252. JOH 15:5. THE BELIEVER’S ENTIRE DEPENDENCE ON CHRIST
Joh_15:5. The Believer’s Entire Dependence On Christ
"Without me ye can do nothing."’97Joh_15:5.
The Redeemer had just been discoursing on the close and vital union subsisting between himself and his people. He had illustrated this by the beautiful figure of the vine and the branches. And thus he showed in the application of the subject, that as the branch would wither, and be utterly worthless, separated from the vine, so in like manner "without him his disciples could do nothing."
The believer depends entirely upon Christ.
Let us Illustrate’97and apply this Truth.
I. Illustrate the proposition contained in the Text.
"Without Christ we can do nothing."
Without Christ,
1. We cannot obtain saving knowledge.
Men may be mentally great; philosophical, learned, &c. But spiritual knowledge is only to be derived from Jesus. "He is the light of the world." He is the "morning star," and "Sun of righteousness." He must arise upon the mind, &c. Luk_1:78.
Without Christ,
2. Faith in the Gospel is impossible.
He is the object and author of faith. Php_1:18. He must be placed before us crucified, &c. Faith is laying hold of him; running unto him; looking to him &c.; receiving him, &c.
Without Christ,
3. Conversion cannot be effected.
The power of Christ alone can turn men from darkness, &c. Christ must open the eyes; unstop the ears; subdue the heart; renew the mind. He it is that "creates all things new."
Without. Christ,
4. Holiness is unattainable.
The word and Spirit of Christ, and the application of his precious blood, cleanse from all sin. He is our sanctification. In him we are "new creatures;" partakers of the divine nature. Rom_8:1-2, also8:9, 10.
Without Christ,
5. Obedience is impracticable.
There may be decency, external rectitude, &c.; but we only bear the fruits of righteousness as we are in him, the living vine. His love must constrain; his grace give ability, &c.
Without Christ,
6. Solid comfort and peace cannot be realized.
A thousand voices may address us, but he only can give peace. He affords rest, to the weary; consolation, to the wretched; and joy, to the distressed. Believing in him, "we rejoice with joy," &c.
Without Christ.
7. We cannot maintain steadfastness, or triumph over enemies.
We abide by remaining united to him "We are more than conquerors through him." "We can do all things through Christ," &c. "Thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory," &c.
Without Christ,
8. We cannot die peacefully, safe, and happy.
He must take away the dread of death, he must illumine the dreary valley; his rod and staff must comfort, &c. To die in Christ is blessedness, yea, eternal gain.
Let us, then,
II. Apply this subject.
It is a proper subject,
1. For examination.
Are we in Christ; really, vitally? Do we depend and rely solely on him?
2. For direction.
Cleave to Christ. Abide in him. Live near to him.
3. For consolation.
In Christ is our all-sufficiency. With him we possess all things. Rom_8:32.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS