A Nugget from New Life Network
(excerpts from Chris Musgrove of Future Now)
Scripture for the Day December 31, 2018
John 8:31-32: Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
According to Jesus, abiding in the truth or holding onto the Word of God has everything to do with real freedom and being a disciple. The NIV says it like this, “To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Anyway, the word “abide” in verse 31 means “to stay at a given place.” It’s where you dwell, live, or maintain a residence. You need to take up residence in the Word of God. That means you live in the Word. One of the ways you live in the Word is to constantly be asking yourself what the Word of God has to say about anything you face as you go about your day. When you do that, then you are His disciple and the truth will continually be setting you free.
Again in chapter 15 of John, Jesus repeats the importance of abiding in Him and letting His words abide in you. It glorifies God the Father that you bear fruit and you are indeed His disciples. John 15:6-8 says, “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. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
Love is the fruit that grows out of abiding in Him and Him in us! I John 4:12-14 says, No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us. By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. There is another scripture that insinuates these same type requirements.
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21)
Jesus was the Word made flesh. You and I are flesh to be made the Word. As you abide (take residence in) the Word of God it will become a part of you. It will replace, or take dominance over, your carnal flesh. It will become your road map and decision maker versus your carnal feelings and emotions.
We challenge you to take this next year and live in His Word. We promise you, it will change your life!!!
