December 23, 2022 – John 15 – Remain in My Love

Exodus 34, John 15, Ephesians 5

In John 15, we learn that we are a part of Christ, and from him we have life, and in him we grow. He uses the analogy of a vine and branches. He is the vine and we are the branches. We cannot do anything for God in and of ourselves. We have to be a part of Christ to do that. When we try to do anything apart from Christ, we begin to die spiritually.

Think of it this way: you cannot cherish sin and try to serve God. You will only be going through the motions for God. Inside you will be spiritually withering, to the death of your soul if you persist. “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” John15:6NIV

Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” John15:9–10NIV  We have to be intentional about remaining in Christ’s love. That means we cherish our relationship with him. We seek Christ daily in Scripture, in prayer, and in conversation with other believers. We learn his will in this seeking. We submit our lives to his will.

When we faithfully follow Christ, loving him as he loves us, we will be fruitful for God. If we think we are doing anything for God apart from Christ, we are only fooling ourselves. We are merely being religious. “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.” John15:5NIV

Remain in Christ’s love. Pursue your relationship with him daily.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your great love for me. While I was dead in my sins, you loved me, and died for me. Help me to never cherish any sin over you. Help me to grow in my love for you and your great love for me. Amen.