Remain & Be Fruitful

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”-John 15:4 New Living Translation

                  It’s interesting to me that many Christians view statements by God in scripture as merely suggestions, rather than commands. ‘Command’ sounds like a ‘Dictator speak’. The difference is that once you’ve tasted the goodness of God and realized the immense implication involved with the forgiveness that has so freely been given to you, you should want to remain with God. The Biblical Theology Study Bible refers to the first sentence above as a “command” that is meant for those already connected to Christ. We and not He are responsible to maintain the vital connection between the Savior and ourselves. Remember, Christ never forces himself upon anyone as implied in Revelation 3:20 where Jesus stands at the door and knocks. He isn’t prone to kicking in your door, but rather it is you who must open the door and invite him in.

                  Once ‘saved’ it is imperative that we maintain our fruitful stature by spending time in prayer, reading & obeying God’s Word, fellowshipping with God’s people and being continually conscious of our connection to Him. We are to maintain our place with God. Some translations use the word ‘abide’, which can mean to “stay where you are”. In other words, maintain a solid personal relationship with the Lord so as not to become non-fruit bearing.

The main reason we must stay attached to the vine is to draw on its life and nourishment. If a person has no source to sustain them, they will never bear fruit. In fact, they will shrivel and die. The relationship we have with the Lord is meant to last forever. It’s not just when we need Him, but whether we need Him or not. Take your relationship with God very seriously. The Lord should always be in the forefront of your mind, not a last resort when all else fails. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Biblical Theology Study Bible; NIV Study Bible Notes, Fully Revised Edition; Reformation Study Bible; Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament; Believer's Bible Commentary.