Basic Principles for the Fruit-bearer                                 John 15:1-27                                  (Continued)

2. HIS RELATIONSHIP TO OTHERS (John 15:12-17) (Continued)
2. The Relationship of Love (John 15:14-15)
1. The position of friendship (John 15:14; Galatians 4:5-7; Philemon 1:16)
2. The test of friendship (John 15:14; John 14:21; 1 John 5:3)
3. The weakness of servitude (John 15:15)
1. Not knowing what his master does (Matthew 8:9)
2. The disciples no longer exclusively servants
1. They are still servants (John 15:20; Romans 1:1; Romans 6:22).
2. But no longer only servants
4. The privilege of friendship (John 15:15; Romans 16:25-26; 1 Corinthians 2:9-10; Ephesians 1:7-9; Colossians 1:25-27)
3. The Fruitfulness of Love (John 15:16-17)
1. Chosen (John 15:16)
1. The act of being chosen
1. We did not choose Christ.
2. Christ chose us (Compare 1 John 4:10, 19).
2. As applied to salvation
1. God’s call to salvation is universal (1 John 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3:9).
2. Our acceptance of salvation is personal (1 Timothy 4:10; Matthew 22:14).
3. Those who accept the call are the chosen (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 2:9).
3. As applied to service
1. In context, this verse refers directly to the choosing of the apostles (John 6:70; John 13:18; John 15:19).
2. By application, it refers to God’s particular plan of service for each of us (Acts 9:15; 1 Corinthians 1:27-28; 2 Timothy 2:4).