Abiding in Christ
J. Benson. John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can you… I. TO WHOM THE COMMAND IS GIVEN. To those who are already in Him. 1. We are at first in nature, possessed merely of the powers of nature, as understanding, will, affections; but we must be in grace, which raises us above nature, purifies all our faculties, and directs them to a proper end. 2. We are naturally in the flesh influenced and governed by the body, its appetites, and senses (Genesis 6:5; John 3:5, 6). We must be in the Spirit under the influence and government of His motions and graces. 3. We are naturally in Belial (Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 5:18); inspired, deceived, deluded, corrupted by him; but we must be in Christ. 4. How? (1) By the knowledge of Him (Philippians 3:8); (2) by faith in Him; (3) love to Him; (4) an interest in Him (Philippians 3:9). II. WHAT THIS COMMAND IMPLIES. 1. It implies that we are to retain this knowledge, faith, love, interest, union with Christ; which may be lost (Colossians 1:23; John 15:9, 10; Romans 11:22; Hebrews 10:38). Now, we retain these — (1) When we abide in Him in our thoughts; not only thinking highly of Him, but having our thoughts stayed upon Him. (2) When our desires, our designs, our will, both in its choice and resolution, and our affections, are set upon these things. (3) When we dwell upon them in our conversation, and manifest that we love Him, and cleave to Him in our behaviour. 2. To illustrate this: we must abide in Christ, as a branch in a tree, which is supported by it, adheres to it, grows in it, and becomes verdant and fruitful by the virtue derived from it; as a hand in a body, from which it receives its warmth, life, activity, and usefulness; as a man slayer in the city of refuge, for he would be safe only while abiding in the consecrated city; so we are in danger of being overtaken by the curse and wrath of God, unless we have fled to Christ and continue in Him; as a besieged citizen in a garrison, for we are surrounded and attacked by various enemies; as passengers in a ship, for we are on the sea of this world, tossed with the winds and waves, proceeding on our voyage for the port of eternal bliss, and our safety depends on being in the ship. III. THE PROMISE MADE TO THOSE THAT KEEP IT; AND THE ADVANTAGES RESULTING THEREFROM. 1. Christ will abide in us — (1) By His word, teaching, instructing, directing, strengthening, supporting, encouraging, comforting us (Romans 15:4). (2) By His Spirit, in His witness as a Spirit of adoption, and in His fruits, which are "love, joy, peace," etc. (Romans 8:15; Galatians 5:22, 23). (3) By the efficacy of His body and blood (John 6:56, 57). (4) By His indwelling presence, as our "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). (5) By permitting us to have followship with Him (Revelation 3:20). 2. Hence we shall have pardon, acceptance, adoption, safety, access. All our prayers shall be heard (ver. 7; Mark 11:24). We shall abound in the fruits of righteousness (ver. 5, 6; 2 Corinthians 9:8). IV. HOW WE MAY BE ENABLED TO KEEP THE COMMAND. 1. By abiding in a belief of His word, and holding fast all the doctrines, precepts, promises, and threatenings of the Scripture. By continuing to attend the ordinances, public, domestic, social, and private. 2. By guarding against hypocrisy, formality, and lukewarmness, in the use of all ordinances, and maintaining sincerity, spirituality, and fervour therein. 3. By conscientiously keeping His commandments, carefully shunning sins of commission and omission, and whatever is calculated to grieve His Spirit. 4. By guarding against an evil heart of unbelief (Hebrews 3:12), and "holding fast our confidence." By guarding against the love of this present world. (J. Benson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. WEB: Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.