Where To Live
Therefore let that abide in you which you heard from the beginning. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father. (1 John 2:24)
By nature, we are often attracted to something just because it is new. We almost always think of new as better. But when it comes to truth, new is rarely better. That which you heard from the beginning is better. Paul put it well in Galatians 1, where he told us that even if an angel from heaven should bring us a new gospel, we are to reject the angel. It isn’t easy to do this, because we are tempted to be “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting” (Ephesians 4:14). We sometimes itch for something “new” and “exciting” even if it departs from that which you heard from the beginning.
But which you heard from the beginning doesn’t describe whatever teaching any Christian might receive when they just begin to follow Jesus. The beginning, for John’s first readers, described the time when they were under the teaching of the apostles, which is now recorded for us in the New Testament. It is the message of the Bible in general, and the New Testament specifically.
Simply said, we abide in what is from the beginning when we stay close to our Bible. If that was your environment when you were a young Christian, that is wonderful. But if it was not, then put yourself in that environment now. This is John’s point when he wrote, let that abide in you. It doesn’t mean just knowing it, but living in it. When we live in the simplicity of the truth of Jesus Christ, then we will abide in the Son and in the Father. Our world is filled with people searching for God, some sincerely and some insincerely. But if someone wants to really live in God, John tells us how to do it: let the message of the apostles (which you heard from the beginning) live in you.
John didn’t say “if you know God’s word, you know God,” because someone can have a bare, intellectual knowledge of God’s word. But he did say, “if God’s word lives in you, God lives in you.” We can come to a living, growing, relationship with God through His word.
Abiding in Jesus (living in Jesus) is not a passive thing; it is active. We must give ourselves, mentally and spiritually, to living in Jesus. Charles Spurgeon said, “We abide in him, not by a physical law, as a mass of iron abides on the earth; but by a mental and spiritual law, by which the greatness of divine love and goodness holds us fast to the Lord Jesus.”
Where are you living today? Live in His word, and you will live in Him.
These tips are helpful!
Susan, thank you so much! Blessings to you and Bill.
Thank you David for this entire website . . . daily reading your commentaries after reading a specific bible passage is a real help in understanding what I’m studying (specifically Romans). God bless
Mark, you are so welcome! I always love to hear how God may be using the online materials. Blessings to you in Jesus – David
Hi David! I’ve been using your commentary for a few months now. I also found your weekly blog and have been following for about a month. But I wanted you to know how much it has impacted me individually and my marriage also. It’s funny but God speaks to me through your commentary and blogs, and it often is just spot on to what he’s doing in my heart and life. My husband and I are missionaries moving to the field in Nepal in just a few weeks. I’d felt God really put a desire in me to not just read his word but understand it in depth. These commentaries give me such perspective and understanding. Just wanted to say thank you. And that these make a huge difference in my life.
Miah, thank you so much for your kind words! And, blessings to you as you head out to Nepal. I have a special regard in my heart for missionaries, and will remember to pray for you and your husband. Blessings in Jesus’ name, Amen!
Jim Schoenecker a fellow saint in Christ Jesus. Just want to tell you that our pastor at Calvary Chapel Port St Lucie in Florida encouraged us to read your complete study bible. I finished up The Transformation Bible by Warren Wiesbe, which I enjoyed and learned so much. Now I’m reading though the Ryrie study bible. I’m excited to start reading though yours this New Year. I have been enjoying your teachings of the Books of the Bible or sections like Joseph x Jesus. My wife and I are learning so much. The last two years going to CalvaryPsl doing one year the Book of Romans and just finished Revelation this year versus by versus. I’m more in love with Jesus then ever before. Topical teaching is fine once in a while, but nothing has transformed me like expository teaching. I start my day in his Word, which sets my mind and heart on Him though the day learning to pray without ceasing. Asking Him to bring people across my path for His Glory. Then finish my day in worship and a teaching from you. Thanks David for walking in God’s will. Thank you for teaching the easy versus and the not so easy ones. Looking forward to partner in your work. Your Brother in Christ Jim
Jim, I love it! Letting the Bible speak for itself through expository teaching is a great blessing. Thanks for your encouragement and blessings to you – David Guzik