First we need to make a whole-hearted commitment to be separate from the sin and selfishness in the world and our own fallen flesh. 2 Corinthians 6:16 “And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.’”
John 15:1-13 explains what “to dwell” or “to abide” means (Greek – to stay, continue, dwell, tarry, be present) in Christ. In this illustration, Christ is the vine and believers are the branches. The branches need the sap of the vine in order to develop. The sap is the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts believers, and the fruits are the graces of the spirit as mentioned in Galatians 5:22, 23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…”
The purging in verse 2 is the pruning of the vine – cutting off sucker vines that produce no fruitage. This pruning of the vine is done through the Lord’s words. (verse 3) As we compare our lives with the scriptures we see where we need to improve, ask forgiveness, and strive to do better. The attitude of the Christian has much to do with God’s presence with us. If we are proud or self-confident we will not see our need of the Lord. We should be humble and realize our need of Christ’s influence in our lives, “for without me you can do nothing.” (verse 5)
An important part of being in the presence of God is studying His word. “If ye abide in me AND my words abide in you, you shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you ” (verse 7) As we study God’s word, we then learn what we are to pray for. We do not want to pray amiss. (James 4:3) We can pray for wisdom (James 1:5, 6), the Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13), stronger faith (Mark 9:24), a clean heart (Psalm 19:13, 14) and forgiveness (1 John 1:9).
Verse 10 in John 15 has another important element of being in God’s presence – obedience. “If you keep my commandments you shall abide in my love..” What are those commandments? “That you love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (verses 12, 13)
Jesus was obedient to His Father. When anticipating the difficulties of his last day on earth he prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39 We too should have the attitude of total obedience to the Father’s will to continue to abide in his presence.