Abiding in Christ

What does discipleship look like? One word – Abiding.

• Last week – a disciple is a follower of Jesus.

• This week – what does discipleship look like? Something done leads to something seen. John 15:8–9 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.

Abiding – What Discipleship Looks Like (what disciples do – following)

1. Definition: What is it?

2. Motive: Why do it?

3. Means: How do we do it?

4. Result: What it produces?

Definition: What is Abiding?

· The Text – John 15:1-5 The Gospel (context chapter 14 sending of the Spirit)

o v. 1-3 The gospel Justification – reconciled and united to God in Christ.

o v. 4-5 the gospel sanctification – united to God in Christ and growing in his likeness

· Simple Definition – to remain, stay, last, continue… J.C. Ryle explains, “To abide in Christ means to keep up a habit of constant close communion with Him–to be always leaning on Him, resting on Him, pouring out our hearts to Him, and using Him as our Fountain of life and strength, as our chief Companion and best Friend. To have His words abiding in us, is to keep His sayings and precepts continually before our memories and minds, and to make them the guide of our actions and the rule of our daily conduct and behavior.”]

· The question you want to ask is “what do I do to abide?” Not ready for the what

Motive: Why do it?

John 15:9–10 (ESV)9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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.

For those of you who are married – why do you spend time with your spouse? Careful…. Love.

Why do you spend time with your kids? Love

Why do you spend time doing hobbies? You love doing them.

You abide in things you love.

Is it work (effort) or is it love – YES!!! It is both. Love is not effortless.

Means: How do we do it?

1 John 2:6 whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.

Acts 2:42-47 6 things Devoted to…

· Word – John 15:7

· Prayer – John 15:7

· Community – Hebrews 10:24-25

· Service -

· Mission -

· Worship

Result: What it produces?

We end up becoming like our teacher.

Luke 6:40 (ESV)40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.

John 15:16–17 (ESV)16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

Your Next Steps?

Repent, believe…. Chose to follow Jesus.

Thrive

Mark Study

International Neighbors

Ask God what to show you one thing you can do this week that would help you know Jesus better, then obey…

Get involved in community…. If Grace is not the church for you find a church you can get involved in and commit.