Joyfully Abiding for the Glory of God
John 15:1-11
Jesus, speaking to His disciples in John 15, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 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. 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Some may think that being a Christian is dull and boring. That you must give up everything that is desirable and accept a life devoid of excitement and joy. After all, there are verses like Luke 9:23 that state, “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” That certainly doesn’t sound joyful!
But nothing could be further from the truth. When you deny yourself – deny your right to seek satisfaction in your own strength – and embrace abiding in the True Vine, the joy of Jesus will be in you, and your joy will be full! (John 15:11) Jesus promises that he has not come to steal, kill, or destroy but in order that we might have life and have it to abundance! (John 10:10)
On top of this, when we find our joy in Jesus by abiding in His love, He will bear much fruit through us, proving us to be His disciples. And this brings glory to both Jesus and His Father! (John 15:8)
You make known to me the path of life;
in your presence there is fullness of joy;
at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 16:11
