John 15:4-8

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

John 15:4-8

In John 15, John turns from talking about what God will do for us to what we must do in response to His work in us, beginning with this truth that we can only bear fruit by abiding in Him.  Fruitfulness is a by-product of abiding, of intimacy, of closeness and nearness, and dependence upon Him. So abide — (the word in Greek is men’-o, remember it by saying in English: me? no!) — remain, dwell in, continue with, endure. When used in reference to a place, it means not to depart. When referencing time, it means to continue. This is our part: stay close to Jesus in fellowship with Him, be vigilant in your communion with Him; let Him make Himself at home in your life where He makes the decisions, guiding you by His Word and Spirit. This will result in a very fruitful life, for without Him no fruit can grow. He is the Vine and we can bear fruit as we abide in that Vine. Jesus tells us that a branch has no life of its own and can’t produce fruit alone. Sever a branch from a tree and it will die. We must abide in Him!

Abiding in the Lord for sure!

Pastor Jack Abeelen