John 15:7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you. I. WHAT IS REQUIRED OR SUPPOSED. 1. What is meant by our abiding in Him? This is called partaking of Him (Hebrews 3:14), and implies in it our — (1) Being in Him (Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:17). (a) By faith (Philippians 3:8, 9). (b) Obedience (Galatians 5:24). (c) Being members of His mystical body (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:30). (2) Continuing in Him as a branch in the vine (vers. 1-6). Continuing in the profession of His doctrine (John 8:31), and hearty endeavours after perfection (Colossians 1:28). 2. What is meant by His words abiding in us? (1) His words are that doctrine that He came to deliver in His Father's name (John 7:16; John 12:49; John 17:8; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:23). (2) These words abide in us by our — (a) Knowing them (chap 10:4, 5). (b) Believing them (John 8:45; John 13:19; John 17:8; Matthew 24:35; Romans 10:10; Hebrews 4:2). (c) Remembering them (ver. 20). (d) Persevering in the observance of them (Mark 13:13; Luke 8:15; Revelation 2:26). (3) The effect of their abiding in us. (a) They purify us (John 15:3; John 17:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17). (b) They bring forth fruit in us (Matthew 13:23; John 15:5). II. WHAT IS PROMISED (Matthew 7:7). Such as abide in Christ shall be sure not to meet with disappointment, because — 1. They will only according to God's will (1 Samuel 3:18); herein following the example of their blessed Lord (Matthew 26:39, 42); submitting with those in Acts 21:14; and praying as our Lord directs (Matthew 6:10). 2. They ask according to His will, and so are sure to be heard upon this account (1 John 5:14, 15). Particularly, they ask — (1) Nothing but what is lawful (Matthew 7:11); avoiding the folly mentioned in Psalm 50:21, 22. (2) And only to a good end (James 4:3). 3. They take a right method in asking: praying — (1) In faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:5-7). (2) With fervency and devotion (Romans 1:9; 1 Corinthians 6:20). (3) In humility (Luke 18:9, etc.; Psalm 138:6). (4) From a clean heart (Isaiah 1:11, 16-18; 1 Timothy 2:8). (5) With constancy and perseverance (Luke 18:1; Luke 11:8-10; Ephesians 6:8). (6) In the name and through the merits of Christ (John 14:13, 14). (Bp. Beveridge.) Parallel Verses KJV: If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. |
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