Read John 15: 1-8.
Idleman says in the study guide that the Big Idea for this week is that “Jesus knew the value of God’s work in Him before the work could happen through Him.” What kind of work does God want to do “in” us and “through” us?
Today’s sermon title is, “The Proper Order of Prepositions.” What does that mean? What are the key prepositions discussed today? Why is the order of those prepositions important?
In today’s passage, who is the gardener, who is the vine and who are the branches? What role does each one play?
What does the gardener do to branches that bear no fruit? What does that mean for us? What does the gardener do to branches that do bear fruit? What does that mean for us?
What does it mean to be “in” Jesus? How are we “in” Jesus? How is Jesus “in” us? What does Jesus do “in” us?
Read John 17: 20-23. How many times do you see the word “in”? What are the meanings of the word “in” in this passage?
In the above passage, all of the uses of “in” lead to a “so that” in verse 23. What is the “so that” of this passage and why is it important?
Read John 5: 19-20 and John 12: 49. How do these passages reinforce that God works “in” us before He works “through” us?
In John 14: 12-14 Jesus says we’ll do greater things than we’ve seen Him do. How is that possible? What kinds of things are these “greater things”?
Scripture and Questions for Study and Reflection:
Lord Jesus, draw us closer to you and help us stay firmly connected to you. We desire to be in you, and you in us, so that you can work in us, in preparation for working through us. Mold us, shape us, prune us so that we bear much fruit. And may the fruit we bear bring you glory, so others will come to know you and connect with you as well. Work in and through us, Lord, as you see fit, to advance your kingdom right here on earth as it is in heaven. We surrender our lives to you. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.