Abiding and Continuation

Temple Baptist Church - 7-21-2019

John 15:7-8

Introduction:

A.  “Abide”- A primary verb; to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy): - abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for).

B.  To understand the word “abide” more fully, I want to look at a very familiar verse of scripture.

1 Peter 1:23  Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.  ( uncorrupted, alive, immutable)

C.  As Bible believers, we understand:

1.  God’s Word cannot corrupt.  If it does, it is not God’s Word. (Impeccability)

2.  God’s Word cannot die or fail to operate in its intended, Biblical manner.  It not only was alive, it still lives.  I not only used to work; it continues to work.

3.  God’s Word continues.  It is not something that was given in its purity in the Original Manuscripts but continues “for ever” in its perfection. (Immutability)

D.  God intended for the believer to “abide” in Him.  To continue in the connected state that began when he/she was saved.

E.  The saddest example of what I am preaching about this morning is a man named Demas.

2 Timothy 4:10  For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica;

F.  Many good people have failed to abide.  They are no longer faithful to God, the local church, the pastor, or to you!  They sit at home or some in liberal churches this morning.  The are all “victims” and, therefore, have their excuses for no longer serving God.

G.  I do not want any of you to be a part of this statistic!

1.  We need to continue in God’s Word.  John 8:31  Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

2.  We need to continue in God’s Word and Sound Doctrine.  2 Timothy 3:14-15  But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them;  (15)  And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

3.  We need to continue in God’s Grace.  Acts 13:43  Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

4.  We need to continue in Faith.  Acts 14:21-22  And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,  (22)  Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.  (Never give up!)

5. Continue in Love.  Hebrews 13:1  Let brotherly love continue.

6.  Continue in Separation.  2 Corinthians 6:14-18  Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?  (15)  And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?  (16)  And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.  (17)  Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,  (18)  And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

7.  Continue in Faithfulness.  Proverbs 20:6  Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?