Message Notes

(I) A DIVINE LOVE

1. Great Statements of the Father’s Love for the Son

“The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand” John 3:35

“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does…” John 5:20a

2. Great purpose for making these statements

a) To teach us what Divine Love is

b) To emulate Divine Love

(II) ABIDING IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. 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.” John 15:9-10

1. Christ’s love for His disciples

a) As the Father loved Him

b) So He loved His disciples

2. Challenge to abide in the love of Christ

a) Bearing in mind the Father’s Love for Christ

b) Bearing in mind how Christ has demonstrated His love for the Disciples

3. Concrete expression of Abiding in the love of Christ

a) Jesus’ example of keeping His Father’s commandments

b) Challenge to keep Christ’s commandments

c) The keeping of the commandments of Christ is a vital expression of abiding in His love

(III) THE BIGGER PICTURE OF ABIDING IN CHRIST

1. Abiding in Jesus as the True Vine (John 15:1-8)

a) Abiding in Christ

b) Result: Bearing Fruit

2. Abiding in Christ’s Love (John 15:9-17)

a) Abiding in His commandments

b) Results

i) Fullness of Joy ( John 15:11 )

ii) Friends of Jesus ( John 15:14 )

iii) Answers to Prayers ( John 15:16 )

3. Special Application

“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12