The Art Of Abiding
Jno. 15:7

A. 1 Cor. 9:24, “We know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize. Run in
such a way that you may win the prize.” Who is the winner? The winner of the race is one
who crosses the finish line.
(2) Paul compares our living the Christian life to running a race to win a prize. The race is the life we live on earth as God’s children. The prize is eternal life.
1. The “winner” of the race is the one who abides in Jesus all the way to the end.
(A) The term, “abide,” means to remain stand fast, continue, endure. It describes a place
Of permanence.
(1) It is defined as remaining in Jesus as opposed to giving up or abandoning Him.
Standing firm in commitment and vowing to be faithful. We do that in the face of all adversity.
It means enduring hardship. Continuing with God when we don’t understand. Always making the Lord, and our relationship with Him, our unchanging dwelling place.
The process is glorious and meaningful.
Jesus challenges us to abide in Him and has promised that if we will, we would “bare much fruit” as a result.
And in turn, this fruit would prove that we are His disciples. And in the process God will be glorified.
That’s the context of the first scripture we read at the opening of this lesson, Jno. 15:4-8.
(3) The rewards are great. More than we could imagine.
(1) Abiding in Jesus results in PURITY, Vs. 2, “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.”
(1) Abiding in Jesus results in POWER, Vs. 7, “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” God’s power works for us.
(2) It results in effective CHRISTIAN SERVICE, Vs. 5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” Christ gives us the ability to serve mightly.
(3) Abiding In Jesus brings GLORY to God and proves that we are His disciples. Vs. 8. “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” God is glorified by our service and holy lives.
(2) One last scripture that tells us why we should abide is 1 Jno. 2:15-17.
(1) 2 Pet. 1:3, “We have all things that pertain to life and Godliness.” Therefore, we have all the more reason to ABIDE in our salvation.
(2) Acts 20:32.

Spur - 01/06/2002 pm