Abide: Abiding in Christ Produces Eternal Fruit 

Branches do not strain to bear fruit they merely abide in the vine. Similarly, Jesus desires to work in and through us – through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit - to accomplish “pala” things – things too hard for us to do by mere flesh. Apart from Him we can do nothing of eternal value. He has given us the deposit of the Holy Spirit Who works in and through us, equipping us to walk as Jesus walked. What He calls us to do, he equips us to do – both for His glory and for our good. Mere flesh cannot produce eternal works. It is incapable of it because it is always tainted. Fleshly works receive their praise from men – their reward is here, not heavenly. And our labor in Christ will be futile apart from the right Source – when we depend upon the arm of man rather than God. Paul writes commending the Thessalonians in 1 Thessalonians 1:3 (NIV): “We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” 

A branch without life flowing through it is worthless and in the end it is cut off. Believers are charged to be watchful against everything that grieves the indwelling Holy Spirit residing in every child of the King. And to be thankful for the power given us to overcome what is not of Him. Where Christ is, there is always fruit and freedom. Our faith is to go from our head to our heart to our hands as we walk from strength to strength. This will always result in fruit – fruit that will last - whether we are able to readily discern this or not. It is an amazing gift to be used in kingdom works through His power and for His glory. 

It also does us well to remember that there is no circumstance where we do not desperately need Jesus and the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. Flesh is incapable of it. Yet, Jesus is to be the believers strength and sufficiency. He leads and guides and directs us and “no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless,” as Psalm 84:11B states. As we abide in Him – going forth in His power and for His glory we will find Him faithful to do “pala” things – things too hard for us to do, accomplishing much for His kingdom and for His glory. Indeed, the Holy Spirit can make the believer a bright light when all is dark without. We can remain calm and peaceful, standing firm while all the world shakes. He is ever on His throne – leading, guiding, directing and empowering.