“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. “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. 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. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. “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. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command”.- John 15:1-14
How Does God Remain in Us?
How Can We Remain in God?
Questions to ask ourselves about remaining in Christ:
Do I spend time in God’s word even when I don’t feel like it? Or do I just go to it when I am in need or when things are good?
When I sin, do I run away from Him or hide behind busyness, forgetfulness, or addictions? Or do I run to Him, confident I can approach the throne of grace with boldness to receive grace and mercy?
When I am facing trials, do I give myself grace in pain, and permission to ask God difficult questions while ultimately resting in His sovereignty, knowing it is grounded in goodness?
Do I converse with God throughout the day? Whether I am asking for wisdom, a guard over my mouth, or expressing gratitude. Or again do I just ignore or go to God when it benefits me?
Do I care more about what others think or more about what God thinks of me? Am I living my life to please others or to please God?
How am I doing at caring for others that God has placed in my life?
Is the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—increasing in my inner life?
Am I spending time alone with God? Am I able to be still and silent in His presence? Am I experiencing the joy and peace of the Lord in my life?
Remain in Christ
Remain in Christ
Remain in Christ
Remain in Christ