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'Christ in You...'
by Dale Krebbs
"If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." - John 15:7-8 (NIV)
Many have been disheartened by this verse, as they claim Jesus' promise that whatever they ask of Him will be given to them. They have not received that which they asked for...
Why?
It is easy not to see that there are conditions to receiving whatever we ask of Him. What He is saying does not constitute a "blank check" for whatever we might desire. Also, the verse begins with that little word (but often big in meaning) - the little word "if".
The first qualification for receiving what we wish, is that we are living in Him. That certainly indicates a VERY close relationship to Him - so close that we are considered "in Him", and that means He is also living in us.
Secondly, if we have such a close oneness with and in Him, then as a matter of submission in the relationship, our request will be in line with His will as the Holy Spirit motivates us.
As a result, we will not, and cannot ask for anything except that which is according to His will. The fruit of the Holy Spirit will be guiding us into asking that which is according to Jesus will. His words will guide us into asking that which is according to His will.
The next qualification for receiving the "whatever you wish" in Jesus's promise, is also within the verse itself. The next statement describes that which is the enablement to receive that which He has just spoken.
We can ask for anything we wish from Him as long as it is for the purpose of increasing our bearing of spiritual fruit. The bearing of much spiritual fruit will be the result of that which we ask. This fruit is defined in other locations in the Bible. One of the easiest to understand is in Galatians 5:22-23:
"But the fruit of the [Holy] Spirit [the work which His presence within accomplishes] is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, Gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence)."
The bearing of the spiritual fruit Jesus says, will be to the glory of the Father, and also shows that we are truly Jesus' disciples.
The entire issue comes down to whether we are living in Christ and He is living in us in such a close relationship, that our request will always be that which will glorify the Father, which in turn will show that we are truly Jesus' disciples. God will give you anything you may wish, if it meets these qualifications. But you must ask in faith in what and how Jesus made this promises.
Receiving what we ask of God depends completely on our relationship with God the Father, and Jesus Christ His son.
But always keep in mind: He does not say WHEN you will receive your request.
" Neither for these alone do I pray [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for all those who will ever come to believe in (trust in, cling to, rely on) Me through their word and teaching, That they all may be one, [just] as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe and be convinced that You have sent Me." - John 17:20-21 (AMP)
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