Blessing of the Land Jerusalem: Abide in Christ - Bible Study Joel, John
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The Lord's presence in Jerusalem is the key to the blessing of the land. Jesus teaches us to '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). Discover how abiding in Christ leads to fruitfulness.
Joel 3:18-21: KEY to Blessing of the Land Jerusalem
18 And it will come to pass in that day
That the mountains shall drip with new wine,
The hills shall flow with milk,
And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water;
A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord
And water the Valley of Acacias.
19 “Egypt shall be a desolation,
And Edom a desolate wilderness,
Because of violence against the people of Judah,
For they have shed innocent blood in their land.
20 But Judah shall abide forever,
And Jerusalem from generation to generation.
21 For I will acquit them of the guilt of bloodshed, whom I had not acquitted;
For the Lord dwells in Zion.” Joel 3:18-21
The Lord's presence in Jerusalem is KEY to the blessing of the land: "...For the Lord dwells in Zion" (Joel 3:21)
As we explore the profound truth that "the Lord dwells in Zion" (Joel 3:21) and Jesus' command to "abide in Me" (John 15:4), take a moment to worship with "What Kind of Man" by Legacy Five. This moving Southern Gospel song asks the essential question: What kind of man would leave the splendor of heaven to walk among sinners, bear our shame, and die on a cross for our redemption?
The answer reveals the heart of our study—Jesus Christ, the true vine, who not only dwells in Zion but invites us into intimate fellowship with Him. Just as the Lord's presence brings blessing to Jerusalem, His presence in our lives produces spiritual fruit when we abide in Him. Let this hymn prepare your heart to understand the depth of Christ's love and the privilege of abiding in His presence daily!
Abide in Me: The Vine and the Branch: John 15:4
Jesus says, "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
This verse is part of the "I Am" discourse in John 15, emphasizing the necessity of dependence on Christ rather than self-effort
Every branch is said to be in Christ. Paul uses the phrase "in Christ" to speak of a Christian's legal and family position as a result of God's grace.
What Does "Abide in Me" Mean? Dwelling in Christ
The emphasis of "in Me" in this passage, however, is on deep, abiding fellowship. (15:2)
From Servants to Friends: Jesus' Purpose for His Disciples (John 15:13-15)
Jesus' purpose was to move His disciples from servants to friends (verses 13-15). This would involve a process of discipline in regard to His commandments.
The Branch Cannot Bear Fruit of Itself: Dependence on the Vine
"not bear fruit": No plant produces fruit instantaneously; fruit is the result of a process. Such is also the case with believers. (verse 2)
The Process of Bearing Fruit: Abiding, Pruning, and Cleansing
Pruning and Cleansing Through the Word (John 15:2-3)
Prunes means "cleanses" the fruit of bugs and diseases. The spiritual counterpart is cleansing which is done through the Word (verse 3).
For the branch to produce more fruit, it must abide, which means to dwell, to stay , to settle in, to sink deeper.
How to Abide in Christ: Obedience and Keeping God's Commandments
The way to abide in Christ is to obey, keep God's Commandments (see 15:10; 1 John 3:24). The believer who livingly obeys the Word of God produces much fruit.
Apart from Christ We Can Do Nothing (John 15:5)
Accomplishing Permanent Spiritual Value Through Abiding
"can do nothing": Apart from Christ, a believer cannot accomplish anything of permanent spiritual value. (verse 5)
Experiencing Christ's Unconditional Love Through Abiding
Abiding in His Love: Understanding Ephesians 3:14-19
Christ loves believers unconditionally (verse 9). But as believers obey Christ's Word and abide in His love, they come to experience and understand His love for them more and more (see Ephesians 3:14-19)
The Connection Between Obedience and Fruitfulness, the Intimate, Dependant Relationship with Christ
When we maintain a close, intimate, dependant relationship with Christ, remaining in Him, like branches on a vine, we shall bear much fruit,(verse 5) for "apart from Him, we can do nothing". (verse 7)
Ask What You Desire: The Promise of John 15:7
7 "If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Bearing Much Fruit Glorifies the Father: Goal of Abiding (John 15:8)
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples." (John 15:7-8)
Practical Application: How to Abide in Christ Daily
Dependence:
Relying on Jesus's power, not your own strength to live a Christian life.
Connection:
Maintaining a Continuous, Abiding, or "Dwelling" relationship, not a temporary one. Abiding involves building a relationship, spending time with Him, reading scripture, prayer, and trust
Fruitfulness:
Bear spiritual fruit, by abiding in Christ, which glorifies the Father and proves one is a disciple.
Obedience:
Remaining in Jesus is maintained through keeping His commandments and walking in love.
Pruning:
God may prune (cut back) areas of a believer's life to increase their fruitfulness and closeness to him
Thank you Jesus! We love you Jesus!