Series: Committed 
Message: Appreciation
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira

Refresh: Open with prayer. Read of listen to Psalm 50:7-15.

Read: John 15:1-17 - Re-read in the ESV translation for new insights/questions.

Reflect:  At the end of the chapter in exploring this text, Edward W. Klink III’s commentary on John shares this thought on application about the word remain: 
As much as the call to the Church is to “go” (the Great Commission of Matt 28:18-20 or even John 20:21), there is just as much a call to the Christian to “stay,” “abide,” and “remain” in Christ. To “remain” is to find one’s existence and meaning by means of the provision of Christ. It is to be aware of our dependence and insufficiency, which is a state that the world tries to reverse and deny. This command to “remain” is not a burden but a gift, an opportunity to really live and, ironically, to truly be free. It is to have life as it was designed, in harmony with the Creator. It is in a real sense to dwell in the house of God, to “tabernacle” with God through Christ and by the Spirit, even if a more perfect dwelling is still to come (cf. 14:2). And this command is matched by a promise that if we remain in Christ, he pledges to “remain” with us. To remain, then is to exist in the grace and love of God. 
I love Edward’s insight into this text because it captures the strength of being connected to Jesus. As Jesus is preparing for the cross and what will happened in the next few hours, His last statement is “don’t forget that I am with you”. That is the source of our joy and life comes from Him.

Recalibrate: ​ 

1. How can you practically remain more in Jesus to hear what He is calling you to?
2. There is no such thing as a solitary Christian, we all need to remain in community, how is that made possible for personalities that are more private?

Respond: Pray for eyes to see that Jesus is with you.

Research: What is your favorite piece of art, song, poem, sculpture, or painting that demonstrates the results of remaining in Jesus?