The Joy of Abiding in Jesus
ICS Daily Devotions
3 John 1:3-4 (NKJV) For I rejoiced greatly when brethren came and testified of the truth that is in you, just as you walk in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.
Nothing brings more joy to a pastor than witnessing the spiritual growth of church members. We are incredibly blessed when we walk in truth rather than away from it. In fact, life will be a complete mess when we live as carnal Christians and do not walk in truth. We will be no different from the people of the world, using our own strength to succeed rather than trusting God for His provision of material goods, jobs, and wisdom. If we operate under the world’s system instead of walking in light and the truth, we will pierce ourselves with many sorrows. Christian values and principles and the world stand in stark contrast to each other. We cannot mock God and sow in the flesh yet expect to reap everlasting life. Instead, we will reap corruption when we sow in the flesh (Galatians 6:8).
The only way to walk in truth is to abide in Christ and His Word. We cannot desire to walk in truth without living a consecrated life. Our love for the Heavenly Father and what Jesus has done to redeem us should cause us to respond by living our lives to glorify Him.
John 15:7-12 (NKJV) If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
One of the many ways we can glorify God through our lives is by bearing much fruit—fruit of the Holy Spirit. Then, all people will know that we are Christ’s disciples. The people in the world will see Christlikeness in us when we are filled with joy, peace, and love, and when we are gracious, kind, gentle and forgiving, good, faithful, and have self-control.
Abiding in Christ means living a consecrated life, where we consult Him and spend quality time with Him and His Word, and He, in turn, guides us through His Word. Jesus has promised us that when we abide in Him, not only will our prayers be answered, but our joy will be in full.
Sermon Series: Prospering In All Things
