How Does the Word Cleanse?

Lesson #239

As we move on to John 15:3, it seems to be out of place since verse 2 and 4 are both about branches. In verse 2 the branches are being lifted up or pruned to encourage greater fruit bearing and verse 4, we will see later, is about the branch abiding in Jesus in order to bear fruit. In that context we need to think about what John was trying to teach us about the word and its relationship to being cleansed.

To bear fruit, verse 2 tells us that extra foliage is to be pruned away to encourage nourishment being used to bear fruit. In verse 4, fruit bearing is related to abiding in Jesus who is the Word in flesh. In John 13:10, Jesus spoke of the disciples being clean, except for Judas. In some way, as the disciples listened to the teaching of Jesus, all except Judas, who betrayed him, were cleansed. In Proverbs 16:6: “In mercy and truth Atonement is provided for iniquity; And by the fear of the Lord one departs from evil” (NKJV). Verses like this teach us about our provision for salvation and as we learn about God and what he has done for us and what he expects for us, then out of fear of punishment for disobedience we feel pressure to turn from evil. Psalm 119:9, 11: “How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (NKJV). As we know the Word, it has a cleansing influence on us because with it in our heart we will tend to live it out. 2 Timothy 3:16 – 17: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (ESV). These verses contain more evidence of the cleansing of the Word. And finally in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (NIV). As we spend time with the Word it has an influence over our lives of cleansing.

Like the Father pruning the branches, the word of God, whether taught by Jesus to the disciples or through our study of the Word, through its power it has a cleansing effect on us who believe and abide as a branch in Jesus.

Prayer

Father, I thank you for the cleansing effect the word of God has had on my life; how it guards me in times of temptation; how it stimulates me to live more and more like Jesus each day. It provides me with a standard or a filter through which input from the world is received. Having the Word standing between me and the world has prevented me from experiencing much trouble and heart ache. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” I find to be a key to righteous living.