Getting Real with God

Read John 14:19-15:17

"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." John 15:5 

Receiving the Spirit and Abiding in Christ

Jesus’ words in this passage are filled with comfort, challenge, and hope. He promises the Holy Spirit to be with us forever.  This is not distant or temporary help – this is God Himself dwelling within believers, guiding, teaching, and reminding us of everything Jesus has spoken.  The Spirit of Truth in us a remarkable truth to ponder!  The Spirit is our constant companion, equipping us to live in a world that misunderstands and rejects God’s ways.

Jesus connects our love for Him with obedience: “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me.” (Jn 14:21) Love is not merely a feeling; it’s demonstrated in faithful obedience to Jesus, in living according to God’s truth.   This is a relational promise: the closer we abide in Christ, the more we experience His presence and guidance.  This is good for us and to be desired!

Jesus also uses the image of the vine and branches to explain our dependence on Him. A branch apart from the vine can bear no fruit – it withers.  Similarly, apart from Jesus, we can accomplish nothing pleasing to God (Jn 15:5).  Remaining in Jesus means staying connected through prayer, Scripture, and obedience or as Paul puts it “keeping in step with the Spirit” (Gal 5:16).  It’s through this connection that our lives bear fruit, glorifying God and reflecting His love to the world.

Finally, Jesus calls us His friends and commands us to love one another as He has loved us.  This love is other person centred, sacrificial, active, and intentional.  The Holy Spirit empowers us to put sin to death, to love, to obey, and bear God honouring lasting fruit, that is, a righteous life, even in a hostile world.

Today, we can rest in this assurance: we’re chosen, loved, and equipped. The Spirit lives in us, connecting us to Jesus our vine, and God’s glorified through our fruitfulness.  Our duty is to remain in Jesus, actively fleeing from sin and actively perusing and desiring what Jesus loves and desires.  Relying on the Spirit’s strength and guidance every step of the way.

Even in uncertainty or difficulty, His presence in us ensures we’re never alone, and His joy will be made complete in us.

Ian