John 15:3

Good morning friends,

Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.

Yesterday we briefly considered the pruning process of the vinedresser. The word translated “pruning” can also mean “cleaning” or to “purge.” In the context therefore it would mean to clean or purge of that which is unhelpful, or unhealthful for the bearing of fruit. We see here that “cleansing” implement that God uses is His Word. Eph 5:26 and following shows us this clearly; 

 “that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word,  so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. “ 

When God called me into his fold thirty two years ago, at age 26, need-less-to-say, there were things that needed to be purged from my life. Now do not hear me wrong, however, God had to “cleanse” me of the influence of some genres of music. Music was the god I bowed to at that point in my life and it needed to go. Along with selling my records, I also stopped playing guitar for several years. This was not a matter of legalism, I was not trying to win points before God, it was purely a matter of something that I was convinced would hinder “fruit.” Paul speaks of this concept concerning the eating of meat sacrificed to idols in 1st Cor. 8:

 However, not all possess this knowledge. But some, through former association with idols, eat food as really offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. Food will not commend us to God. We are no worse off if we do not eat, and no better off if we do. But take care that this right of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak.

 God has allowed me to once again enjoy the common grace of music, but in my early Christian life it was something that needed to be pruned. Now my conviction concerning the need for music to be “pruned” from my life at that point was because of the Word. Please keep in mind that this “pruning” is not an act of punishment on the part of the vinedresser, it is not some form depravation, nor is it a matter legalism, it is a loving act whereby He is in the process of conforming us to His Son.

 Have a blessed Lord’s Day

 Bill

Heidelberg Catechism 

Q. 29. Why is the Son of God called “Jesus”, that is a Saviour?

A. Because he saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins; (a) and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other. (b) (a) Matt.1:21; Heb.7:24,25. (b) Acts 4:12; John 15:4,5; 1 Tim.2:5; Isa.43:11; 1 John 5:11.

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