Imagine yourself gathering with Jesus and His closest followers for dinner—not just any dinner, but the meal that will be their last before the Messiah is led away and crucified.
That evening, Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples are recorded in John 14–16. He spells out what is coming: He will be leaving, but the Father will send the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, who will teach all things to those who believe in Him.
John 15 gives a beautiful illustration of how we are to bear fruit in our lives by abiding in Jesus Christ. It begins:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. . . . 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.
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:1-8 NKJV)
Jesus is the vine, we are the branches.
A branch in and of itself does not bear fruit. It must be connected to the vine to receive the nourishment it needs. Through Jesus Christ, we receive the spiritual nourishment needed to bear good godly fruit in our lives.
Notice the word abide—used 10 times in six verses of this section alone! It means to remain, continue, or live in union with. This connection—one that abides in the vine—denotes an ongoing relationship with Christ.
To reach the deeper levels of our faith—that of abiding—we must intentionally strengthen the quality of time spent with Him.
How often do we sit quietly and simply enjoy His presence?
Abiding is more than reading our Bible for 10 minutes in the morning and then leaving God on the table as we hurry to our next task.
Abiding grows our relationship with Him from being a morning-only appointment to an all-day awareness of His presence.
Abiding is not an emotion achieved, but an ongoing relationship enjoyed.
Abiding means Jesus is no longer simply someone we read about and can quote, but a living master and friend; one we are engaged with throughout the day.
Abiding is obeying Jesus’ words to us. We’re aware when He brings His word to our remembrance, and we do what it says.
Abiding in Christ, we learn to hear His voice. We begin to recognize the “still small voice” of His Spirit speaking to ours.
Abiding gives us the inner rest and refreshing we need to do the work He has called us to do. How often He supernaturally rewards the time spent in abiding, so we do less, but accomplish more for His glory!
Abiding in Christ we bear fruit. We experience His love, His joy, His peace, His patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The Spirit works to grow these Christlike qualities in us, as we learn to abide in Him. This beautiful, ongoing, intimate relationship with the Lord allows us to not only bear fruit, but much fruit, in our lives!
I loved the ABIDING list, what it is and what is not, and the result God intends to accomplish as we ABIDE in Christ. Great blog Cheryl.
When I really think about what “abide” means – to remain, or continue in – it’s quite interesting to think what life would be like if we were always in awareness of abiding in Christ. Would we ever be afraid?
Thanks, Cheryl. I like the words “intentionally” and the importance of “hearing God’s voice.” I tend to be a bit driven, and slowing down enough to listen is a spiritual discipline that’s more important than my list. Blessings . . .
You said that well, Sarah. I face the same challenge!
Abiding to enter His rest (that few are using because of unbelief – Hebrews 4:1-11) is such a marvellous blessing and privilege. And it enables answers to prayer, glorifies God, and makes us disciples too (John 15:8-9)!!! How wonderful! Great blog Cheryl!
Love that section in Hebrews – thanks!