The Abiding Lesson One

We are beginning a series of messages centered in the 15th chapter of the Gospel of John, and this series, friends, is entitled The Abiding. Over the next several days, we will be studying the principles of the abiding life that Jesus speaks of in this remarkable chapter, which precedes his agony in the garden and his subsequent arrest. Jesus had finished his ministry of three and a half years of proclaiming the message of the kingdom of God and training his twelve disciples.

It has been a remarkable season of continuous miracles. Multitudes have been fed by a few loaves and fishes. The blind have been given sight, the lame made to leap, lepers' spots were cleansed of their disease, and even the dead were raised to life.

Jesus is preparing himself for the cross, and he is preparing his men to function in his absence. This gives John chapter 15 great significance, as it is his swan song to them, so to speak. Our Lord Jesus is giving all followers of him, throughout all ages, the handbook for a life of consistency here in John 15, through the parable of the vine and the branches.

The principles taught in this striking passage of Scripture have power and vitality to all who embrace them. Therefore, we will place great emphasis on Christ's words regarding the vine and the branches, which speaks of the truth of Christ's union with his church. As we go through these studies of the abiding life, I want us to take note of how Jesus is telling us how to live for him, how to live in a life of fruitful service to him, all for the glory of the Father.

If you are sick and tired, friend, of what I call elevator Christianity, of an up-and-down Christian life, where one day you are in the penthouse suite, living a life of victory, then, incredibly, the next day you're down in the basement of defeat. This up-and-down Christian experience is not the normal Christian life, but a poor imitation. But here in John's gospel, in chapter 15, we have the blueprint, the handbook, for a life of victory and a life of usefulness to God.

If we try to live the Christian life in our own strength, we will fall flat on our face. It can't be done. But if we admit our helplessness and utter dependence upon the Spirit of God to enable and equip us to live for God, then we can experience a vital walk with God.

There is nothing on earth so exciting as a vital, intimate walk with the creator of the universe. As we begin these studies, let us prepare our own hearts and ask the Holy Spirit to shine his searching spotlight upon our lives and to reveal to us anything and everything that is hindering our usefulness to God for his glory in the spread of the gospel. I will lead us in a prayer, friends, and when I'm done, I want us to take the necessary time to do business with God.

God declares, return to me, and I will return to you. We must be sure there is nothing in our lives that is doubtful or that would hinder us from going deeper with God. We must be honest with ourselves, friends, and honest before God if we intend to enter into a greater experience of him.

Christ can transform any area of our life if we only give it to him, but we have to let it go. God wants his very best for us. As a father would want the best for his child in life, he tells us so in Jeremiah.

For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. It is my prayer, friends, that this series of messages on the abiding will transform your own life and give you the life of consistency that you so desire. Let me now lead us in this opening prayer, this petition to the Most High God.

Heavenly Father, we come unto thee by the precious blood of thy dear Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We thank you for your word in this passage of John chapter 15 on the imagery of the vine and the branches, and Heavenly Father, we ask you to make these truths live in reality in our daily lives in a practical application of your word by your Spirit. We admit our helplessness and our dependence upon thee as we acknowledge that the Christian life is an impossible life to live in mere human strength and effort.

We need help from above, and we know that all things are possible with you. You get serious with those who get serious with you. We ask you now, Lord God, for the grace to make the truths of the abiding between the vine and the branches live in reality in our daily walk with thee.

We pray that by your Spirit we will experience the supernatural power of a resurrected Christ, so we may live above the world and have power over sin. We pray, Lord, for grace that our lives may bring Jesus pleasure on his throne and that the fruit of our lives will bring glory to you, Father. We ask these things in the strong name of Jesus Christ.

Amen.