Live Dead | Abide | Eleah Tercero

To be a disciple of Jesus means we are called to lay down our life for Him. We are called to live our lives like we have nothing to lose. We are called to live dead. As followers of Jesus, all of our dreams, desires, and decisions are laid down at the throne of Jesus. He has the ultimate say in our life. And there is nothing that this world can ever give that will compare to knowing Jesus. If I have Jesus then I have everything I need. 

Luke 9:22-25 “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?”.

This kind of life does not just happen though. This kind of life is chosen, this kind of life is built. And the foundation of this life is this: ABIDE in Jesus.

John 15:1-8  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory,that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

This may seem a bit strange to you. The way to change the world, live radically, lay down my life, and sacrifice everything for the Gospel is by…resting in Jesus? How does abiding in Jesus lead to a life lived dead?

When we abide in Jesus we…

Recognize what a priceless treasure Jesus is. 

Matthew 13:45-46  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” 

Become more like Jesus.

1 John 2:6  “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.”

Bear lasting fruit

John 15:5  “If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing”

As we abide with Jesus, you can simply walk with Him and watch him work in you and through you. And here is the amazing thing about abiding in Jesus, you can start right now! There is no prerequisite you need to do before you abide. There is nothing you can do or not do to make yourself worthy of abiding. Don’t wait another moment. Run to his presence, learn to love His word, and abide now!

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What does it mean to you to lay down your life for Jesus?
2. How would your life look different if you lived like you had nothing to lose?
3. Is Jesus priceless to you?
4. Do you look like Jesus?
5. How do you know if your life is bearing fruit?
6. What does abiding in Jesus look like in your life?