John 15 - NIV Quest Study Bible

It was the only way they could productively serve him. They had to rely completely on him for spiritual life and vitality if they wanted to do the greater things he had described (14:12), develop Christlike characteristics (Gal 5:22 – 23) and introduce others to Jesus (Jn 3:15).Spending time with the Lord in his Word and in prayer keeps us aware of his will and purpose for us. Obeying him by the grace he supplies keeps our lives spiritually healthy. We also remain close to Jesus when we fellowship and worship with his body, the church.No. It is impossible to pray correctly apart from knowing and believing Jesus’ teachings. As long as we remain in him and his words remain in us, our desires will be consistent with his will. Praying in [Jesus’] name (v. 16) refers to requests in line with who Jesus is and what will advance his work. Such prayers reflect total dependence on him.There will always be individuals who try our patience and stretch our capacity to love. It’s helpful to realize that God enables us to love others (1Jn 4:19). Jesus does not command us to feel a certain way; he commands us to show love to one another through our actions. See What’s the test of loving one another? (Jn 13:34 – 35).No. The early church faced intense persecution at the hands of governmental authorities. Though we should do all we can to live at peace with everyone (Ro 12:18), we should not be surprised if the world reacts negatively to our commitment to Jesus.Jesus meant here that the Jews who heard him were guilty and without excuse for the sin of rejecting him. They would have been better off if he hadn’t been among them at all. Yet this statement does not imply that all who haven’t heard Jesus are excused. See What happens to good people who have never had a chance to hear the Gospel? (Ro 2:14 – 16) and the article What about those who have never heard about Jesus? (Ac 4:12).