Main Thought
Jesus commanded us to abide in Him. Abiding requires action. To help us abide, we can do things like read the Bible, pray, and obey God. Yet abiding in God is more than action. It includes our awareness of God in our lives. We can train our thoughts to return to an awareness of His presence. We can remember that He’s with us and that He’s moving in our lives.
Our actions and awareness are united by our aim, or goal. Aiming to abide means learning to live in the love of God. When we learn to live in God's love, His life flows to us. Spiritual fruit grows in us and through us. When we abide in God's love, the life of God (which includes His love and joy) abides in us.
Main Passages
'“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 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. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 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. 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. '
- John 15:1-5 ESV
'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. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. '
- John 15:6-8 ESV
'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 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. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. ' - John 15:9-11 ESV
Discussion Questions
Think about the Main Passages above. What stands out to you most?
When do you find yourself to be most aware of God’s movement in your life?
Abiding in God requires action. What actions help you abide in God most? What can you do to abide in God this week?