Bruce Wilkinson - Secrets of the Vine Bible Study: Breaking Through to Abundance

I f you were to choose one picture to show what God wants from your life, what would it be? A truckload of success? A houseful of happiness? A mountain of hard work for Him?

If youve read Secrets of the Vine, you know that on the night before He died, Jesus gave His disciples a remarkable word picture. He wanted to show them what they had been chosen to accomplish. And even more, He wanted them to see and remember what their actively and intimately involved God would do to help bring it into being.

Jesus chose a dramatic momentthe night before His crucifixion. After their last meal together, Jesus led His friends through Jerusalems darkened streets, outside the city walls, toward Gethsemane, where betrayal and arrest awaited Him. On the way, they walked through an ancient vineyard. Here, I believe, Jesus paused.

His disciples gathered expectantly in the circle of torchlight. What would their Lord tell them now, on the night before His death? They leaned forward to hear. Then Jesus began a most surprising conversation.

I AM THE TRUE VINE, AND M Y F ATHER IS THE VINEDRESSER . E VERY BRANCH IN M E THAT DOES NOT BEAR FRUIT H E TAKES AWAY; AND EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT H E PRUNES, THAT IT MAY BEAR MORE FRUIT . I AM THE VINE, YOU ARE THE BRANCHES . H E WHO ABIDES IN M E, AND I IN HIM, BEARS MUCH FRUIT . B Y THIS M Y F ATHER IS GLORIFIED, THAT YOU BEAR MUCH FRUIT . (J OHN 15:1-2, 5, 8)

Imagine with me how these words must have sounded to Jesus friends. Instead of talking about how they could defeat the Romans, Jesus talked to them about a grapevine and its branches. Instead of unveiling an escape plan, Jesus spoke resolutely about bearing fruita lot of it. Instead of saying good-bye, Jesus made it clear that an ongoing, vital relationship with Him would not only be possible, but would also be the key to breaking through to the highest yield possible.

His thoughts were on fruit, more fruitmuch fruit. My friend, thats what this Bible study is about, tooand that is the picture God sees for your life!

A D IFFERENT K IND OF B IBLE S TUDY

The four-week Bible study youre holding invites you to go deeply into Gods Word to see how Jesus teaching on fruitfulness, found in John 15, is supported and explained by the whole of Scripture. Besides being biblically based and felt-needs oriented, the study has several key distinctives:

Its topical. We focus on the biblical ways to seek and experience greater spiritual fruitfulness so that we can do Gods work in the world. You wont find, for example, a book study or an in-depth approach to theology or doctrine.

Its conversation friendly. Some questions are information based. Some are intended simply to provoke a helpful discussion.

Its designed for individual or group use.

Its question driven. Sometimes called the Socratic method, this teaching method pulls you from topic to topic through a sequence of key questions.

It incorporates several learning approaches. Youll find inductive studies, fill-in-the-blanks, personal inventories, character profiles, Bible exposition, activity-based assignments, and inspiring quotes.

It offers optional study plans. The study presents more learning opportunities than a class can complete in an hour. Select the material that will work best for you. Some groups will want to extend this four-part study to an eight- or twelve-week course.

Its all about life change. The whole purpose of studying Gods Word is to be changed in our character and our behavior so that we please God more, become more like Christ, and serve Him more every day.

B IBLE V ERSION

The study, as well as the book it is based on, has been prepared using the New King James Version of the Bible. Using that version privately or in class will ensure convenience and clarity, but it is not required.

If youre like most Christians, you may be shocked to learn how actively God pursues fruitfulness in your life. In fact, most Christians are unaware of what God is up to in their lives and therefore remain in the dark about how they can cooperate with Him for results.

But I promise you that by the time you complete the Secrets of the Vine Bible Study, youll know exactly where you are in your spiritual life and what you can do today to break through to the next level of fruitfulness for God.

H ELPING Y OU G ET A ROUND

Youll see three icons used throughout the study to help you use the material more quickly.

indicates a key verse, definition, or explanation that you wont want to miss.

indicates optional material for further study. Use this icon to help you decide what materials you can leave for later.

indicates a group process question that focuses on life experience.

R ECOMMENDED R ESOURCES

• Secrets of the Vine Audio, read by the author, can provide busy people with an easy way to learn and review the message of the book.

• Secrets of the Vine Devotional (and accompanying Journal) by Bruce Wilkinson. This thirty-one-day devotional follows the same four-week structure as the Bible study.

• If you are a teenager (or have one in your home), I recommend Secrets of the Vine for Teens.

• For children, see the Tommy Nelson products featured in the back of this book

• Visit www.secretsofthevine.com for recent updates from author and publisher, new product updates, inspiring stories from readers, and other information.
  

• Also watch for the Secrets of the Vine Video Series, available soon from Walk Thru the Bible Ministries and Multnomah Publishers.

If you havent read Secrets of the Vine yet, I highly recommend that you do so right away. Youll benefit even more from your Bible discoveries if youve personally encountered the life-changing truths of the book this study is based on. I also encourage you to enhance your learning experience each day for the next month by following along in the