Jesus Produces Godly Character in Us When We are Connected to Him

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This Week’s Finish Line: Jesus produces the fruit of Godly character in our lives when we are connected to Him

“I am the vine; you are the branches.” Jesus’ simple statement in John 15:5 spoke volumes about the relationship He desires each of us to have with Him. The vine is the source of nutrients and support to the branches. A branch not connected to the vine isn’t just unproductive, it is dead. The vine provided what was essential for life. Apart from Christ, we can do nothing. Until we are connected to Him, we are dead. However, when we remain in Him and He in us, we bring God glory with our lives and become more like Him. He can produce the fruit of Godly character in our lives such as wisdom, righteousness, diligence, goodness, consistency and humility. We can never try hard enough to produce this fruit on our own. We have to rely on the one and only giver of life, God, to change us from the inside out.

Family Questions:

  1. Read John 15:1-9. How is Jesus like the vine? Why is the vine essential to the branches?
  2. How are we like branches? What can we do apart from Jesus? What can happen when we are connected to Him?
  3. What kind of fruit is Jesus talking about? If we are sick on the inside, can we produce good fruit on the outside? Why not?
  4. How do you “abide” with Jesus daily? What difference does that make in your life?

Bring It Home Activities

1. Vine & Branches

Find some time to go out in your yard with your family. Challenge each of your kids to find a stick or leaf that’s no longer attached to a plant. What do they notice about it? Compare it to branches and leaves still attached to the plants in your yard. What’s different? Why is it important to stay attached? Use this as an opportunity to talk about the importance of staying attached to Christ. When we are not connected, we can’t produce fruit. However, when we remain in Him, He can produce fruit in our lives. Brainstorm ways you and your family can abide with Christ this week.

2. Godly Character Trait Review

Today we reviewed the last 6 character traits we’ve been studying: wisdom, righteousness, diligence, goodness, consistency and humility. You can use these flash cards to help them review what they’ve learned since January. Encourage your kids by telling them how you have seen them use each of these traits this year. Challenge them to find unique opportunities to show Godly character over the summer.

3. Significant Summer

All throughout the summer, we are challenging parents to make the time they have with their kids significant. Take time this summer to intentionally disciple your kids in 4 areas: Grow, Play, Serve and Rest. You can download a free copy of our Significant Summer booklet filled with ideas for you and your family to not waste your summer. Track the fun things your family did on the Significant Summer chart and tell us about it on social media using #sigsummer14.

Prayer

Thank God for being the one true vine who gives us life. Thank Him for the Godly character He produces in your life when you abide with Him. Ask Him to show you where you can grow over the summer and how you can better stay connected with Him.

Looking Ahead

Next week we will jump into a new month talking about Peace. In John 14:27, our memory verse, Jesus tells us that He is leaving us with a gift the world can’t give: peace of mind and heart.

Talk Back

Are you and your family having a Significant Summer with us? What is your favorite thing you have done? Share it with @WatermarkKids on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter with #sigsummer14.

Photo Credit: TempusVolat via Compfightcc

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