Heart Cry: Keep Me Dependent (Jn. 15:5) (Part 3)

Do you see that the idea of abiding includes satisfaction, enjoyment and intimacy?  In the “Westminster Shorter Catechism¹,” question number one reads “What is the chief end of man?”  The answer is, “To glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

The opposite of “abiding” is self-dependence or independence.  In football terms, a player doesn't want to stay with his current team, thinking he can get a better deal, so he files for free agency.  In John 15:5, Jesus warns against the free agency mentality that tempts His disciples.

What is the result of abiding in Jesus?  “ . . . he bears much fruit.”  What is meant by “fruit”?

• The inward fruit is Christian character (Gal. 5:22-23).
• The outward fruit is good works (Psa. 1:3; Mt. 5:16 cf. Jn. 15:8; Tit. 3:14).  
• You were created for good works (Eph. 2:10).
• Jesus expects you to do good works (Jn. 15:16).

1 http://www.reformed.org/documents/wsc/index.html?_top=http://www.reformed.org/documents/WSC.html (accessed 02.18.16)