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

Week 7, January 11th

It is a simple command: "Abide in me, and I in you." 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.

Jesus commands his disciples to "abide" in him in John 15:4 (NASB) and then to "abide" in his love in John 15:9 (NASB)

You need to read this entire passage to understand WHY Jesus is commanding his disciples to: "ABIDE in me" and "ABIDE in my love" (see John 15:1-9 (NASB) )

First, understand the context of this passage. In chapter 14 of the Gospel of John, Jesus explained to his disciplies that he is the ONLY way to the Father (see John 14:6 (NASB)). In fact, Jesus states: “He who has seen Me has seen the Father;” (see John 14:9 (NASB))

As your tour guide, I would like to point out Jesus is telling his disciples He is GOD! And this is not a new concept, this is something Jesus has stated before: I and the Father are ONE! (see John 10:30 (NASB) ). The Pharisees understood what Jesus was saying; For this reason they took up stones to kill Jesus because Jesus said he is GOD. (see John 10:31 (NASB) )

So now, we get to chapter 15 and what have we learned?

Jesus is GOD! (see John 14:9 (NASB) and John 10:30 (NASB) )

And what does GOD, the vinedresser, desire from us?
To bear more fruit. (see John 15:2 (NASB) )

Why are we to bear fruit?
Because it glorifies GOD. (see John 15:8 (NASB) )

What happens when we don’t bear fruit?
We are taken away (see John 15:2 (NASB) ) and thrown in the fire and destroyed. (see John 15:6 (NASB) )

How do we bear much fruit?
Abiding in Jesus. (see John 15:5 (NASB) )

How can we know Jesus abides in us?
Keep his commandments. (see 1 John 3:24 (NASB) )

What are the benefits?
Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (see John 15:7 (NASB) )

Any Questions? Sure there are. That is why next week's topic is the command from our LORD: "Believe Me". Until then practice abiding in Jesus.

HOW? If Jesus is abiding in you, then you MUST be abiding in Him. And you KNOW you are abiding in HIM when you are keeping his commands.

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

The tour continues next week with a look at the command: "Believe Me".

Return to: "and teaching them to obey"