Series: Demands of Christ
ABIDE IN ME
John 15:1-11
One of the greatest misconceptions about the doctrine of salvation is that it is a one time event rather than a process. The apostle Paul speaks of salvation in past, present and the future.
Past: Justification/Conversion: New Birth
Present:Sanctification: Growing in Christ
Future: Glorification
The great danger of thinking salvation is a one time event is someone basing their eternal destiny on some past event but his life has no evidence of a new life in Christ. I believe our church roles today are filled with lost people who are basing their salvation on some past event and then think they can live their lives as they wish.
Yes, Jesus demand, “Ye must be born again.” (a specific event), but today we want to examine another demand, “Abide in Me” (present action of remaining)
KEY TO ABIDING IN CHRIST:
Understand the Relationship (15:5)
Jesus: I Am The Vine
Jesus’ "I AM" Proclamations
the Bread of Life (John 6:35)
the Light of the world (8:12)
the Gate/Door (10:7)
the Good Shepherd (10:11)
the Resurrection and the Life (11:25)
the Way, the Truth, and the Life (14:6)
the VINE (15:1,5)
Characteristics of the Vine
Life Giver to the Branches
-origin of life comes from the vine
-characteristics of life come from the vine
Life Sustainer to the Branches
-provides nourishment
Believers: You Are The Branches
Characteristics of Branches
Reflective of the Vine
Totally Dependent on the Vine
We cannot accomplish anything of eternal value to God
We can bear no Spiritual Fruit (Gal 5:23)
We cannot be:
the Child of God the Father desires us to be
-full of love…. full of obedience….
full of joy
the Husband/Wife the Father desires us to be
the Parent...
the Child...
the Employer/Employee
the Witness...
Jesus’ Own Example in His Relationship with
the Father
(John 5:19) Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
If Jesus is totally dependent on the Father, then how much more should we be dependent on him? It is utter foolishness for us to think we can do anything apart from Him
Important to the Vine
EVIDENCES OF ABIDING IN CHRIST
How can we tell when we are "abiding in Christ"? Is there a special feeling? No, but there are special evidences that appear and they are unmistakably clear.
Evidence of Bearing Fruit (15:5)
(5) I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
- Fruit of a Spirit-filled Life (Gal 5:22-25) read
Know a Tree by its Fruit
(Matt 7:16-21) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
- Evidence of Answered Prayers (15:7)
(7) If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
- Evidence of Abiding Christ-like Love (15:9-10)
(9) As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. (10) If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
- Evidence of Unspeakable Joy (15:11)
(11) These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. .
PROCESS OF ABIDING IN CHRIST
(How do we remain in Him?)
You are already clean/pruned because of the word I have spoken to you.
- We Must Abide in His Word (15:7a)( John 8:31)
(Joh 8:31-32) Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue/abide (μένώ) in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
The WORD ensures our fruitfulness
The Word of God
Leads us to Faith (Rom 10: )
Prunes/Cleanses Us
Nourishes Us (Matt 4:4) Jesus answered, "it is written, ’Man does not live by bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’"
Guides Us (Psa 119:105)
Protects Us (Ps 119:9) How can a young man keep his way pure, by living according to your word.
- We Must Abide in His Love (15:9-10)
CONCLUSION
What do you base you salvation on?
- A past experience that has never produced fruit?
- A Born Again Experience that has continued to produce fruit?.
