In Him
Learning to stay in Him. Jesus tells us how in John 15:4-7 “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
except you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches, he that abides in Me,
and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit, for without Me you can do nothing. If a
man abide not in Me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered and men gather
them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My
words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you”. Paul says
in Acts 17:28 “for in Him we live, and move, and have our being: as certain also of your
own poets have said, for we are also His offspring”. We are told to “put off the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your
mind; and that you put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). This shows us that we have a choice in the
matter. We are told “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God that
you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your
reasonable service (Romans 12:1). Everyday we many choices which either abide in
Him or go to the flesh. Romans 8:1-2 says “there if therefore now no condemnation to
them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the
law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and
death”. Verse 6-8 “for to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is
life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot
please God”. Galatians 5:16 says “this I say then, walk in the Spirit and you shall not
fulfill the lust of the flesh”, verses 19-21 lists the works of the flesh, and verses 22-24
lists the fruit of the Spirit. Examine yourselves to see where you are. Psalms 37:5-7a
“commit your way to the Lord Yahweh, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.
And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your judgment as the
noonday. Rest in the Lord Yahweh, and wait patiently for Him”.
Building any relationship takes an effect on both parties, God has provided all from His
side (II Corinthians 1:20) “for all the promises of God in Him are yea, and in Him amen,
to the glory of God by us”. We are told to “humble yourselves therefore under the
mighty hand of God that He may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you”, however, some people put some things in His hand, but hold
back other things. Humbling yourself means putting your will aside and doing His will.
The Bible tells us “how can two walk together unless they be the same”.
God has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the
kingdom of His dear Son. In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the
forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14), but we have to abide there. God never
leaves us or forsakes us, but people leave Him all the time. You leave Him by walking
in the flesh, trying to do things your own way, instead of following God’s word on it.
Colossians 2:6-7 “As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk you
in Him. Rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been
taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving”. The Bible tells us that we are complete
in Him, which is the head of all principality and power. In whom also you are
circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the
sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ. Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also
you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised Him
from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh,
has He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses” (Colossians 2:
10-13).
Ephesians 6:10-18 is the key, “finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the
power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand
against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God,
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand
therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of
righteousness. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery
darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit,
which is the word of God. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit
and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints”. We have to
remember “it is not by power, nor by might, but by My Spirit says the Lord Yahweh”.
Sermon by: Harriet Bond
Date: May 11, 2007