Abiding In Jesus Is Imperative
Or
Not Abiding Has Eternal Consequences
Sunday Feb. 26, 2023
Scripture To Consider:
“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 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. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.”
“I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him [or her], bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he [or she] is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”
“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. 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.” John 15.1-11
Something To Consider:
In our text today Jesus was pressing the point that as believers it is imperative that we abide in Him and that His words abide in us. For as the true vine, Jesus is our main source, our direct connection to the life- giving power and cleansing ability of the Word of God.
Abiding in Jesus is imperative if we are to bear the fruit of His Spirit. One thing is for sure, without our abiding in Jesus we can do nothing of any real spiritual value. One thing that may not be as sure of is the interpretation of verse six. Jesus proclaimed, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he [or she] is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.”
More recent commentaries claim that the fire is not speaking of eternal judgment, but rather of a burning up of the believer’s works. Whereas earlier commentary writers such as Matthew Henry, 1622-1714, John Brown of Haddington Scotland, 1722-1787, and John Wesley, 1703-1791, see this verse as speaking more to having eternal ramifications.
This thought would seem also to be more in line with the words of John the Baptist spoken in Matthew 3.10, “And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” If nothing else this difference in interpretation raises a serious thought- provoking question.
Something Else To Consider:
Why is it that the average person does not appear to be concerned about the eternal ramifications of his or her earthly life decisions? And worse, why are not more religious leaders not more concerned about the eternal ramifications of the decisions of those in their care?
The writer of Proverbs 14.12 explained the lack of concern of many with these words, “There is a way that seems right unto a man [woman or young person], but the end is the way of death.” In other words, the majority of the human race are not considering the eternal ramifications of our decisions or lack of our decisions. Therefore, abiding in Jesus is not imperative to them. How sad is that commentary!
But, not abiding in Jesus and His words, have eternal consequences! According to 2 Corinthians 4.4; “The god of this world [Satan] has blinded the minds of those who do not believe.” Therefore, many are living lives that are contradictive to the Word of God. Are we guilty of being blind to the devices of the enemy? Or have we prayed and received the spiritual gift of discernment? This is not rocket science! It is a matter of being concerned about eternal issues before it is too late.
Something More To Consider:
There is a question that must be asked concerning apparent contradictions in bible interpretations. What is the end result of our teaching each of the different bible interpretations or difference of thought and or positions held concerning bible interpretations?
Where do certain teachings lead a person, a group, a church, a nation, or future generations of believers? Do those teachings strengthen our resolve for a closer more abiding life in Christ? Therefore, our abiding in Jesus is imperative, just as not abiding in Jesus has certain serious eternal spiritual consequences, whether the truth of those consequences is taught by so-called religious hirelings or not.
According to the apostle Paul and his admonition to true believers found in Titus 2.12; “Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the present world [or present age].” Paul continued by further stating, “Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” And yet, that appearing according to Jesus Himself, will not take place until immediately after the coming end time tribulation.
The apostle Paul further explained, speaking of our God and Savior Jesus Christ; “Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” But it begins with our believing that abiding in Jesus is imperative! It continues by our believing the truth Jesus and other biblical scribes gave their earthly lives that we could read and believe the written and preserved Word of God.
A Few Final Words:
Therefore, we must fully understand that not abiding in Jesus and in His Word, has eternal consequences according to Jesus and these other first century chosen by God holy men moved by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Do not believe so-called religious appointed by men leaders as they falsely propagate a once saved always doctrine of demons or a pre-tribulation rapture escape plan.
If we do not abide in Jesus Christ of whom is the living Word of God, and or continue in Christ’s teachings we will be cut off and burned in the eternal fire of hell! Therefore, we must study to show ourselves approved unto God and desirous of living holy lives while enduring to the end of our lives or unto the end of this age as according to Jesus.
As spiritual leaders and or leaders in training, it is eternally imperative that we learn to abide in Jesus, especially as we draw closer to His coming again in great glory. For according to Jesus, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He [or she] who abides in Me, and I in him [or her], bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Prayer:
Our Father in heaven, guide us to the truth of Your Word by the Holy Spirit of truth. Create in us a passion for the truth and for abiding in Christ. Help us to fully understand that the decisions we make or refuse to make in this earthly life have serious consequences. Help us to forever behold Jesus Christ as being full of grace and full of truth. In Him Always, Amen!
According to Jesus 