In John 15 we see how important it is for Jesus' people to abide in him. Then we read this:
"If you abide in me and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:7-8)
So, as those who are born again, we are to rest in, depend on, align with, gain our sustenance from Jesus - and then pray. God then answers these prayers (we are praying his will because we are abiding in him) and fruit is produced, God is glorified, and we know that we are Jesus' disciples because he is working through our prayers.
It also seems that fruit-bearing is absolutely necessary for a Christian:
"Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit" (John 15:2)
The natural thing is to focus on the fruit that should be produced (love, new converts, holy character, etc) - and that is VERY important. None of that can happen, however, if we don't abide in Jesus. Is Jesus everything to you?
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