Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Does Not Abide In Me (LS38)

           'Last Sermon of Jesus'

John 15:6 "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."
   Who are these who do not abide in the vine and are cast out into the eternal fire?

Seed Sown by the Wayside
Mat 13:19 "When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside."
    These are the ones who heard that Jesus the Son of God can heal all diseases, especially in evangelistic meetings and fellowship, but have not understood the message of the cross. When they were not healed after prayers, the devil will destroy their little faith. Brethren, ensure that all these desperate hearers who want instant results really understand the gospel.

Mat 9:28-29 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to Him, "Yes, Lord." Then He touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith let it be to you."
   Let them understand clearly that the Healer is our Lord Jesus, and often they have to wait until He is satisfied with their faith in Him.

Seed Sown on Stony Places
Mat 13:20 "But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles."
    This new convert has understood the salvation message and has sincerely accepted our Lord Jesus as his Saviour because he believes that Jesus is able to resolve all his problems (stony place).
    Do not expose a new convert, with the exception of miraculous healing which is self-evident for fear of persecution from his family members and acquaintances. Disciple him until his faith is
strengthened with good knowledge and understanding of the gospel and the word of God so that he is ready to witness and to endure persecutions.

Seed sown among Thorns
Mat 13:22 "Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful."
    Most Christians are trapped by the things of this world. Their sinful nature is not being crucified, when they refuse to understand God and to submit to His words.

Rom 1:28-32 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.
   Unless they bear the fruits of repentance by abiding in His words, they will not know the truth. Only the truth can set them free from the snares of the world. Otherwise, they will be cast into the lake of fire.

John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."