I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE

JOHN 15:5

"I am the vine, you the branches. He (she) who abides in Me, and I in him (her), bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.

There's one important word I want to look at in this passage because I believe it's the key to the whole verse. It is abide.

The Greek word spoken by Jesus was menōn μένων and it's literal meaning is dwelling, belonging to one, as in property ownership. In this sense, we can say, if we claim ownership to Christ, He will claim ownership of us.

But I want to focus on the dwelling concept.

"If you dwell (live) in Me, I will dwell (live) in you."

Let's back up for just a minute and remember our study from the beginning, the very first thing John says is, "In the beginnin was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. Notice he reiterates that the Word was with God emphasizing importance, and that the Word is a He. We established in that section of our study that The Word is Jesus. The Word as written is Holy Scripture.

Now we come to our current study and Jesus' admonition to remain in Him, for apart from Him we can do nothing.

Who is Jesus?

The Word. Son of God. He who came to earth, wore our flesh, walked among us, bore our sins, and was crucified in our place. He who was with God from the beginning.

How do we remain in Him?

In the Word. Daily reinforcement in the Scriptures . Putting on the full armor of God to take our stand against the devil's schemes Phil. 6.

How does the Word keep us attached to the vine producing fruit?

We are reminded of John 14:26 - But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. We are never alone. When we commit to following Jesus, we take up our cross daily and go where He leads, by His power, we are more than able to accomplish His purposes.

Father, we are not worthy of Your love, but You have given it freely because You first loved us. You created us at will, You lead us in paths of righeousness. We confess all our sins and repent of them, emptying ourselves of self. Thank You for loving us and filling us with Your Spirit and allowng us to abide in You through Jesus Christ our Savior. We humbly offer ourselves to You, a living sacrifice, to do as You will. Here are we, Lord, send us. In Your most treasured name we pray, amen.

With Love,

Mama Anne