Abiding: The Pruning of the Christian by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

John 15:2-Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. This one of the most important messages I have preached in my 51 years of preaching. In my lifetime, I have never heard a message devoted to the pruning of the Christian. The principles on pruning a vineyard that are shared in this message are extremely valuable to the Christian who is facing trials and difficulties in his or her life. This message will address and answer some important questions. 1. Why does the vinedresser prune crowded vines and how does that apply to you? 2. What are the applications for the reasons the vinedresser cuts and prunes vines that are bearing fruit? 3. What are the applications from a vine that grows wild without pruning? 4. What is the difference between God’s pruning and His chastisement and why is the answer is so important to the Christian? Why does the answer help the Christian to understand his or her circumstances and not become bitter? 5. How can past successes and victories become a hindrance to the Christian? 6. How does the vinedresser use pruning to shape the direction of the vine? How does that apply to you? 7. What are the lessons from the entanglements of the vine? 8. How does God’s pruning help you to learn new insights from Scripture? 9. What are some reasons why God might allow trials and trouble in your life? What is He trying to accomplish in you? 10. If you are praying that the Lord will use you in a greater way and that you will bear more spiritual fruit, what should you expect in the future? This message was preached on Sunday morning November 5, 2023, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.