Session 2: The Fruit of Abiding, Pt. 1 Week 1

 Part 1 - The Transformation

Why does God discipline his child?  Discipline from God can serve as correction and guidance, steering believers away from harmful behaviors or paths that are not aligned with divine principles. It can be viewed as a loving act intended to keep individuals on the right path.

Why does God prune his child?  Pruning removes excess growth - which in itself may not be necessarily bad - that diverts nutrients and water away from the main branch where the growth is most desired to foster growth, strengthening, and fruit.  God will prune his child when he sees growth in his child that diverts His desire and care and feeding away from His will for his child - again, growth, strengthening and spiritual fruit.

How do these two actions by God help us abide in Him?  These dual actions work in concert by steering us away from harmful behavior (removing the bad) and focusing and encouraging the good.  But not just any good, but the good that he desires for us.

How does abiding in Christ produce a fruitful life?  John 15: 5 states, "If a man remains [abides] in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."  How? The fruit we bear are more than the fruits mentioned in Galatians.  Since Jesus is the vine, Christ grows through us and in us, so our fruit is also the growth of His kingdom.

Why would God choose to sift certain people?  Sifting removes impurities, but also isolates things that are important or useful.  Ergo, sifting can be seen as something to be desired.  God helps bring to light those impurities in His' followers which need to be removed.  However, sifting is a violent action, so many believers' fear being sifted.

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