1 John 2:24-25 English Standard Version
24 Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life.
The word abide is the Greek word menō and it means remain; stay; reside, to continue — to continue a certain state, condition, or activity.[1] John instructs us that what we have heard from the beginning must abide in us. It must become part of who we are. It must remain, stay, and reside. We cannot turn from it to the right or to the left. We must hold fast to the truth of scripture and build our lives upon it. Each day, we face spiritual battles, and the enemy's greatest weapons are lies and deception. However, the truth of God is greater. We cannot just be hearers of the word of God; we must also be doers. We must faithfully live it out every day.
We are told that if what we have heard abides in us, then we will abide in the Son and the Father. A vital part of our relationship with God involves living according to the word of God. God desires intimacy with us—the same intimacy that He had with Adam in the garden. Jesus has made this possible because, through His shed blood, our sin is not merely covered; it is washed away. We are able to approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence.
Are we truly abiding in the truth? Do we set aside daily time to spend in God’s word? Not just reading over it like a novel, but dedicating time to read and meditate on the scriptures. We should ask the Holy Spirit to help us not only understand but also apply it to our lives. When we begin to apply the word of God, that’s when we are abiding in it. Merely knowing God’s word without putting it into practice causes us to miss out on all that God has for us.
The promise we have from God is eternal life. The word eternal means everlasting — continuing forever or indefinitely.[2] It is a life without end. Our lives on this earth are but a breath. We are here today and gone tomorrow. Growing up, it feels like it takes forever to mature. But the older you get, the faster time seems to pass. Those who live for the world and its pleasures will ultimately discover what they truly missed out on.
God is continually drawing people to Himself. Even when we veer off course, God will continue to pursue and redirect us. The key to walking in every promise God has for us is to honor His word and abide by it. Make the word of God the foundation of everything you do. Build your life and family on the word of God. His promises are sure, and regardless of the hardships or difficulties we face in this life, they do not compare to what awaits us in His kingdom.
Prayer
Father help me to have an eternal perspective. Help me not to be focused on this world and its desire. Remove from my life anything that grieves you. Prune me of anything that hinders your purpose and plan. Father help me to be the son or daughter you have called me to be. Help me to abide and to build my life upon your word and your kingdom. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
Reflection question: Are you abiding daily in the word of God? Do you have time set aside each day in which you sit before the Lord, pray, read and meditate upon His word? What is God challenging you with today? What things in your life need to change that may be hindering greater growth in Jesus Christ?
[1] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[2] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).a
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