You Did Not Choose Me, But I Chose You

Text: John 15:16
4 June 2017

THE CALLING OF THE DISCIPLES

1. Humble people

2. Humble professions

Fishermen, a tax collector

WHAT DID JESUS HAVE IN MIND WHEN HE CALLED THEM?

1. He would make them fishers of men

2. He would send them out as preachers

3. He would appoint them as apostles

FRUIT-BEARING SERVANTS OF GOD

1. What if a person is not bearing fruit?

It is taken away   (John 15:2)
a) There is no reason not to bear fruit
b) The unfruitful branch is taken away

2. What if a person is bearing fruit?

a) It is pruned
b) So that it bears more fruit   (John 15:2)

THE CHALLENGE TO BEAR FRUIT

1. The lesson of abiding must be learned well

a) Abiding in Christ   (John 15:4-6)
b) Abiding in His Word   (John 15:7)
Abiding in His love   (John 15:9-10)

2. The lesson cleansing and pruning must be understood

a) Made clean through the Word   (John 15:3)
b) Pruning work of God   (John 15:2)

CHOSEN AND APPOINTED

“I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit” John 15:16

1. Chosen and Appointed

a) Closely related concepts
b) Fruit-bearing is affirmed

2. The place of Prayer

a) Praying must be practised
b) Prayers will be answered (according to God’s will)

3. Expect Resistance

a) Not all will understand
b) Some may oppose