Welcome to our new series on Learning to Abide. I’m thrilled to have you embark on this adventure with me as we delve into the profound concept of abiding in the vine and developing a deeper intimacy with God.
This series came from an experience I had at the beginning of the year; during a period of prayer and fasting, the word “Abide” kept coming up within my spirit. I was at the onset of a new season in my life, and I was really examining my life, my relationships, and my walk with the Lord. I felt the Holy Spirit urging me to examine the quality of the spiritual fruit I had produced so far in my life and whether I truly stand as a disciple of Jesus Christ rather than a mere follower. As we go through this series,(also available on Youtube Channel HERE ) I pray you will examine your own life and dare to ask the hard questions about your walk with Christ.
Let’s start by looking at what the word of God says about Abiding.
In John 15:7-8, we encounter these enlightening verses:
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
This passage unveils the significance of abiding. The whole chapter of John 15 gives us a deeper concept of what it means to abide in Christ. When we abide, not only does God receive glory, but we also bear abundant fruit, our desires are granted, and it is in abiding that we are regarded as His disciples.
Drawing from Psalm 91:1-2, we find protection in these words:
“He who dwells in the secret place of the Highest shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in Him I will trust.'”
In John 18:31-32 we get further revelation on how to be free:
“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.'”
John 15:9-11 tenderly reveals,
“As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
The intimate thread of abiding continues in Psalm 37:4:
“Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
And 1 John 3:24 emphasizes:
“Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in Him. And by this, we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.”
Interestingly, in the Gospel of John, attributed to John, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” and the Psalms authored by David prominently touch upon abiding in Christ. Their writings are infused with a profound revelation of God’s love, reflecting their intimate relationships with Him. With these insights in mind, let’s dive into the heart of what it truly means to abide in Christ and His word.
The term “ABIDE” holds such a rich tapestry of meanings —to dwell, to remain, a constant residence, to settle down, to camp out, to cleave to, to stay connected.
It’s essential to grasp that abiding isn’t a sporadic visit, a once-a-week affair like sunday service, or a monthly occurrence. It transcends sporadic interactions. It is not a place you vacation once in a while. Abiding signifies a residency, a citizenship. It echoes the notion that a resident holds rights and ownership in contrast to a visitor. Abiding offers us access to the fullness of God’s provisions—a topic we’ll dive into deeply in future discussions on our authority as believers.
Picture this abiding place as your dwelling, your habitat in Christ. Galatians 2:20 captures it beautifully:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
In abiding you and I must die to ourselves and Christ begins to live in us. We crucify our will , our desires, our dreams, our preferences and we lay them down at His feet.
Charles Spurgeon eloquently captures the essence—coming to Christ is simple, yet abiding requires unwavering commitment. Just like a branch on a vine doesn’t wander around the vineyard or goes over the fence to check out what’s on the other side but it remains connected, we too must learn to abide steadfast with unwavering commitment.
Reflect on how this mirrors our lives. During moments of joy and triumph, our connection with Christ feels strong. However, when life’s challenges strike—pain, illness, relational struggles, financial hardshps, setbacks—we often disconnect and wander in search of our own solutions or someone to save us.
Yet, just as an unattached branch bears no fruit and withers, our lives remain unfruitful until we cease our aimless wandering and truly abide in Christ. Abiding births a fruitful, victorious life, blessing us with answers to prayer. It signifies an intimate connection with our Heavenly Father and Savior, Jesus Christ. It’s an ongoing dwelling in the secret place where we truly come to know God.
John 17:3 encapsulates this beautifully:
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
Eternal life extends beyond avoiding hell; it involves embracing the blessings on Earth and in heaven. But at its core, it’s about cultivating a profound intimacy with God. It’s about abiding in His presence daily , an experience that will continue eternally.
So, as we journey through this series, I encourage you to ask yourself: Are you living in His presence daily? Abiding isn’t a one-time act; it’s a lifestyle of staying connected and dwelling in His love, grace, and truth. Together, let’s uncover the beauty of abiding and explore the depths of God’s abundant provisions. Stay tuned for the next installment as we dive further into this transformative journey of learning to abide.
