Big Idea: The Christian life is not simply believing facts about Jesus, but knowing Him personally—walking with Him, being formed by Him, and joining Him in His work.

1. Know Jesus as the true of life.

John 15:1 (NLT) I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. John 17:3 (NLT) And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.

2. Know Jesus .

John 15:4 (NLT) Remain in me, and I will remain in you. John 15:5 (NLT) Apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:8 (NLT) When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. John 15:10-11 (NLT) When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love. …so that you will be filled with my joy.

3. Know Jesus as a , not a slave.

John 15:15 (NLT) I no longer call you slaves… Now you are my friends. John 15:16 (NLT) I chose you… and appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit.

What Now?

1. Be With Jesus

2. Become Like Him

3. Do As He Did

Continuing the Conversation

1. When you think about your current “walk” with Jesus, which of the three—being with Him, becoming like Him, or doing as He did—feels strongest? Which feels weakest?

2. What makes it hard to slow down and “abide” with Jesus in everyday life? What pressures or distractions compete for your attention?

3. How have you seen real character change—either in yourself or someone else—over time through following Jesus?

4. Where do you see the temptation to “do for God” without first “being with God”?

5. What is one practical way our group could help each other stay connected to Jesus this season?