I’ve been reading the book of John recently with a particular focus on Jesus’ commands. Today’s command compelled me to dig further.
“Abide in Me…”
John 15:4 (NLT)
Three words that likely summarize the entirety of a believer’s call, but can seem so broad, perhaps even vague. But today, the Lord brought the practicality of His command in focus, and I had to share.
In the Strong’s, the definition for “abide” is, “to stay (in a given place, state, relation, or expectancy).” Immediately, the Holy Spirit opened my understanding to view Jesus’ three-Word command as a call to focus on four fulfilled promises.
“Stay in a GIVEN PLACE in Me.”
“Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”
Romans 5:2 (NLT)“…As a result, He has brought you into His own presence…”
Colossians 1:22 (NLT)
“Stay in a GIVEN STATE in Me.”
“…and you are holy and blameless as you stand before Him without a single fault.”
Colossians 1:22 (NLT)“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT)
“Stay in a GIVEN RELATION in Me.”
“So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.”
Romans 5:11 (NLT)“Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you His heir.”
Galatians 4:7 (NLT)
“Stay in a GIVEN EXPECTANCY in Me.”
“This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began.”
Titus 1:2 (NLT)“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)
You see, by telling His disciples to “abide,” the Lord is saying: “Stay in this place of undeserved privilege. Stay in My Presence, where My Blood has brought you. Continue to believe that you are righteous—yes, holy and blameless before Me without a single fault! Don’t forget who I’ve made you to be—a child, an heir, My friend. And hope always in Me—in every promise I’ve written in my Word and spoken to your heart. ABIDE IN ME!”
When we do, He promises to abide in us and make us fruitful. The latter doesn’t come without the former. So, let’s focus on what is ours to do—to stay in our GIVEN place, in our GIVEN relation, in our GIVEN state, and in our GIVEN expectancy. Let us abide in Him!
