 “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another.
John 15:7-17
Q & A：
- What does it mean to you personally to “abide” in Christ, and how does this relationship shape your daily life? In what ways can we better support each other in our spiritual journeys, reflecting the love Jesus speaks about in John 15? How can understanding our identity as friends of Jesus empower us to face challenges in life? (John 15:4; John 15:12; John 15:15)
- What does it mean to you to have Jesus as your friend, and how can this friendship impact your relationships with others? How can we actively foster deeper connections within our community of believers, especially as expatriates? In what ways can knowing God personally transform our understanding of friendship and sacrifice? （John 15:13；Hebrews 10:24-25；John 17:3 ）
- How can understanding God’s covenant with us influence the way we approach our friendships and relationships with others? In what ways can we cultivate joy in our lives, even when circumstances are difficult? (Proverbs 17:17; John 15:11)
Summary：
This week’s sermon delves into the profound act of love and sacrifice demonstrated by Jesus, who laid down His life to transform our relationship with God into a deep, covenantal friendship. This sacrificial love serves as a powerful assurance that we are never alone in our struggles. The distinction between truly knowing God and simply knowing of Him is vividly illustrated by David’s unwavering confidence in the face of Goliath, which stemmed from his intimate relationship with God. Romans 8 underscores the unbreakable nature of God’s love for us. Joy, bestowed upon us by God, transcends circumstances and emanates from our connection with Him. Ultimately, abiding in Christ leads to a fruitful life brimming with joy and peace, even amidst adversity.