Jesus shared some amazing things on the subject of dwelling in John 15. He uses the picture of a vine, its branches and the fruit. Jesus is the True Vine and His Father is the Vine dresser. We, of course, are the branches.
In verses 4-5 He talks about dwelling. "Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you [You could use live instead of dwell - same meaning]. Just as no branch can bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in Me. ... Whoever lives in Me and I in him bears much (abundant) fruit. However, apart from Me [cut off from vital union with Me] you can do nothing."
That "vital union" to the vine is essential. The vine is the source of life and everything else of any value. Obviously, no fruit can be produced if there is no source to supply life.
Jesus expands on the promise in verse 7. "If you live in Me [that vital union] and My words remain in you and continue to live in your heart, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you."
If:
-Abide in Me
-My words remain in you
-My words continue to live in your hearts
Then:
-Ask what you will - it will be done!
By looking at this promise it is easy to see that there are three conditions to meet. They are each related to each other. Study these three things and spend time thinking about how you can do them. What will promote each of these aspects of dwelling? It is God and His power that allows you to abide in Him. There are, however, things you can do to move in and excel in abiding in Him. Other activities will hinder and rob you of the blessings of abiding.
Meet these conditions and experience the wonderful promise - ask whatever you will and it will be done!
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True story Dave. I enjoyed reading this brother. Good job. I made mention of this Scripture in my own blog. (Just a mention, however.) You covered it quite nicely.
ReplyDeleteI can't even fathom being cut off from the vine, can you?
Have a great day Dave,
Jim