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1. Abiding in Christ brings much fruit (John 15:1–8)
JOHN 15:5
5 I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
What a high honor Jesus bestowed on us, that we should resemble branches proceeding from his heart. He has created the spiritual life in us. Just as in the vine a twig first appears and then this extends to be a plant growing unto a branch healthy and strong. Similarly, the believer grows with all the traits and Christian virtues thanks to Jesus. It is not only by virtue of our faith, but grace upon grace. We are responsible to abide in Jesus.
Then we find an unusual expression occurring 175 times in the gospel, "IN HIM", and the corresponding, "IN US", somewhat less often in the gospel. Every believer is entitled to be united with Jesus under the New Covenant. This union is so firm that we see ourselves fused with Jesus.
Our Lord assures us that our individuality does not vanish through believing, we are not submerged in mysticism. He energizes your will and fills your life with his Spirit. Christ desires to lead you to maturity and mould in you the image he purposed for you from the beginning. His possibilities and qualities enter the hearts of believers. Where then is our faith and our love?
What is the aim of the union of God’s Son with mankind? Why did Jesus die on the cross, and why was the Spirit poured out in the hearts of believers? What does the Lord require of you? The spiritual fruit bestowed on you is from God. These are the Spirit’s gifts: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
We need to learn that we cannot achieve a thing of this quality on our own. We can hardly come up with what we need, such as breathing, walking and talking, let alone prayer, faith and love. We have the privilege as believers to enjoy the spiritual life proceeding from Jesus alone. We ought to thank him for our spiritual being and the divine power given us. All these energies and ministries are gifts from God. Without him we can do nothing.
JOHN 15:6
6 If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
You are responsible to abide in Christ. On the one hand we note that the life of the Spirit and abiding in Christ are gifts. On the other hand we find that he who parts company with Christ is like someone who commits suicide. This deserter becomes hardened and needs to be cast in the fire of God’s wrath. The angels will in due course gather those who have forsaken Christ and cast them into outer darkness. The rebuke of their consciences will not allow them any rest. Throughout eternity they will see God in His compassion separated from them. They will realize how, previously, they were kept in His love. If they forsake Him, they have despised their Savior and they are bound to burn in eternal perdition.
JOHN 15:7
7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.
He who abides in Christ lives with him in a thoughtful relationship. Just as a couple long married know each other’s thoughts and intentions. So also he who loves Christ knows his will and abides in harmony with his Lord. Delving deep into the Bible daily will fill us with all good impulses so that we desire what he does, because our inner feelings are filled with his words.
Then we shall not pray according to our selfish wishes, but we will listen eagerly to the developments in his Kingdom. We become intercessors dutiful in the spiritual conflict. Then our hearts will be filled with praise and gratitude, and we offer the Holy One all our matters of concern, needy and afflicted people, whom the Holy Spirit brings to our notice. Jesus works in our world on the basis of our believing prayers. He allows us to share in his saving work. Do you pray? and how? Do you pray in the Holy Spirit? God’s will has various intentions. One is your holiness; another that God wishes to save all and bring them to the knowledge of truth. If we walk in humble behavior, God’s name is thereby sanctified. Ask your Lord to pour the Spirit of prayer into your heart, so that you may produce much fruit, and glorify your heavenly Father and Christ your guide.
JOHN 15:8
8 In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.
Jesus wishes you to bring forth much fruit. He is not content with a little holiness in your life, nor the winning of a few sincere folk, or your mean gratitude. No! He desires your sanctification, to be perfect as the Father is perfect, and that all might be saved. Do not be self-satisfied.
PRAYER: We love you, Lord Jesus, because you are not ashamed to accept us as your members. We ask for the conversion of all whom you have called to come to you. We mention their names one by one. We believe you have saved them by your cross. Their salvation is confirmed by the descent of the Holy Spirit on them. May the Father’s name be glorified and your name in the Holy Spirit. Without you we can do nothing.
QUESTION:
- Why are we in Jesus and he in us?