Abide in Me

Continuing the Saints and Ain'ts series, Pastor Tim preached from John 15, where Jesus, right after washing His disciples' feet, teaches them to abide in Him. Real joy, he said, does not come from things working out. It comes from staying connected to Jesus.

The Big Idea

Abide in Christ and let His words abide in you. That is where real asking, real fruit, and real joy come from.

Scriptures

• John 15:7-11: abide in Jesus and let His words abide in you, then ask; the Father is glorified when you bear much fruit; Jesus says these things so His joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
• Also referenced: John 13 (Jesus washes the disciples' feet) and Galatians 5:22-23 (the fruit of the Spirit).

1. Serve First

• Jesus knelt to wash dirty feet before He taught. If you serve in Christ's church, no work is beneath you.
• It is all Christ's church. A full church down the street is good for the kingdom, not competition.

2. Abide Means Keep Showing Up

• Abiding is measured by consistency, in good times and bad, on the days you feel like it and the days you don't.
• Jesus did not say "if you arrive in me." He said "if you abide in me."

3. Let His Words Abide in You

• Sometimes you have to hush until Jesus speaks. When you pray, leave room for Him to answer.
• Mind what God is working on in you before you worry about anyone else.

4. Then Ask

• God is able to do more than we can ask or imagine, but our asking has to line up with His will.
• Pray blessing over the people God is blessing. We are sent as witnesses, not judges.

5. Bear Fruit

• We glorify God by bearing fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Make sure your yes comes from His direction, not your ambition.

Message Takeaway

The joy Jesus gives does not depend on good results. Stay connected to Him, keep showing up, and let His word shape what you ask for. His joy will be in you.