What is Abiding (part 1)
Where do we get the term abiding and where can it be found?
Where in scripture do we see it? Is it in a specific place?
We see it modeled so clearly through Jesus himself
John 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.
John 12:49 For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.
John 14:10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work
John 14:24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
John 5: 19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.
John 8:28-29 Then Jesus said to them, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him."
How does it affect my daily life?
My relationships, my kids, my spouse, my family, my work?
Surrender and dependence on the Lord. As I trust that the Lord and His will are good and best for me, then I can overcome my fear of the unknown and surrender the hardships in my life.
These could be children who are obstinate or extremely disobedient, even to the point of walking away from me or the Lord.
These could be a spouse who is engaged in extremely selfish actions without remorse, or an ex-spouse who constantly brings conflict or sorrow into your life or your children’s lives.
Could be a diagnosis from the doctor about a condition or disease, or a grave prognosis handed to you about yourself or someone you love.
In all these cases our flesh may want to take control of whatever it can. Its fear response will be to strategize and figure things out. And there may be actions to take, but the first step is understanding we serve a God bigger than these. Once we can accept that, then any of these or any not mentioned aren’t likely to shake you. I can then say, “Lord, I don’t know what is coming up, but I give it to you. Lead my steps, guide me on the right path for your name’s sake.” When we surrender like this, mountains can move. This doesn’t mean these go away, but it means we aren’t given to fear or a whole slew of emotions to rule us, we give in to faith and hope in the one who is above all. We Abide in him.
Romans 12:2
If I choose to live this way, how will it look?~8 min
When I respond to temptations, how does it change? What about triggers from traumas? Frustrations from disappointments?
Gal. 5 fruits of the spirit
Why would the Lord include this idea surrender all to him? That all of this is on him and his holy spirit. Why would he have this in the scriptures if it wasn’t something he would do.
Matthew 26:36-46 Jesus and the disciples go to the garden
How will it look if I go through a trials if I’m abiding? Disciples have a fear response to the trial of losing Christ. But after the trauma it took time but their response to traumas in the future changed completely. All but John were killed in gruesome deaths. Early Christians put in horrible circumstances and death and their response is praise, worship, thankfulness to suffer for the Gospel.
