I. Knowles Shaw 1834-1877 -The February 2001 issue of With All Boldness (http://www.faith-facts.com/wab.html) contains biographies of many well-known Christian hymn writers.
II. Verse 1
"I am the vine and ye are the branches," bear
precious fruit for Jesus today; branches in Him no fruit ever
bearing, Jesus hath said, "He taketh away."
John 15:1-9, James 3:8-12, 5:7-8, Rom 11:13-21, Rev. 3:14-19.
Have you ever seen a vine for a watermelon, squash or some other
plant that looked great, had strong vines, lush looking foliage,
but due to a poor root system or lack of rain wilted and died
before producing fruit? How about the plant that has great looking
fruit, but for some reason the fluit is damaged and therefore
not good? We as Christians need to be firmly planted in the Word
of God, cared for by each other, and be wary of that which may
turn us from the true path. We need to look out for ourselves,
our family and others that we have opportunity to influence. Problems
sometimes do not appear on the surface and are therefore hard
to detect. A careful inspection can help to stop these before
the damage is not able to be undone. We are the branches that
Jesus depends on to bear fruit (teach and help others). Unproductive
branches are useless to the vine. They take nourishment from the
other branches without producing fruit. The only course that the
vine dresser can follow is one of pruning these to save the vine.
We have really discussed in detail in recent weeks the need to
grow in the word and to spread the gospel. Let us consider the
result of the unproductive branch and determine that such will
not be our fate.
III. Verse 2
"Now ye are clean thru words I have spoken, living
in Me, much fruit ye shall bear; dwelling in you, my promise unbroken,
glory in heav'n with Me ye shall share."
John 15:3, Prov 20:7-11, Eph 5:25-27, Matt 4:4, John 6:51, Acts
17:2628, Rom 1:16-19, 14:8, Gal 2:20.
There are three things that we must do to be clean (free from
the consequences of our sins). First, we must cherish His Word.
His Word must have not only a prominent place in our lives but
a special love for, and honor for, the truth of the Word. If we
do not honor the truth contained in it and accept it as the guiding
force in our lives, we do not cherish it. Second, we live it.
To live the Word is to implement its principles in our lives.
And thirdly, we must bear fruit, it is our responsibility to share
the good news with others. When we do these things Christ dwells
in us and we in Him. His promises to us will not be broken. We
will have eternity with him and with God in Heaven!
IV. Verse 3
Yes, by your fruits the world is to know you, walking in
love as children of day; follow your guide, He passeth before
you, leading to realms of glorious day.
John 12:24,25, Col 1:5-13, Eph 5:1-2, 2John 5-6, I Thess 5:1-10,
Isaiah 11:10.
People see the results of our actions. We are judged every day
by others in the things we do. If we walk in love, as children
of God, follow the words of our guide (Jesus Christ) we will be
led to eternal life and also we will through our actions lead
others to glorious day. A day that never ends, a day that has
no sorrow, a day that gives us the privilege of being with God
and enjoying His presence.
V. Chorus
"I am the vine and ye are the branches; I am the vine
be faithful and true; ask what ye will, your pray'r shall be granted,
the Father loved Me, so I have loved you."
Matt 7:7-8,. 18:18-20, 21:22. John 15:9.
We need to understand that we are not saying when we sing this
song, and Jesus was not saying in John 15, that anything we ask
will automatically be granted. God has promised to answer our
prayers. The problem is that He may not choose to answer our request
the way that we desire. God knows what is needed in our lives.
When we decide to turn our lives over to him, we are taking advantage
of the joy and treasures that come to those who love him and do
his commandments.