David understood God’s role in keeping him from sin when he prayed in Psalm 119:133: “Establish my footsteps in Your Word and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me.” Jesus instructed us of God’s role when He taught us how to pray in Matthew 6:13: “do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from evil”. Paul told us about the spiritual warfare that is the true “reality” around us in Ephesians 6:13: “Put on the full armor of God so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil”. He told us the Word of God and prayer are our spiritual armor that we should wear every day.
Jesus told us we can do nothing apart from Him in one of the most beautiful passages of scripture captured in John 15. Commonly referred to as “The Vine Passage”, take note of the Love relationship God calls us to as we Abide in Him – and therefore – He in us. Abide isn’t a word we use frequently so it may not be clear. Since most of us are task oriented, we often want to reduce most aspects of life to a “to do” list. We like checking boxes! While it is true we should “let our requests be made known to God” (Phillipians 4:6), notice the love relationship God calls us to in John 15:9-13. Our Mothers were right to tell us to “say your prayers” but Jesus’ command to Abide in Him seems to be relational at a higher level. Perhaps it is best to think of “Abiding” as when you were dating your spouse. Hopefully, you didn’t come with a task list where you chronicled her history and desires on a piece of paper. Instead, it was more likely simply “being with her”. In doing so, you became much more intimate in your knowledge of, and relationship with her. It is cliche, but also true, that God does not call us to a religion but to a relationship. The Psalms depict a love relationship of prayer for David (and others) with God. Psalm 148, 149, and 150 are great places to obtain guidance in just “being with” and worshipping God.
Meditate on The Vine Passage. Abide in Him and His word and He promises to Abide in you.
Peter has always been one of my hero’s. He was impetuous and passionate, and made some major mistakes… and is in Heaven with Jesus. I have frequently quoted the famous movie line “so ya say I’ve got a chance!” when I think about Peter’s ultimate sin in the denial of Christ recorded in Mark 14:66-72. It is incomprehensible that those men could be with Jesus for 3 years and in the moment of crisis- not only flee from Him but deny him 3 times! Yes, the story of Peter should comfort us. But, does it also instruct us?
On the same day that they fled from Him and denied Him, they were in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus separates from them and commanded them to pray “that you may not enter into temptation” (Mark 14:37). Yet, 3 times in a row He found them sleeping. I have often wondered what the temptation might be that Jesus referred to.
We know they failed miserably at praying that they not enter into temptation. We also know that Jesus said “apart from Me you can do nothing”. He told us “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” – and they proved it.
Because they didn’t take that time to Abide in Him…
later that night…
they Denied Him, and Ran From Him…
and they were Believers!
Are you a believer? Do you see the connection between your ability to fall into temptation and evil and the depth of relationship you have with God via Abiding in Him? They were with Him for 3 years and crashed. Their failure was not just in denying and running from Him. It happened before that, when they didn’t abide in Him. He already told us our flesh is weak. Why do we keep thinking ours is strong enough?
We all know the story of The Emperor With No Clothes. How many of us with our busy schedules run out into the “evil day” totally naked with no spiritual protection at all? We have a ticket in our left hand that says we get to go to Heaven since we are Believers. And, having gone to church last Sunday, and “said some prayers this week” we have a toothpick in our right hand – ready to do battle. Jesus’ followers lost at that game that night. Are we just comforted, or are we instructed by their mistake?
Abide in Jesus, for apart from Him we can do nothing.
God Bless!
Stay in the Spiritual Gym! (Abide!)
Mathew 8:5. Amen brothers.