A Study of the commands from our Lord, Jesus the Christ


Week 32, July 4th

The term "redux" is an adjective which means brought back. We first visited the command "Abide in Me" during week 7.

So why bring it back this week?

It really is a combination of events. The first was in preparation for the Scottsdale Bible Church's Cactus Amigos Men's group discussion about "Abide in Me" I re-read week 7. I also listened to Tom Shrader's mp3 about what Christ wrote to the Church of Sardis, (see Revelation 3:1 (NASB)) This church is often referred to as the "Dead Church". Jesus reminds them to remember what they had received and heard; and to keep it, and repent. (see verse 3)

Was this a coincidence? What was the Holy Spirit trying to tell me? Did I need to wake up and remember what I had received? Was I obeying the command to "Abide in me"?

This command is found in John 15:4 (NASB)

The Greek word that Jesus used is "menō" , Strong's Number G3306, which occurs 118 times in 102 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB.

Strong defines ménō as: a primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for), × thine own.

The command was given to the disciples in the Upper Room. Jesus had just told them they were clean because of the word he had spoken to them (see verse 3).

Don't miss this, the disciples are "clean" or pure and the rest of the chapter will be about remaining clean and pure by abiding in Christ.

Here is the take away for this week. The evidence that you are obeying the command to "Abide in Me" is the fruit you produce (see John 15:5 (NASB)).

And producing "fruit" glorifies GOD (see John 15:8 (NASB)). and proves that you are a disciple of Christ. Last week, we were commanded to let our light shine in such a way that men would give glory to GOD. So if you are producing "fruit", you are letting your light shine and the "fruit" glorifies GOD.

The question then becomes what is this "fruit" we are to bear?

The Greek word for fruit which Jesus used is "karpos", Strong's Number G2590, which occurs 66 times in 56 verses in the Greek concordance of the NASB and means that which originates or comes from something, an effect, result.

The most famous example of what "fruit" is can be found in Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB) where the Apostle Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit:
-Love
-Joy
-Peace
-Patience or Long Suffering
-Kindness
-Goodness
-Faithfulness
-Gentleness or Meekness
-Self-control

Note all of these fruits are the results of the Spirit of GOD dwelling within you. Remember, they are demonstrated actions. You are able to perform them because you are part of the vine (see John 15:4 (NASB)).

When we remember the words that Jesus has spoken to us through His word and obey His commandments we are obeying the commandment to "Abide in Him". When we "Abide in Him", we will bear much fruit. And we will glorify the Father.

Our salvation is assured through the finished work of Jesus. For us, his disciples, the daily act of bearing much fruit is simply a way of letting the light of the Holy Spirit shine before men. Now go and let the Fruit of the Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control) shine.

If you have any other questions for me please send me an email.

The tour continues next week with a look at the command: "Have Faith in GOD".

Return to:
"and teaching them to obey... Main"

"Weekly Entries - Table of Contents"

"Top of Page"