15:6
There is then a severe warning, harking back to 15:2. Someone may have the outside trappings of being a Christian, but if they do not truly reside in Christ then they do not belong to Him, they will not bear fruit for Him, and they will be thrown away. These branches are thrown into the fire and burned. Repentance and faith are the only ways to abide in Jesus.
15:7
Like the earlier promise with regard to prayer (John 4:13), this needs to be read fully in context. This is not saying “Ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”. I know that is what the latter part of the sentence says, but in the immediate context the first part of the sentence is crucial, along with the wider context. It is all about us living as Christ’s disciples and God fulfilling His purposes through us. It is definitely not about us doing what we like! The words are addressed to people who are committed to following Christ, and are fully aware of their own weaknesses and shortcomings. We have been called into unity with God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We don’t appreciate the absolute security there is in walking in step with the Spirit, and the absolute insecurity of going our own way.
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