John 16:12-15 ESV

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

12 Mayroon pa akong maraming bagay na sasabihin sa inyo, ngunit hindi ninyo kayang dalhin sa ngayon. 13 Subalit kapag dumating na ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, papatnubayan niya kayo sa buong katotohanan. Sapagkat hindi siya magsasalita nang mula sa kanyang sarili, kundi ang anumang bagay na kanyang marinig, iyon ang kanyang sasabihin at kanyang ipahahayag sa inyo ang mga bagay na darating. 14 Luluwalhatiin niya ako, sapagkat kanyang tatanggapin ang sa akin, at sa inyo'y ipahahayag niya. 15 Ang lahat ng mga bagay na nasa Ama ay akin, kaya sinabi ko na kanyang tatanggapin ang sa akin, at sa inyo'y ipahahayag.

HE WILL GLORIFY ME

Jesus’ revelation of leaving the disciples meant hard times ahead. Certainly, this caused the disciples to feel nervous and afraid (see v.6). Rather than overwhelm them with even more, Jesus knows when to stop. He understands our weakness [Heb 4:15]

This is one of the reasons God will send the Holy Spirit to encourage, teach, and remind these men of those things they can't yet fully comprehend. As Jesus has said, “ When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (v.13). As the Spirit of truth, He was to clarify those events later to the disciples. He even provides spiritual insight to us. This can't be expected of those without His enlightenment (see 1 Cor 2:10-14).

12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. 14 He will glorify Me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. 15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.gical discussions also are happening (Acts 2:42;8:31).

In summary, when the Holy Spirit teaches us truth, it is always exalting Christ, the truth (John 14:6), even the Father (v.13). The "what is mine," Jesus’ claimed here is a reference to those truths.

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John 16:5-11 ESV

5 But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged

5 Subalit ngayon ako'y pupunta sa nagsugo sa akin. Ngunit walang sinuman sa inyo ang nagtanong sa akin, ‘Saan ka pupunta?’ 6 Ngunit dahil sa sinabi ko ang mga bagay na ito sa inyo, napuno ng lungkot ang inyong puso. 7 Gayunma'y sinasabi ko sa inyo ang katotohanan. Makakabuti sa inyo na ako'y umalis, sapagkat kung hindi ako aalis, ang Mang-aaliw ay hindi darating sa inyo. Ngunit kung ako'y umalis, siya'y susuguin ko sa inyo. 8 At pagdating niya, kanyang susumbatan ang sanlibutan tungkol sa kasalanan, sa katuwiran, at sa kahatulan: 9 tungkol sa kasalanan, sapagkat hindi sila sumasampalataya sa akin; 10 tungkol sa katuwiran, sapagkat ako'y pupunta sa Ama, at hindi na ninyo ako makikita; 11 tungkol sa kahatulan, sapagkat ang pinuno ng sanlibutang ito ay hinatulan na.

THE WORK OF THE SPIRIT

Jesus has assured the disciples that it is to their advantage that He is going away. Why? The Helper, the Holy Spirit, is coming in His place. The Spirit isn’t a replacement to Jesus, is he? That is, He won’t be different in His purpose and agenda but be subservient. Thus, we can be sure “that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”[Phil 1:6]

The Spirit’s coming has brought two advantages. Firstly, He came to comfort the sorrowing disciples, even to empower them. In Acts 1:8, Jesus, before He ascended to heaven, has commissioned them, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” These rag tag of mostly fishermen became powerful witnesses for Christ, even willing to scrifice for Jesus.

Secondly, The Holy Spirit came in order to convict the world. The disciples are mandated to proclaim the gospel to the world. It is their primary role. The conviction towards sin, righteousness and judgment comes only from the Spirit. Is this not an encouragement for us? The burden of touching and changing lives doesn’t lie upon our shoulders? You and I are just to proclaim the plain and clear gospel.

Hence, we need His power to be Jesus’ true witnesses. When the Spirit is in control, the Lord’s purposes will be done in and through His ordinary people. He uses us despite of us. We don’t need to be somebody else for God to use. The need are not people of great talent, although god can use them too, but a people controlled by the Spirit.

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John 16:1-4 ESV

“I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. 3 And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. 4 But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.

“Ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi sa inyo upang kayo'y huwag matisod. 2 Kayo'y palalayasin nila sa mga sinagoga. Talagang darating ang oras na ang sinumang papatay sa inyo ay mag-aakalang naghahandog siya ng paglilingkod sa Diyos. 3 At ang mga bagay na ito'y gagawin nila sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang Ama o ako man. 4 Subalit ang mga bagay na ito'y sinabi ko sa inyo, upang kung dumating ang kanilang oras ay inyong maalala na sinabihan ko kayo tungkol sa kanila. At ang mga bagay na ito'y hindi ko sinabi sa inyo buhat nang pasimula, sapagkat ako'y kasama ninyo.

KEEP YOURSELF FROM FALLING AWAY

Knowing something worse is coming helps us to prepare. Few things incites fear than the uknown. The “these things” Jesus said include His arrest, crucifixion and the persecution they would experience later. As believers , let’s not be surprised as Peter admonished us. [1 Pet 4:12]

Difficulties, setbacks, and other problems frighten us mostly because were not aware of the outcome. However, when we are warned in advance, and know that they're part of something ‘good’ [see Rom 8:28], our fear is relatively reduced, is it not? Instead of panicking when storm hits, we can take some comfort in knowing, "it is what we expected…and it is nothing out of control." Otherwise, we would be overwhelmed and fall away.

These fanatic religious leaders are so opposed to the gospel, and so blinded by false religion, that they will see the murder of Christians as an act of righteousness. Religious extremists today are passionately pursuing and killing believers in other parts of the world. The term used here in the original Greek means ‘an offering of service’, which is of the same sense in Rom 12:1, when Christian offer their lives to God as a worship.

The reason is clear. It is because they have no relationship with God. Apparently, the love for one another is a primary sign of true faith (John 13:34–35). Conversely, hateful persecution of believers is a clear sign of someone or a culture that is far removed from real saving faith. Simply put, they hate and harm believers because they are diametrically, spiritually opposed to God and to His Son (1 Pet 2:3–4; John 15:18).

Thus today, let us be ready. As Paul said, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”[2 Tim 3:12] Yet, we should glory when it happens.Why? It’s because jesus said;

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”[ Matt 5:10-12]

 John 15:26-27 ESV

26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. 27 And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.

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26 Subalit kapag dumating na ang Mang-aaliw, na aking susuguin sa inyo mula sa Ama, ang Espiritu ng katotohanan, na mula sa Ama, siya ang magpapatotoo tungkol sa akin. 27 At kayo rin ay magpapatotoo, sapagkat kayo'y nakasama ko buhat pa nang simula.

THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH

Jesus has been warning the disciples, which include all believer that the unbelieving world will hate them for their faith (v.18–25). Explaining about this reality in advance (John 13:19; 14:25, 29; 16:4) was done to help them "hold fast" (Heb 4:14–16; 12:1–3). Instead of panicking, and wondering if Jesus was wrong, we can remember His words and know He is still in control (1 Pet 4:12–13).

Again, Jesus assured them of the coming of the Spirit, the paraklētos, also translated as "helper," "counselor," "comforter," or "advocate" as in John 14:26. An important role of the Holy Spirit's is in helping us endure persecution, which is a vital reminder of Jesus’ teaching (John 14:16; 16:13). He comes from God in exactly the same sense as Christ comes from God (John 8:42; 14:26).

The influence of the Spirit leads us towards the truth, which is Christ (John 14:6). He is the Spirit of truth. Having been "from the beginning", the disciples were eyewitness accounts of Christ's teaching since at the very start of His public ministry. Those accounts of the life and works of Jesus would serve as the foundation of the written records they wrote through the Spirit of truth. And, these are preserved in the four Gospels and the book of Acts (Luke 1:2; Acts 1:21-22), as well as the other writings of the New Testament (2 Peter 1:16; 1 John 1:1).

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John 19:28-29 ESV

28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said (to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.” 29 A jar full of sour wine stood there, so they put a sponge full of the sour wine on a hyssop branch and held it to his mouth. 30 When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

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28 Pagkatapos nito, sapagkat alam ni Jesus na ang lahat ng mga bagay ay naganap na, ay sinabi niya (upang matupad ang kasulatan), “Nauuhaw ako.” 29 Mayroon doong isang sisidlang punô ng maasim na alak, kaya't naglagay sila ng isang esponghang basa ng suka sa isang sanga ng isopo, kanilang inilagay sa kanyang bibig. 30 Nang matanggap ni Jesus ang suka ay sinabi niya, “Natupad na.” At itinungo ang kanyang ulo, at siya ay namatay.

WHO CRUCIFIED JESUS?

A blessed "Good Friday" to all!

In Matthew’s account, it was the Roman soldiers who crucified Him. Matt 27:35 we read, “And when they [Roman soldiers] had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots.” Luke said, it was the Jews. He accounted, “Men of Israel…Hear these words…this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men” (Acts 2: 22–23). This was affirmed by Paul in 1 Thess 2:15, saying, “ the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets.”

But, how about us? Are we not guilty too? Paul writes that we “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” and that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom. 3:23; 6:23). Christ died for us because God loves us.[Rom 5:8]

But, the perplexing part is that Jesus death was determined by the Father according to Luke in Acts 2:23. His death was neither accidental nor incidental. In fact, the names of the redeemed are written in the book of life before the foundation of the world for the Lamb[Jesus] was destined to die for them. [Rev 13:8]

God the Father did not spare Him[Rom 8:32] for us. “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…. Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him.’ (Isa. 53:4–5, 10). Thus, it is theologically right to say the Father crucified His Son. John Piper states so beautifully, “Just as Abraham lifted the knife over the chest of his son Isaac, but then spared his son because there was a ram in the thicket, so God the Father lifted the knife over the chest of his own Son, Jesus — but did not spare him, because he was the ram; he was the substitute. God did not spare his own Son, because it was the only way he could spare us.”

All of the above won’t matter if Jesus Himself wasn’t willing. He was a triumphant Savior not a victim. He clearly declared, “I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life for the sheep…I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again” (John 10:14–18).

Today, let’s look back to Calvary with awe and worship. He died for the sins He did not deserve so we can obtain the deliverance we don’t deserve.

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John 15:22-24 ESV

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

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22 Kung hindi ako dumating at nagsalita sa kanila ay hindi sana sila nagkasala. Subalit ngayo'y wala na silang maidadahilan sa kanilang kasalanan. 23 Ang napopoot sa akin ay napopoot din sa aking Ama. 24 Kung ako'y hindi gumawa sa gitna nila ng mga gawang hindi ginawa ng sinuman, hindi sana sila nagkaroon ng kasalanan. Subalit ngayon ay kanilang nakita at kinapootan nila ako at ang aking Ama.

TRUTH EXPOSES SIN

John came down as the light of the world.[John 8:12] As lights beaming through the darkness, His teachings are truth that expose their evil deeds. But, they love darkness as nocturnal animals offended by the glare of lights. Hence they hate Christ and by doing so, they hate the Father as well.

Moreover, the miracles that Jesus did has proven His claims and teachings were true. Though unquestionably convincing, Jesus’ enemies do refuse to recognize Him but were vehemently seeking for His death. Jesus attributed this as fulfilment of prophecy, saying, “This is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

As person under a scorching heat of the sun but denying it, these hard hearted people has no excuse for their sin. The excuse "I did not know" won’t apply to them who witnessed and heard the truth and choose to attack it. Those who persecute Christians because they act like Christ are not acting in ignorance. They are following the promptings of their own sinful hearts. Was Jesus saying "anyone who has never explicitly heard the gospel is innocent of sin?” Definitely not![Rom 1:21] Rather, He is saying that those who hear His Word—including through His followers (Mat 28:19)—have no excuse for persecuting and hating Christians.

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John 15:18-21 ESV

18 “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me.

18 “Kung kayo'y kinapopootan ng sanlibutan, ay alamin ninyo na ako muna ang kinapootan nito bago kayo. 19 Kung kayo'y taga-sanlibutan, iibigin kayo ng sanlibutan na parang sa kanya. Ngunit dahil kayo'y hindi taga-sanlibutan, kundi kayo'y pinili ko mula sa sanlibutan, kaya napopoot sa inyo ang sanlibutan. 20 Alalahanin ninyo ang salitang sinabi ko sa inyo, ‘Ang alipin ay hindi higit na dakila kaysa kanyang panginoon.’ Kung ako'y kanilang inusig, kayo man ay kanilang uusigin din; kung tinupad nila ang aking salita, ang inyo man ay tutuparin din nila. 21 Subalit ang lahat ng mga bagay na ito ay gagawin nila sa inyo dahil sa aking pangalan, sapagkat hindi nila nakikilala ang nagsugo sa akin.

CALLED OUT TO BE DIFFERENT

An unkind, unfair, or immoral person may suffer for the normal consequences of his wrong choices (see 1 Pet 4:14,15).But, when a person faithfully follows Jesus, the wicked men would lash out their anger or hatred for no apparent reason, except that they’re Christians. The concept of being called out by God as separate people (1 Pet 2:9) to be honorable (2 Tim 1:8–9) does makes Christ followers offensive to the unbelieving world, doesn’t it? When Christian believers don't join in worldly sins, the world responds with hatred and mockery. They love darkness rather than light. Hence, choosing to honor God exposes an uncomfortable light on sin, and that "earns" reason of hatred from wicked people.

The world, most specially the worldly system, hates Christ. That Christ’s values are diametrically opposite to the world is a fundamental issue. Thus, Jesus had warned the disciples of this reality. He said, “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”[v.19] As they are hostile to Him, their master, it is expected they will do the same to them, His servants. For the servants are not greater than the master. Simply said, they were chosen out of the world to be identified with Him. Thus, Jesus warned them, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”[v.18]

Today, Peter has admonished us not to be surprised should we are tried because of our faith. He said, “ Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”[1 Pet 4:12] Moreover, Paul writes, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”[Phil 2:14-15] Let us dare to be different because we are called to be different.

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John 15:12-17 ESV

12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. 17 These things I command you, so that you will love one another.

12 Ito ang aking utos, na kayo'y magmahalan sa isa't isa, gaya ng pagmamahal ko sa inyo. 13 Walang may higit pang dakilang pag-ibig kaysa rito, na ibigay ng isang tao ang kanyang buhay dahil sa kanyang mga kaibigan. 14 Kayo'y aking mga kaibigan kung ginagawa ninyo ang mga bagay na aking iniuutos sa inyo. 15 Hindi ko na kayo tatawaging mga alipin, sapagkat hindi nalalaman ng alipin kung ano ang ginagawa ng kanyang panginoon. Ngunit tinatawag ko kayong mga kaibigan sapagkat ang lahat ng mga bagay na narinig ko sa aking Ama ay ipinaalam ko sa inyo. 16 Ako'y hindi ninyo pinili, ngunit kayo'y pinili ko, at itinalaga ko kayo upang kayo'y humayo at magbunga, at ang mga bunga ninyo'y mananatili, upang ang anumang inyong hingin sa Ama sa aking pangalan ay ibigay niya sa inyo. 17 Ang mga bagay na ito ay iniuutos ko sa inyo, upang kayo'y magmahalan sa isa't isa.

YOU ARE MY FRIENDS

Jesus reiterated that our love to each other has to be like His love toward us. This involves two main ideas. First, we should know the "love" Jesus speaks of is practical, not just emotional. To "feel warm thoughts" for others isn’t enough. But, we should act lovingly towards them, even when they're hostile and antagonistic to us (see Rom 12:17–21; Mat 5:43–48). Did not Jesus show this act of love to them washing their feet? (John 13:3–5). Affection does grow as we serve others, doesn’t it? But, even when it doesn't, the command to "love" remains.

Second, we are meant to echo the nature of Christ's love. This involves humility (John 13:6), sacrifice (John 15:13), and service (John 13:35) to others. This must be true especially among the believers (1 John 4:20–21). In fact, this is the ultimate expression of love. As Jesus says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” [v.11]

Our obedience as an expression of love brings intimacy with God. And the loving obedient believer would be His friend. Was not Abraham called a friend of God because of his love shown by His sacrificial obedience? [Gen 18:17, Jas 2:23] As friends of God, they’re more than a servant. This does not erase the idea that believers are "servants" of Christ, does it? (Rom 1:1).

Hence, Jesus is indicating that His intended relationship with believers involves intimacy in communication and support, rather than an autoctatic relationship. Moreover, this is consistent metaphor to the "vine and branches" analogy (John 15:1–8). As God's love and knowledge flow to Christ, Christ passes them down to us, as a vine passes life along to branches. We, in turn, are meant to pass the Word, and love, to other people (Mat 28:19; John 13:34–35; 14:15).

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John 15:7-11 ESV

7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. 10 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. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

7 Kung kayo'y mananatili sa akin, at ang mga salita ko'y mananatili sa inyo, hingin ninyo ang anumang inyong nais, at ito'y gagawin para sa inyo. 8 Sa pamamagitan nito'y naluluwalhati ang aking Ama, na kayo'y magbunga ng marami, at maging mga alagad ko. 9 Kung paanong minahal ako ng Ama, ay gayundin naman minamahal ko kayo. Manatili kayo sa aking pagmamahal. 10 Kung tinutupad ninyo ang aking mga utos, ay mananatili kayo sa aking pag-ibig gaya ng aking pagtupad sa mga utos ng aking Ama, at ako'y nananatili sa kanyang pag-ibig. 11 Ang mga bagay na ito ay sinabi ko sa inyo upang ang aking kagalakan ay mapasainyo, at ang inyong kagalakan ay malubos.

MY FATHER IS GLORIFIED

‘Abiding in Christ’ is the image portrayed in a deeply rooted, intimate, life-giving relationship between the vines and branches. When a person's heartbeat is wholly or entirely aligned with the Word and will of God, that person is legitimately communing "in the name" of Christ (John 14:13–14). An organic relationship between the human and divine hearts, when we are at sync with God’s words and will. He will have a powerful prayer life. As John writes, “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.”[1 John 5:14,15]

This is the state of fruitfulness that the Father is glorified. Yes, true "life" requires a natural connection at the beginning. But, abundance[fruitfulness] requires cultivation, which refers to our faithful and loving obedience to Him. There is no struggle but a pleasure as the flowering and fruit bearing is to the vine. As John said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.”[1 John 5:3]

Indeed, as Jesus lovingly obeyed the Father so He passes down the love of God the Father to us. And we ought to continue to transmit this love, much as a branch transfers the life given to it from the vine. Such is the image of our fruitfulness through the Spirit. As Paul said, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”[Gal 5:22,23]

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John 15:4-6 ESV

4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.

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4 Kayo'y manatili sa akin, at ako'y sa inyo. Gaya ng sanga na hindi magbubunga buhat sa kanyang sarili malibang nakakabit sa puno, gayundin naman kayo, malibang kayo'y manatili sa akin. 5 Ako ang puno ng ubas, kayo ang mga sanga. Ang nananatili sa akin at ako'y sa kanya ay siyang nagbubunga ng marami. Sapagkat kung kayo'y hiwalay sa akin ay wala kayong magagawa. 6 Kung ang sinuman ay hindi manatili sa akin, siya'y itatapong katulad ng sanga at matutuyo, at sila ay titipunin at ihahagis sa apoy at masusunog.

ABIDE IN ME

As a branch, we must be sure that we are connected with certainty to the source of life, the vine. Our relationship with Jesus happens immediately when we put our trust in Him. The next question is, “Are we abiding in Him?”

The concept of "abiding" in Christ includes the idea of someone who expresses saving faith and "holds fast" to that belief (see Heb 4:14; 10:23). The emphasis is on those who yield to Christ's power to empower their spiritual lives. This means obedience (John 14:15; 15:10) and perseverance (Heb 2:1) on our part.

The journey from barrenness, to spiritual fruit, to "much fruit," we must lovingly obey Christ (John 15:9–10). The deeper is our connectivity to our spiritual Life-giver, the more effective and productive we will be. Do these refer about material wealth, success, reputation, or ease? Definitely not! What is referred is the fruit of the Spirit described in Galatians 5:22-23. Thus, this speaks of our attitudes and behaviors that are becoming more like Christ, not our bank accounts and accolades.

The more faithful we abide in Christ, the more Christ is exuded in and through our lives.

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