We move from Titus to 1 John in our 5x5x5 New Testament Reading Plan. I’ll just capture a few highlights over the next couple of days. One thing I noticed was John’s use of “abide.” Here’s an example:

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. And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life. I write these things to you about those who are trying to deceive you. But the anointing that you received from him abides in you, and you have no need that anyone should teach you. But as his anointing teaches you about everything, and is true, and is no lie—just as it has taught you, abide in him. Children of God And now, little children, abide in him, so that when he appears we may have confidence and not shrink from him in shame at his coming. (1 John 2.24 – 28, emphasis mine)

Here’s the technical definition of the Greek word translated “abide” from stepbible.org (a resource I highly recommend!):

μένω (menō) ‘to stay’ (G3306)to stay, remain, live, dwell, abide; to be in a state that begins and continues, yet may or may not end or stop. “To abide in Christ” is to follow his example of a life obedient to the will of God. – stepbible.org

It’s a common word, used in a variety of contexts. However, as nearly as I can tell, the idea of “abiding in” occurs only in John’s writings. For example:

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. (John 15.7, ESV)

We are to take up our residence in Christ as he takes up his residence in us! In the metaphor of the vine in John 15, “abide” is a permanent connection. The branch can’t even exist without the vine.

I wonder why John is the only one to use this language. Maybe because John had a stronger sense of being in relationship with Jesus. In his gospel, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” (See, for example, John 21:7). I don’t think John was the only disciple whom Jesus loved. I think he loved them all! But, maybe John was the only one who realized this. I am the disciple whom Jesus loves…and you are too!

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. (1 John 2.6, ESV)

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (1 John 3.1, ESV)