Proof Text: John 15:5
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5
Jesus’ instruction for us to remain in Him is not mere words or just a saying; it is an instruction to partnership, a partnership that yields good fruit. We can only yield fruit when we remain in the Vine.
Obedience to God’s instruction shows that we believe what He has spoken.
Since we say we are a part of Jesus, that is, co-heirs with Him, we must behave like Jesus. We cannot produce good fruit outside of the Vine. We must remain. How do we remain in the Vine? To remain in the Vine is to be transformed and purified by Jesus through His Word and by His Spirit.
As Prophet T.B. Joshua said, “To remain with Jesus is to remain with the Holy Spirit.” Many of us today hunger to live godly lives and to be Jesus’ disciples.
Therefore, Jesus has given us an instruction: “Remain in Me.” Remaining in Jesus is obeying His instructions and commands. The more we remain in Him, the more we look like Him. As we are transformed, we yield fruit that indeed proves that we are His disciples, because our lives preach a better sermon than our lips. All that He requires of us is obedience to His Word, instructions and commands.
If we want to grow, we must obey Jesus’ instructions and commands. We must be willing to put aside our desires and wants so that we can receive what He is ready to give us. People of God, Jesus did not just give us an instruction in righteousness; by giving us the Holy Spirit, He provided a way to aid us in fulfilling that instruction. Indeed, He did not leave us as orphans without help.
People of God, remember Jesus’ instruction today: “Remain in Me.” The reward of our heart’s desires being granted—I mean, desires that are aligned with God’s will—is for those who remain, not for those who only come to Him when they are in need of something.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I repent of my ways. I have treated You as a stranger. Have mercy on me and give me the grace to remain in You. Help me to draw closer to You. I want to know You more. I want to be Your friend. In Jesus’ name. Amen!