Scripture to Read: John 15:5–6
Abiding in Christ is what every believer must choose to do daily. It means we choose to live our lives fully for Him, knowing life and fruit-bearing is only possible through Him. Jesus said it like this in John 15:5–6: “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” It’s humbling to realize that we can accomplish nothing of eternal significance apart from our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the One who has given us the talents we have, the spiritual gifts we need to serve Him, and the opportunities to accomplish the works He has for us to do (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4–7, Ephesians 2:10, & Titus 3:8). Jesus made it clear that anyone who desires to bear fruit for Him must abide in Him. Those who choose not to abide in Christ and think they can please God on their own only appear to be disciples. These people may even have an impressive way about them, but they never really abide in Jesus. They might be able to fool all the people around them, much like Judas Iscariot had the other eleven disciples, but they are dead on the inside. Those without Christ will be cast out of His presence for eternity, so let’s be diligent to lead others to Him.
Challenge & Application
• Why can’t we do anything of eternal significance apart from Christ?
• How are you abiding in Christ each day?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!