Good morning, Church Family! Today, we're diving into a nugget of truth from the Gospel of John. It's a passage that speaks about our relationship with Christ, and it's one that calls for our attention and meditation. John 15:5 says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This is Jesus speaking, reminding us of our dependence on Him, of our need to abide in Him.
As Marnie Swedberg once said, "Trusting God is choosing to act in utter dependence on Him; trying harder is opting to retain control." Today, we're going to explore the necessity of abiding in Christ, the benefits that come from it, and the results we can expect when we live our lives deeply rooted in Him.
Let's pray.
Father, we thank you for your Word that guides us, comforts us, and speaks truth into our lives. As we delve into this message today, we ask that you open our hearts and minds to understand the depth of our need for you. Teach us, Lord, to abide in Christ in every moment of our lives. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Now, let's dive in.
Abiding in Christ is not an option for believers; it is a necessity. Just as a branch cannot survive or bear fruit if it is not connected to the vine, we cannot thrive spiritually or bear the fruit of the Spirit if we are not connected to Christ. The word "abide" in the original Greek language of the New Testament is "meno," which means to stay, to remain, to dwell. It is a word that implies a deep, ongoing, intimate relationship. It is not a fleeting, superficial connection, but a constant, enduring union.
The nature of our relationship with Him: We are not merely followers of Christ; we are in Christ. This is a profound mystery that the Apostle Paul speaks about repeatedly in his letters. We are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. We are members of His body. Our life is hidden with Christ in God. This union with Christ is the source of our life, our identity, and our power to live the Christian life.
Without this abiding relationship: We are like branches cut off from the vine. We may appear to be alive for a while, but eventually, we will wither and die. We will not bear fruit. We will not fulfill the purpose for which we were created. We will not experience the joy and peace that come from being in Christ. We will not be able to resist temptation or stand firm in trials. We will not have the wisdom and strength to serve others and glorify God. We will not grow in the knowledge and likeness of Christ.
The means by which we experience God's love and grace: It is in Christ that we are forgiven, justified, and reconciled to God. It is in Christ that we are adopted as children of God and made heirs of His kingdom. It is in Christ that we are sanctified and transformed into His image. It is in Christ that we are filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
The way we participate in God's mission in the world: Jesus said, "As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you" (John 20:21). We are sent into the world to bear witness to Christ, to make disciples, to love and serve others, to seek justice, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God. But we can do none of these things in our own strength or wisdom. We can only do them as we abide in Christ, as we draw life and power from Him.
A joyful privilege: It is the privilege of living in intimate fellowship with the Son of God, of sharing in His life, His love, His joy, His peace, His mission. It is the privilege of being transformed into His likeness, of bearing much fruit, of glorifying God, of experiencing the fullness of life that He came to give.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about if it is difficult for you to stay dependent on God and how you get through this. This could also be a story referencing someone else.
Abiding in Christ is not just a requirement for our spiritual growth, but it is also a source of immense benefits that enrich our lives in many ways ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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