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“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5, ESV)

Imagine a vine that disconnected from its roots, so it could devote more attention to producing grapes. Such a thought is so nonsensical that it makes us chuckle! Yet, despite Jesus’ warning in John 15:5, Christian leaders often find that, in trying to produce fruit, they have neglected their connection to the Vine.

The Apostle Paul understood this truth, and so reminded Timothy…

“If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” (1 Timothy 4:6, ESV)

Paul reminds his young disciple that, if he is to offer truth to his brothers, he must himself be continually “being trained in the words of the faith”.  It is Timothy’s own growth in the Faith that will fuel his ministry to others. Just a few verses later, Paul sounds this same chord.

“For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” (1 Timothy 4:10, ESV)

Paul says that he and Timothy both work and serve “because we have set our hope on the living God.” It is their own hope in Christ that motivates and empowers them to serve others. Their personal connection to the Vine, Jesus, is their only chance to bear spiritual fruit. No connection, no fruit.

Because of this, Paul urges Timothy to pay close attention not only to what he gives to others, but also to his own spiritual growth.

“Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Timothy 4:16, ESV)

So, Pastor, it’s not enough to work hard on sermons and ministry to your people. Your fruit is only as good as your connection to the Vine. Teach your people well. Feed them from God’s Word. But be sure, at the same time, that you are being fed by Christ. Without a vital connection to Him, anything else you do will ultimately be fruitless. 

We have no connection to Christ apart from the gospel. As we trust in Jesus, He is our wisdom, strength, and righteousness. One of the most important things we do for our ministry is to rest in the Savior, confessing Him as our only hope.

Your own relationship with Christ is not separate from your ministry. It is the foundation of your ministry!

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(Image by BrunO from Pixabay)