Man’s Communion with God

MEMORY VERSE: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” —John 15:4

LUKE 11:1-4,9-13; I JOHN 1:1-3

OUR first parents, who were created perfect and in the image of God, enjoyed communion with their Creator, prior to the time when they transgressed his law and were sentenced to death. As a result of their disobedience they became alienated from God, and neither they nor their offspring have enjoyed communion with God since; indeed, the majority have desired to forget God.—Rom. 8:21-25

There have, however, been exceptions to this general rule. Abraham, for example, because of his great faith, became a friend of God, and as a friend, enjoyed communion with him. (II Chron. 20:7; James 2:23) This was true of all the worthy ones of the past, beginning with righteous Abel. (Heb. 11) Jesus said to his disciples, “Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:14) After the Holy Spirit was given at Pentecost, these “friends” received the Spirit’s begetting to sonship, and could enjoy communion with the Heavenly Father as his children, and with Jesus as their Head and Lord. The acceptance of the headship of Jesus implies full dedication to the will of God as expressed through him.

Prayer is an important facet of our communion with God; so also is our study of his Word. It is through the study of his Word that God communicates to us a knowledge of his will, and this enables us to pray in harmony with his plans. We may be sure that if our petitions to God are in harmony with his will they will be favorably answered. He wants us to have an increased infilling of his Holy Spirit, and when we pray for this we will be rewarded, provided we make the necessary effort to set aside our own wills and preferences.

Jesus gave his disciples a model prayer, the opening expression of which reminds us of our sonship—“Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.” The ancient servants of God did not pray to him as their Father, but this is our privilege; and what comforting thoughts of loving solicitude and care this conjures up in our minds. How thankful we should be that we can call God our Father!

The expression, “Hallowed be thy name,” is an important one. God is holy, and worthy of our reverence and praise. We should never take him for granted, or become familiar with him. Jesus taught that it would be essential for us to approach the Father in his name. This is because we need the merit of Christ to make us worthy of entering into the Father’s presence. If we hallow the Father’s name we will remember our own unworthiness, and always approach him in the name of Jesus.

God has promised to establish his kingdom in the earth, so when we pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth,” we are expressing our desire to see his plan carried out, and will see to it that even now his will is done in our own hearts. We are glad, also, that God has provided for all our needs as new creatures, and is willing to forgive our sins as we forgive those who trespass against us. We are glad for his assurance that he will not lead us into temptation.

John (John 1:1-3) seemed greatly impressed with his close association with Jesus, and recognized in him the One whom the Father had sent into the world as his “Word,” or Logos, and that it is now through him that we enjoy communion with the Father. This thought of communion, or fellowship, includes the idea of partnership, and how grand it is that through the merit of Jesus we can consider ourselves partners with the Father and with his Son in carrying out his great divine plan of the ages.—II Cor. 6:1

Jesus’ lesson concerning the importance of abiding in the “vine,” as set forth by our memory verse, again emphasizes the fact that these wonderful passages of Scripture do not apply to mankind in general, but only to those who are fully dedicated to God, through Christ. In this illustration Jesus is the true “Vine,” and we are the “branches.” As branches, it is expected that we bear the fruits of righteousness.

QUESTIONS

Does mankind in general enjoy communion with God?

Who among men have enjoyed communion with God?

Outline Jesus’ model prayer, and point out the importance of its various features.

Can we enjoy fellowship with God in any other way except through Christ?

Who is the “Vine,” and who are the “branches”?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |