Today’s text shows the significant importance of remaining in Christ, who is the true vine, resulting in bearing good fruit. The branches that abide and bear fruit demonstrate true Christians whereas those that do not remain represent the apostates who followed Christ superficially. In the context of the text, Jesus and his disciples are in the upper room when he warns there would be one among them that will not abide in him, namely Judas Iscariot. This is said to expose his separation from Christ and fruitlessness and as a warning to all those that claim to abide in him.
Abiding faithfully in Christ begins by remaining in his word. Abiding in his word means to read it, study it, meditate on it, and obey it. In other words, the one that abides in God’s word approaches it with a purpose to absorb it and live by it and therefore bear much fruit.
Abiding faithfully in Christ is not passive, but active. Scripture has many commands to be active. In today’s text, Jesus gives an imperative because he personally called out his disciples and warns against not remaining in him. Passivity leads many to be tempted to remain in the things of the world rather than Christ. Jesus is not begging people to remain and not walk away. Rather, he commands his disciples to abide in him by actively enduring through the pruning process (i.e., suffering, persecution, trials) so that they might bear more fruit (v. 2). God works through the lives of his people to refine them and help them overcome all things as they faithfully abide in him.
Abiding faithfully in Christ bears fruit. As true disciples of Christ cannot be carnal Christians, they also cannot lack fruit. “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:18-20). So, those that bear fruit are evidence of remaining in Christ as he abides in them (v. 5).
Bearing fruit is produced through action (i.e., good works) and heart attitude. Attitude fruit will lead to action fruit as the Holy Spirit transforms the hearts of the Christian. The attitude fruit is the fruit of the Spirit, which is “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (Gal. 5:22-23). Loving Christ results in abiding in him, which produces both attitude and action fruit.
Abiding faithfully in Christ means loving him. Jesus Christ demonstrated his own love toward us by laying down his life for his disciples. Christian, do you love Christ in the same manner? Do you continue in your love for Christ by abiding in him? There is no middle ground. People will love or hate Christ. They will abide or not remain in him.
Abiding faithfully in Christ comes with many blessings. God blesses those that remain in Christ the gift of eternal life, answered prayers, and complete joy (v. 11).
To love Christ is to continue to remain in him. In all things, Christians are commanded to be faithful as he is faithful. Are we abiding in Christ? There is always room to grow in our love and faith in Christ; therefore, let us examine our hearts to abide in him.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
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