“You are
already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3
NKJ)
already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3
NKJ)
When taken seriously
as the Word of God, there is an inherent power in Christ’s teaching that has a
cleansing effect. His words clean out immorality and input grace.
as the Word of God, there is an inherent power in Christ’s teaching that has a
cleansing effect. His words clean out immorality and input grace.
The cleansing power
of Christ’s word is like the fire that purifies gold or silver in a furnace.
His words have a two-fold effect. There is surgery for disease and decay, but
also medicine to heal wounds. And the cleansing work of his word is on-going.
of Christ’s word is like the fire that purifies gold or silver in a furnace.
His words have a two-fold effect. There is surgery for disease and decay, but
also medicine to heal wounds. And the cleansing work of his word is on-going.
There are so many
Scriptures that run through my mind. Then I realize the Scripture rehearsing in
my mind is the Father’s pruning tool. The Apostle Paul instructed me to renew
my mind and be transformed (Romans 12:2). He also
taught that Christ would sanctify me and cleanse me “with the washing of
water by the word” and “present me unto himself . . . holy and
without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27).
Scriptures that run through my mind. Then I realize the Scripture rehearsing in
my mind is the Father’s pruning tool. The Apostle Paul instructed me to renew
my mind and be transformed (Romans 12:2). He also
taught that Christ would sanctify me and cleanse me “with the washing of
water by the word” and “present me unto himself . . . holy and
without blemish” (Ephesians 5:26-27).
Our Lord’s cleansing
efforts begin with God’s love and our faith in his sacrifice at Calvary (John 3:16). Then, in
obedience to him, his word becomes the directive for living and serving him (John 8:31-32). And
by faith I hear, believe, practice and grow (Romans 10:17).
efforts begin with God’s love and our faith in his sacrifice at Calvary (John 3:16). Then, in
obedience to him, his word becomes the directive for living and serving him (John 8:31-32). And
by faith I hear, believe, practice and grow (Romans 10:17).
As a pastor, I am
often asked this question: How do I know I am growing? And in John 15, Jesus
gives me the answer to this important question. The Father’s pruning or
cleaning activity is so that I may produce more fruit for his kingdom.
often asked this question: How do I know I am growing? And in John 15, Jesus
gives me the answer to this important question. The Father’s pruning or
cleaning activity is so that I may produce more fruit for his kingdom.
And as my spiritual
cleansing occurs, I produce more fruit as one “thoroughly equipped for
every good work” (2
Timothy 3:17). Therefore, I desire to be made complete so that I may
achieve God’s will and please him (Hebrews 13:20-21).
cleansing occurs, I produce more fruit as one “thoroughly equipped for
every good work” (2
Timothy 3:17). Therefore, I desire to be made complete so that I may
achieve God’s will and please him (Hebrews 13:20-21).
Dear Father, thank
you for the purifying work of your word. Cleanse my attitude and way of
thinking. Cleanse my spirit. Cleanse me from fleshly impurity. Help me produce
more fruit for your glory. I pray this
in the name of Jesus. AMEN
you for the purifying work of your word. Cleanse my attitude and way of
thinking. Cleanse my spirit. Cleanse me from fleshly impurity. Help me produce
more fruit for your glory. I pray this
in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Let the Word cleanse
you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9),
you from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9),