Abide in my Word

Abide
(Remain, Continue, Wait, Trust, Stay)
In Jesus

What is Jesus telling His Church (Body of Believers) to do?

Answer: Jesus (Who) is telling (Who) His disciples to Abide (What) in His Word (What) and to keep His Commandments of love, (Why), to bear His Fruit.

Scriptural Context: John 15: 1-17

During the celebration of the Passover with His disciples, and before His arrest and crucifixion, Jesus tells His disciples what they need to know concerning His relationship to Himself, the Father, the Holy Spirit and with one another. In John 15: 1-17 Jesus describes His relationship with the Father and Himself and those who believe in Him. The analogy He uses to demonstrate their relationship is a vine with branches bearing fruit.

Fruit– Christ’s Character and His Works: Results of abiding in Him

John 15: 1-17 ESV

Scriptural Base: I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser . Every branch  in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, ( airei– lifts up ) and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you . By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love,  just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.  These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full .This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends,  for all that I have heard from my Father  I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit  and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.  These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Why do we need to Abide in Jesus?
Scriptures: John 15:4-5
“As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.”
“ I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”

 How do we Abide in Jesus’ Word and His Love and bear His Fruit

Answer: By Meditation of His Word and Prayer

When, Where, and Why should we spend time in God’s Word and Pray?

When should I spend time in God’s Word and Pray? First thing before you start your day.

Mark 1:35– Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Luke 6:12–13 – One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles.

My Testimony: Matthew 26:40, Mark 14:37: One morning I heard in my spirit the Lord say, “Can you not spend one hour with me.” I immediately got up and found a quiet, secluded place to pray. Prior to hearing His voice, I was getting up at 6:00 as a commitment to IFA to pray for our nation. But God was calling me to pray earlier, because I was having interruptions as the family started getting up at that time to start their day.  So, I got up at 5:00 and prayed,  then the Lord put it upon my heart to read the scriptures first, before I  prayed, and I began later to write down in my journal “from scripture” what I was hearing Him say. I began to see a pattern in my journaling- I summarized in writing what I had just read, then I would write what I understood the Word to say. As I read, summarized and then reflected upon the scripture, I was receiving the Holy Spirit’s interpretation and soon began to recall scriptures that related. So, I began including the cross references in my written reflection as well. Soon, in response to the reflection, I began responding with a written prayer.

                                                             Why Meditate on the Word

Scriptures:
God has given us His Examples and Warnings to Follow:
1 Corinthians 10:11 – “These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come.”

Everything We Need Can be Found in the Word of God- God’s Perfect Resource/Provision
2 Timothy 3: 16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Jesus is Your Master Teacher:
1 John 2: 24-27- “As for you the anointing you received from Him remains in you….
Matthew 23: 8-9- “But you are not to be called, Rabbi…..

Why Write it Down?
Scriptures: Deuteronomy 11: 18-21, Deuteronomy 27: 1-8
Example: S – Summary  R- Reflection  P- Prayer

Summarize – Write in your own words what the Word actually says (Listen)

Reflection/Revelation- Write in your own words what you understand the Word to say.

Prayer- Respond back to God what you would like to say concerning the revelation you receive.

Example:  Scripture: Luke 9: 10–11

S- The disciples told Jesus all they had done and so Jesus slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. But the crowds found out and followed them there, and so He taught them about the Kingdom of God and He healed those who were sick.

R- Jesus never turned anyone away, no matter how inconvenient it was. Sharing Jesus Christ and helping someone in need is not always convenient for us, but like Jesus we should just make ourselves available whenever we can. Have it in mind not to hold back when you have the opportunity to do good. “Do for others what you would want them to do for you.” In this we represent Jesus.

Connections: CR – Luke 6:29-31- Give to everyone who asks. CR – Luke 10:33- The Good Samaritan who stopped what he was doing to help a man in need.

 P- Dear Lord, please develop within me the mindset to see a need and meet it whenever it is necessary, and not hold back anything I am able to do in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Where should I spend time in God’s Word and Pray?

Go wherever you can find a solitary, private, quiet place to study and pray. Preferably the same place everyday. Find a place where there are few or no distractions
(with only a light, bible, Bible Reference,  notebook and pen).

You Can Write Your Own Daily Devotional

By summarizing the scripture you read within its context, the Holy Spirit imparts revelation to its meaning and your response is your prayer. This is communion and it pleases the Lord for us to approach His Word for the purpose of not only hearing what He says but by doing it, manifesting His Truth to the world.

Go to “His Abide” for further Study