Abiding

Before we start looking into abiding, we first have to understand what abiding means. Dictionary.com defines abiding as, continuing without change; enduring; steadfast. The Greek word for abiding is menó, meaning to stay, abide, remain. Now that we have that out of the way, let look abiding.

What I have come across about abiding is that the apostle John spoke a lot about this subject. John starts in 1 john 1 with fellowship. Did you know that the word fellowship is mentioned 4 times in 1 John 1? Do you think it is a coincidence that the enemy wants you to focus on 1 John 1:8 (sin), rather than fellowship with God? That is not done by accident. What you focus on is what you become. John goes from fellowship in 1 John 1, to abiding mentioned 10 times in 1 John 2, 5 times mentioned in 1 John 3 and 5 times mentioned in 1 John 4.

Lets’ together look at the scriptures that mention fellowship in 1 John 1 and abiding in 1 John 2 to get an understanding of John’s heart as he wrote these scriptures. 1 John 1:³ that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 1 John 1:⁶ If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. Fellowship is very important to have with one another and fellowship with Father and Jesus.

Now that we looked at fellowship, let’s together look at abiding. 1 John 2:⁶ He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. 1 John 2:¹⁰ He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause for stumbling in him. 1 John 2:¹⁴ I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:¹⁷ And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:²⁴ Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. 1 John 2:²⁷ But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. ²⁸ And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. I think you get the jest of abiding.

Sin came into the world to break up our relationship with Father. Today, Jesus paid the price for what kept us in this separated state, to join us to Himself and Father so we can abide in them. Interesting that in the gospel of John, he wrote what Jesus’ prayer is for all believers that we can all abide in both Jesus and Father. John 17:²⁰ “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; ²¹ that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ²² And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: ²³ I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Jesus spoke about abiding this way in John 15. John 15:⁵ “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 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. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Be Blessed my friends