Abiding in Christ (pre-made)

Jesus Christ tells his disciples to abide in him

John 15:4–9 EB:IETMT

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you, except you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me you can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. Herein is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; so shall you be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you: continue in my love.

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NT writers exhort believers to abide in Christ

Colossians 2:6 EB:IETMT

As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him:

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Abiding in Christ depends upon holding on to his teaching

1 John 2:24 EB:IETMT

Let that therefore abide in you, which you have heard from the beginning. If that which you have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, you also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

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It depends on obedience to him

John 15:10 EB:IETMT

If you keep my commandments, you shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.

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It requires living like Jesus Christ

1 John 2:6 EB:IETMT

He that said he abides in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Aids to abiding in Christ

Eating his flesh and drinking his blood

Jn 6:35-40 gives the primary explanation of this verse as being a metaphor of the believer coming in faith to Jesus Christ, “the bread of life”. But the verse also reflects the language of the Lord’s Supper.

The Spirit’s anointing

1 John 2:27 EB:IETMT

But the anointing which you have received of him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him.

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Jesus Christ abides in believers

It is clear that the believer’s “abiding in Christ” and Jesus Christ’s “abiding in him” are closely connected, although the verse does not make their exact relationship clear. Because of Jesus Christ’s indwelling by his Spirit, believers are able to continue to live as his disciples; as they do so, the reality of his indwelling presence is deepened.

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By his Spirit

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By faith

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Results of abiding in Christ

Fruitfulness

The picture of “bearing fruit” may cover many aspects of Christian life but it includes that of developing Christian character, effective Christian service and mission. These result, not from human effort, but from abiding in Christ.

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Answered prayer

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Freedom from persistent sin

John is not saying that Christians are absolutely sinless. He says elsewhere that to claim sinless perfection is to deceive oneself (1Jn 1:8). But when people are born again there is the real possibility of living lives in which sin is not the norm. As believers abide in Christ more deeply, the grip of sin upon their lives is lessened.

Relationship with God the Father

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Confidence in the face of the last day

1 John 2:28 EB:IETMT

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Warnings to those who fail to abide in Christ

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