Discipleship Devotional Study Guide – Becoming Like Christ – Day 109 – John 15:4-5 – Remain In Me – Growing As Disciples
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:4-5 (NIV)
Remain In You
What would my life look like if I were to remain in you? What would I be doing differently if I were to live a life of continually abiding in you? What has been hindering me from living a life of abiding in you? What would help me to truly live a life of abiding in you? Those are all very good questions. Do you have any answers? I know what not abiding in you looks like. I’m listening. When I let my life become entirely entangled in the frantic pace of life, without any thought of you, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I allow my thoughts and words and actions to go completely unchallenged or uncritiqued by any desire to know and do your will, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I come up with plans and dreams and desires and goals without consulting with you, I am clearly not abiding in you. When I rely solely on my own power and strength to accomplish what is before me, I am clearly not abiding in you. You do understand quite well what not abiding in me looks like on a daily basis. Yes, I do. So, you have gained valuable experience. Knowing the nature of your problem is vital information. Yes, it is. How have you come to understand what not abiding in me looks like? Not on my own, that is for sure. You have revealed to me what life looks like without abiding in you. I’m glad that you have heard me speaking to you. Me too.
Now, let’s go back to one of your previous questions. How will you live your life differently now that you want to abide in me? I will set aside a daily time and place to meet with you. I will make meeting with you the highest priority in my life. I want to know you. I want to love you. I want to follow and serve you. I want to live my life with and for you. I want to live in an intimate relationship with you. I will not allow myself to race though life without hearing from you. I will come to rest in your presence. I will slow down and quiet myself before you, so I can hear from you. I will allow you to teach and train me. I will allow you to mold and shape me. I will allow you to guide me to where you want me to go. I will allow you to give me what you want me to do. I will rely on your power to help me to accomplish your purposes and fulfill your plans. That is very good. Then you will bear fruit for my kingdom and bring glory to my name. Thank you, Lord.
Lord, I don’t want to live a fruitless life. I know apart from you I can do nothing. Daily, I want to remain vitally connected to you. I want your life to flow into my life. I want to live a life of continually abiding in you. I want to bear an abundance of fruit for you. Amen
Key Question… What are some specific habits that have helped you to continue to abide in Christ on a daily basis?
Living It Out… Make it your daily pattern and practice to abide in Christ.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Lord will make you able to bear fruit as you abide in Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how you are continually making it your daily practice to abide in Christ.
Prayer To Bless Others… May you remain in the Lord so you can bear fruit for Him.
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