John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Let us consider a few thoughts this morning concerning abiding. To abide, in the context of this verse, means to be settled in, to have a continuous dwelling place, to be so attached that separation is not a considered option. It is only possible to produce fruit when abiding takes place. An apple tree limb may become unattached and fall to the ground. It is still an apple tree limb, but its potential of bearing apples is over. It no longer abides. We must realize that our relationship with the Lord must be one that is constantly abiding. (Don’t misunderstand this. The context here is not talking about if you become unattached you lose your salvation, for that is an impossibility. An unattached apple tree limb is still an apple tree limb but is one that is unfruitful. The subject of service is being addressed in this passage, not salvation.)
Abiding is a constant renewal of reliance upon God. It forsakes every other way and remains in constant contact with the empowering grace of God. Jesus made this truth clear in the context that surrounds John 15:4 when he said, “…for without me ye can do nothing.” (John 15:5) We are worthless branches when we try on our own to do something spiritual. Our service is vain without the empowering nutrition found through abiding in the vine. Maintain your relationship with the Lord. Walk by faith knowing that without him “ye can do nothing.”
-Bro. Adrian Moore
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