John 8:31-32
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
We love to quote John 8:32, don’t we? It’s filled with hope and possibility. To the bound, it breathes a promise of a life without chains, without addiction, without fear. To the one who loves a captive soul, it stirs hope to believe for a day where they will be free. Yet, so often, we forget that John 8:32 is connected to John 8:31. The truth that will bring freedom to our lives is found in God’s Word. As we learn to abide in God’s Word and we allow His Word to be “lodged” into the very depths of who we are, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.
James 1:21 calls it “receiving with meekness” the “implanted” Word of God. “The word “implanted” in this portion of scripture paints a picture of two trees being “grafted” together. This isn’t just another book to read. It’s not just a good story. The Word of God should be buried so deep within our hearts, that it grows to transform who we are. It should change us (Book 3 of the Planted Bible Study Series).” When others look at our lives – our responses, our actions, our words – they should see the Word of God lived out and not just quoted. It should become who we are. Paul wrote to the church of Corinth, “You are a living epistle, written on our hearts and read by all men (2 Corinthians 2:3).”
As we abide in God Word, His Word will abide in us and, not only abide in us, but become a part of us. The result of this abiding Word will be freedom, transformation, and so much more!
Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.
Psalm 1 holds such promise for those who will plant themselves in the Word of God! The “streams of water” speak of the life-giving flow that is available to us in Christ, our Source and Sustainer. Fruit is yielded and strength to keep us from “withering” provided as we bury our roots deep into His Word. The Psalmist ends verse 3 reminding us that where we plant ourselves directly affects how we prosper in this life. God’s Word is so much more than a book to be quoted! It is to be delighted in and meditated upon.
The word “meditate” in this portion of Scripture means to “think on, ponder, imagine, muse over, speak of, and study.” The Psalmist writes that “blessed is the man” who thinks on God’s Word day and night. “Blessed is the man” who speaks of God’s Word often. “Blessed is the man” who studies God’s Word and makes it His delight.
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When we “meditate” on God’s Word, we are doing more than simply reading it. Our day is spent thinking on the meaning of the words we have read and processing how to live it out in our everyday life. It is discussed with others, questions are asked, and the depths of its meaning explored. It’s not reading the Bible just to “put in my time” or because I know it’s what I should do. It’s reading to understand, retain, and be changed by it.
Psalm 119:11
I have stored (treasured, hidden, and buried) up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
As we “abide” in God’s Word (John 8:32), His Word will begin to “abide” in us (John 15:7-8). The author of Psalm 119 verse 11 understood that the result of this “abiding” would be freedom and breakthrough. Sin’s power in his life would be broken. Cycles of sin would be destroyed. Wrong mindsets would be transformed. His thoughts would shift heavenward. “Meditating” on God’s Word does this. It always does this. As we take in God’s Word, study it, speak of it, seek out its meaning, and apply it to our lives – we will be changed. Why? Because God’s Word is powerful and it “does not return void (or undone).” Isaiah 55:11 says that it will accomplish what it was sent out to do. That is our hope and our confidence. If He said it, He will do it.
*Taken from "Planted Bible Study: Abiding" Available On Our Resource Page
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