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Encouraging Words

Why we all need to Abide

There are so many promises connected to this “abiding principle.” I will be fruitful if I abide. I will experience all of Christ if I abide. I will be more effective praying if I abide. IF I abide, THEN I will enjoy a productive and rewarding Christian life.

One of my favorite Bible words is “abide.” We were again reminded to abide as we studied 1 John 2 during last night’s Men’s Bible study. There are so many promises connected to this “abiding principle.” I will be fruitful if I abide. I will experience all of Christ if I abide. I will be more effective praying if I abide. IF I abide, THEN I will enjoy a productive and rewarding Christian life. The Life Application Bible Commentary clearly explains why we all need to abide:

ABIDING IN CHRIST: The Greek verb “meno” is rich in meaning. Translated “abide,” “remain in,” “continue in,” or “stay,” the word conveys connection or closeness both in faith and in doctrine. John was saying, “Be intimately attached to Jesus.” In John’s Gospel, this same word appears in the well-known chapter on vines and branches (John 15:1-8). We Christians (the branches) are supposed to “remain” in or “abide” in Christ (the Vine). Abiding in Christ means:

  1. Believing that Jesus is God’s Son (1 John 4:15)
  2. Receiving Jesus as Savior and Lord (John 1:12)
  3. Doing what God says (1 John 3:24)
  4. Continuing to believe the gospel (1 John 2:24)
  5. Relating in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12)

Clearly, Christ provides believers’ spiritual life, health, and nourishment. A failure to “remain in” him will quickly result in a loss of vitality and fruitfulness. Those who drift away from Christ may eventually find themselves embarrassed and afraid at his unexpected return. How would you evaluate your current “abiding”?