AVAAT

A VERSE AT A TIME

TOPIC: ABIDING FOR FRUIT-BEARING

AIM: To Understand The Essence Of Abiding in Jesus  

TEXT: John 15:1-5

KEY VERSE: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the Vine; so neither can ye, except ye abide in me. JOHN 15:4(ASV) 

The power of staying put for fruitfulness is evident in a seed’s transformation while it remains in the ground. By remaining in one place, the seed draws the nourishment it needs for growth, stability, and productivity. It’s crucial to understand that we need to stay connected to Jesus, the Vine, to receive the necessary nourishment for spiritual growth, remain stable in our faith, and bear fruit. Therefore, it’s essential to abide in Him at all times.

By itself, the soil produces a crop — first the stalk, then the head, and finally the full grain in the head. Mark 4:28

Being made equally from the soil, man can receive the seed of the Word and nurture it into a source of righteous thoughts, words, and deeds that bear the fruit of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul modelled a transformation as his beliefs about the relationship between Jews and Gentiles changed. His attitude towards them reflected kindness, love, and humility.

Abiding in Jesus means staying in submission to Him, relying on Him for everything you need, just as the branches rely on a tree for sustenance. As a believer, you receive nourishment from the Word of God according to your needs, whether milk for spiritual babes or strong meat for mature people. That word is Jesus.

Like newborn babies hungry for milk, you should want the pure teaching that feeds your Spirit. With it, you can grow up and be saved.1 Peter 2:2(ERV)

But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses and mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate and distinguish between what is morally good and noble and what is evil and contrary either to divine or human law. Hebrews 5:14)AMPC)

Abiding in Jesus means accepting His teachings and doctrine. The Pharisees and other Jewish leaders heard His teachings but could not accept His doctrine, and some disciples even left Him, claiming His teachings were difficult.

Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9(AMPC)

Hearing and not practising God’s Word leads to a lack of fruit. A believer who fails to submit to the teachings of Christ remains like an infant, tossed around by different teachings. Like a branch tossed from place to place, it cannot bear fruit until it is rooted and grounded.

We will then no longer be infants tossed about by the waves and blown along by every wind of teaching, at the mercy of people clever in devising ways to deceive.Ephesisans4:14(CJB)

To abide is to accept the correction and guidance of the Lord willingly. Just as a farmer prunes a tree to increase fruitfulness, the Lord prunes believers who surrender to him for more excellent character and ministry.

Any branch in Me that does not bear fruit [that stops bearing] He cuts away (trims off, takes away); and He cleanses and repeatedly prunes every branch that continues to bear fruit, to make it bear more and richer and more excellent fruit. John 15:2(AMPC)

You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what Son is there whom his Father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline? For the time being, no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards, it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it [a harvest of fruit which consists in righteousness—in conformity to God’s will in purpose, thought, and action, resulting in right living and right standing with God].Hebrews 12:7,11(AMPC)

Abiding in Jesus is not just an act of the will but requires obedience to the Holy Spirit. Yeilding control in our daily activities to the Holy Spirit empowers us to manifest love, joy, peace and patience amid challenging situations. God does not expect us to produce fruit on our own because such fruits are the works of the flesh that are unacceptable to God.

If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19(AMP)

He said, “This is the message from the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from my Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.. Zechariah 4:6(ERV)

 You gain inner peace and develop a more profound sense of purpose by mastering the art of abiding. 

Questions for Reflections

• What insights has God given you about bearing fruit?
•  What is your role in the process? 
• In which area of your life are you currently being disciplined by the Lord?
• Which scripture has encouraged you?