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JIM LAWS The key to fruit bearing is abiding.
It seems so obvious, since
Jesus used the term “abide” 12 times in John 15. To understand the concept, we must realize
that abiding means more than just obedience to the gospel and becoming a
member of the body of Christ; though this is essential and important. Too, it means more than having been born again
of water and the Spirit (John 3:3, 5 or being in Christ (Gal. You see, abundant life is not
possible by merely being a branch, but by abiding as a branch in Christ, the
Vine. O.K. then, what does abide
mean? Abiding means maintaining a closeness, a communion,
a personal relationship with Christ…knowing Him (I John By now you may be asking, “How do I know, if I am abiding in the Vine?” John 15 provides the results of abiding in the Vine, i.e., tests which determine whether or not one is, indeed, abiding. 1) Cleanliness of spiritual life, as judged through the word of Christ (vs. 3) Christ and His word abide in me (vss. 4, 5; 7), 2) We are bearing much fruit (vs. 5) This would include winning souls, but, also, practical holiness of life, sharing what we possess, Christian character, good works, praise and thanksgiving. 3) We must have a growing sense of our own weakness (vs. 5), 4) We must have an active prayer life (vs. 7), and believe in answered prayer, 5) We must have an increasing love for God and others (vs. 9), 6) We experience an inner joy, a satisfaction that comes from knowing we have done what God has told us to do\, and we continue to live for Him (vs. 11). Do you just exist or are you abiding? |