STAY CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE In Christ – Part 2 6/8/2025 As the Father has loved me, so have I 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 be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15:9-11 ESV 1. The Importance of Abiding As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide (menō) in my love (agapē). John 15:9 ESV Love – Greek: agapē (ἀγάπη) – selfless, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of the other. Jesus invites us to experience the same selfless (agapē) love He shares with the Father. Abide – Greek: menō (μένω) – to remain, stay, dwell, continue. But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. Luke 5:15-16 ESV And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. Mark 1:35 ESV 2. Abiding Means Obeying “If you keep my commandments (entolē), you will abide (menō) in my love (agapē)..." John 15:10 ESV Commandments – Greek: entolē (ἐντολή) – authoritative prescriptions or instructions; not suggestions but divine directives. Obedience (entolē) is the fruit of connection, not the cause. "If you love (agapē) me, you will keep my commandments (entolē)... I will not leave you as orphans..." John 14:15-21 ESV Blessed is the man... his delight is in the law of the Lord. Psalm 1:1-3 ESV Those who stay rooted in God's Word flourish. 3. The Fruit of Abiding These things I have spoken to you, that my joy (chara) may be in you..." John 15:11 ESV Joy – Greek: chara (χαρά) – deep gladness and delight that comes from God’s presence, independent of circumstances. Abiding (menō) is not burdensome but life-giving. But the fruit (karpos) of the Spirit is love (agapē), joy (chara), peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control... Galatians 5:22-23 ESV Fruit – Greek: karpos (καρπός) – result or product; in this case, visible evidence of spiritual life. Whoever abides (menō) in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit (karpos), for apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 ESV The more deeply we abide (menō), the more spiritual fruit (karpos) we bear—not by striving but by surrendering. "...filled with the fruit (karpos) of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God." Philippians 1:9-11 ESV Talk About It: 1. What is one habit that helps or hinders your connection to Christ? 2. How can you intentionally prioritize time with God this week? 3. In what area do you need to practice obedience today? 4. What fruit (karpos) do you want to see more of in your life, and what step of abiding (menō) will help it grow?