Remain - Week 3
Week 3 Recap:
Remaining in Christ: A Life Set Apart
Introduction: Life as a follower of Jesus often feels like walking a narrow path, balancing the joys of God’s grace and the challenges of living in a world that doesn’t always share our values. John 15 and 16 paint a vivid picture of what it means to remain in Christ, emphasizing the vital connection between the believer and the Savior. As we unpack these chapters, we’ll explore the call to remain in Christ, the cost of discipleship, and the transformative power of abiding in His love.
The Invitation to Remain in Christ: John 15 opens with Jesus’s beautiful metaphor of the vine and branches, illustrating our need to stay connected to Him. Remaining in Christ is not a passive endeavor but an active, daily commitment. Jesus reminds us that apart from Him, we can do nothing of eternal value. By staying connected, we allow God to prune the unfruitful parts of our lives, preparing us to bear abundant fruit. This pruning process may feel painful, but it’s an act of love from the divine Gardener. When we trust God’s work in us, we become more effective witnesses to His power and grace.
An Opportunity to Invite and Witness: As the holiday season approaches, it provides a natural opportunity to invite others to experience the love of Christ. Christmas is a time when people, even those unfamiliar with faith, are drawn to the songs and traditions that speak of hope and joy. Jesus’s command to love one another extends to sharing the gospel with those around us. Whether it’s a neighbor, colleague, or family member, consider how you might invite them to church or into a conversation about faith.
Loving Like Jesus: A Risky Command: Jesus’s call to love is both beautiful and challenging. Loving others, especially those who oppose or misunderstand us, often feels countercultural. However, as John 15:12-13 reminds us, love is central to discipleship. True love, as modeled by Christ, isn’t about acceptance of sin but about seeking the best for others in alignment with God’s truth. This kind of love invites opposition. As Jesus warned, the world may hate us for following Him, but this rejection is ultimately directed at Him, not us.
Living in the World, Not of It: As Christians, we are called to live in the world while remaining distinct from its values. This balance requires discernment, repentance, and constant realignment with Christ. When we try to straddle both worlds, we face conflict. Remaining in Christ means prioritizing His ways over worldly allurements. This decision brings clarity and peace, even amidst challenges. Repentance becomes a regular practice as we turn from worldly distractions and re-center our lives on Jesus.
Bearing Fruit That Lasts: Jesus chose us to bear fruit that will last (John 15:16). This fruit isn’t about temporary successes but eternal impacts—lives transformed by God’s love through us. As we remain in Christ, He equips us to love sacrificially, serve faithfully, and share the gospel boldly. Our connection to Christ fuels this fruit-bearing. Without Him, we lack the power and wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. With Him, we find strength to persevere and purpose to thrive.
Conclusion: Remaining in Christ is a lifelong journey marked by love, sacrifice, and transformation. It requires daily reliance on His power, intentional acts of love, and a willingness to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel. As we look ahead to the Christmas season, let us embrace opportunities to invite others into this life-giving connection with Christ. Let’s live boldly, love sacrificially, and bear fruit that points the world to the Savior. Jesus’s words in John 15:17 resonate powerfully: “This is what I command you: Love one another.” May we live out this command with courage and grace.
