What does it mean to be In Christ? How would that change our actions, our choices? We know that it is our only hope of glory is Christ abiding in us (Colossians 1:27), having taken the filthy rags of our sins, covering us with His righteousness so that we might be joint-heirs with Him. Salvation is that, Christ in us; yet, then what does it mean for us to Abide In Christ and to live out that Christian life for all to see. I wish that I could tell you that from the day Christ came to live in my heart 53 years ago I never failed in this Christian walk. I wish I could tell you that my life has always exemplified Christ in all that I have done or said; but that would be a lie. I can tell you that there has never been a time that God let go of my hand. Ever so gently teaching, transforming, and changing this heart so that I could grasp the truth of His magnificent grace, mercy, and love. Learning to Abide in Christ is pivotal to our Christian walk and to our living out our Christian walk. Acts 17: 28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being. This the Apostle Paul knew so well and this he taught throughout his missionary journeys,this he emphasized throughout his letters, and this was the life he lived. So, let me begin by introducing to you, Paul the missionary first and then begin to unravel this mystery of how to Abide in Christ, to live In Christ. Lets look at 5 fruits of Abiding in Christ shown in Paul’s words to the elders of Ephesus before his departure. Paul had come to Ephesus where he taught them of Christ. He returned to the church there shortly before returning to Jerusalem where he knew that he would most likely be imprisoned or killed.
Acts 20: 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Fruit #1: Serving the Lord. Being God’s servant, always ready to bow down before Him and to go where ever God would bid Him go. Listening for His voice. Responding with, "Yes, Lord and Master of My Heart and Soul. Here am I send me."
Fruit #2: Humility. Paul knew that it was by grace and grace alone that he was saved. He counted not himself worthy; rather, he knew of his utter unworthiness and for that reason desired, loved, sought and served Christ with everything within him. Paul knew that only when abiding in Christ, he would be able to bring forth fruit.
Fruit #3: Boldness. He knew that his life was in peril where ever he went; yet, he taught the truth of Christ and Salvation, holding back nothing of the truth, teaching loudly, publicly as well as individually from house to house. He was preparing to return to Jerusalem where God was sending him though he had already been advised by the spirit that he would be imprisoned or killed. Boldly, he followed after Christ. Think about it. Had Paul not been willing to go and be imprisoned, we would have never had the incredible letters written to the churches by Paul, from prison. One servant, willing to go boldly where God lead him wrote 13 (and possibly 14-if you consider Hebrews as Pauline) books of the New Testament as he allowed the Holy Spirit to write through him.
Fruit #4: Faithfulness which he counted more precious than his own life. He would rather die than to disobey or sin against Christ. He carried forth the mission God gave him to teach, to preach, and to testify of the gospel of Grace of God and salvation in Christ. He would rather die than to defame the name of Christ. His testimony was too important, the kingdom of God was too important for him to defame the name of Christ in any way by following after any lust or the desires of a covetous self-exalting heart. He died each day to those desires, those sorrows, those temptations that were ever present. He died daily to self so that Christ might live through him and be displayed to the world. Oh, that everyone of us see the effects that our sin and self centered hearts has on our testimony for Christ and take up battle against it everyday.
Fruit #5 Joy Yes, Paul had learned that the only true Joy is that which is found in an intimate relationship with God. All other joys are mere counterfeit joys which at the end of the day lay in a heap of rubbish, burning.
Learning to live "In Christ, Abiding in Christ" is of utmost importance to each and everyone of our journeys. Please join along with me as we explore the magnificence of this way of living as we learn what it means to be In Christ.
I pray with all my heart that you listen to the following song and words of John Piper. I encourage you to follow John Piper on youtube, twitter and at desiringgod.org. The following link, I know will bless you as it did me.