Key Scripture:
John 15:3. “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.
Key Idea:
… it is the Word of God that is the knife, sharper than any two-edged sword, that pierces even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit, and is quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart. It is only when affliction leads to this discipline of the Word that it becomes a blessing;
— Murray
Pray for revelation:
Father, I pray Thee, cleanse me through Thy Word. Let it search out and bring to light all that is of self and the flesh in my religion. Let it cut away every root of self-confidence, that the Vine may find me wholly free to receive His life and Spirit. O my holy Husbandman, I trust Thee to care for the branch as much as for the Vine. Thou only art my hope.
— Murray
Key words:
Clean,
Word
Jesus brings his parrabel of the vine to the real world for this verse. He says the disciples have already been cleansed. At this moment in time, they have been growing, maturing, having the dead weight of religious ideas trimmed out. They are poised for bearing fruit, more fruit, and abundant fruit.
How were they cleansed? Murray titles this reading, ‘The Pruning Knife.’ So, where’s the knife? The cleansing, pruning, purifying, comes from the word that Jesus has spoken. His words, his teachings, the Bible, is what keeps us clean and pure. Hard times come and go, but those troubles come to everybody, even the ungodly. Enduring tough times doesn’t prune us. It proves us.
The word that is a two edged sword, that cuts to the bone, that is the knife that keeps us pruned. The same word that spoke the creation into existance. In our own lives, it’s our own words that demonstrate who we are, and how we are known. Words that can both condemn us or defend us.
Prayer is important. It keeps in a close conversation with God. His word is the thing that lays on the conviction, speaks to our conscience, and purifies us. Spend time in reading the Bible. It will help in getting to know God and his will, and speak to you about areas where pruning is called for.