Lies I Believe Part 2: I Can Do It on My OwnSýnishorn

The lie we’re focusing on here in Week 2 is I can do it on my own. So, let’s clarify something: what is “it”? Millions of people have chosen to live their lives without God, and they are still able to accomplish their goals, create meaningful relationships, and enjoy the good things around them. They seem to make it through just fine on their own. So, what does Jesus mean in John 15 when he says, “apart from me you can do nothing”? In this passage, Jesus is talking about bearing fruit.

Let’s consider the broader context. Jesus is talking to his disciples right before he is arrested and crucified. He is telling them what it really means to follow him–how to live, what to expect, and how to know they will go to heaven when they die. He tells them that the key to living the life he’s asking of them is staying connected to him. And when they stay connected to him, they will bear the fruit (that is, experience the promised results) of abiding in him. So, the “it” is the life Jesus asks of us. And that life always bears fruit.

As we talked about in Week 1, the life Jesus asks of us is an abundant life. It’s a life with eternal purpose; a life rooted in truth; a life that leads to a contented peace (shalom). If that’s the kind of life you want, then here’s the first truth to start with: You can’t do it on your own.

Ask Yourself: What kind of life am I pursuing? Does my answer bring me peace when I think about my life inevitably ending? What gets in the way of living out (or even desiring) the life Jesus wants to give me?

Pause to Pray: God, I can’t do this on my own…

Take a Next Step: Confess your idols, selfish ambitions, fear, and indifference to God. Pray Psalm 51:12: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you” (NLT).