Abide In Me | Short Sermon Series

What does it mean to abide? The Greek word for abide used most frequently in the New Testament was menō – μένω. This word is translated as “to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): – continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain.” The definition includes concepts of interpersonal relationships about being in a shared space, but the concept of “staying” is the focus.

”Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” John 15:4

When Jesus commands us to abide, He is inviting us into a personal relationship with Him. He is telling us to make a home in our hearts for Him to stay. And stay not just for a day, but to dwell and remain forever. What a privilege it is that the Lord of all Creation would desire to spend His days in our hearts, how amazing it is that He would pursue us so fervently.

And just in case we aren’t already convinced of why abiding in God would be a thing we should strive towards, Jesus goes a step further to explain why we should abide. The answer is simple – when we abide in Him, we will bear much fruit. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. When we are apart from God, we are unable to hear His voice, and we will be unable to carry out the plans and purposes He has created us for. How can we expect to do great things if we are not drawing from the strength and wisdom of the One who did the greatest things?

May this be your encouragement today to go back to the vine, to make a home for God in your hearts, and to abide in Him just as He abides in you.

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