Episode Overview

Episode Title: #271 – Joby Martin // Abide And Grow
Hosts: Joby Martin & Kyle Thompson
Air Date: January 14, 2026
Theme:
This episode of The Daily Blade centers on the spiritual practice of “abiding” in Christ, focusing on how Christians can love God “with all your soul.” Drawing from John 15 and other key scripture, Joby Martin leads a devotional on personal spiritual growth, pruning distractions, and practical steps to deepen intimacy with God. The emphasis is on actionable faith—both cutting out what hinders and cultivating practices that stir affection for Jesus.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Call to Abide in Christ

(00:20 – 01:45)

• Joby frames abiding as a fundamental spiritual invitation:
  • “Abide is a relational term. Jesus is saying, ‘Hey, come here. Come close to me and I will come close to you.’” (Joby, 01:18)
• Referencing John 15, Joby underscores the metaphor of Jesus as the true vine and God as the gardener:
  • We, as branches, are called to remain connected to the source of spiritual life.
  • Bearing spiritual fruit requires ongoing connection; “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” (01:41)

2. The Process of Pruning: Mortification and Vivification

(01:45 – 03:15)

• Joby introduces classic Puritan terms:
  • Mortification (killing sin) and Vivification (cultivating what brings life).
    • “You should be killing sin or it will be killing you.” (Joby, 02:34)
• Encourages listeners to evaluate their own lives:
  • What “branches” (sins or distractions) need to be cut off?
  • What entangles you or hinders a growing relationship with Jesus?
• Warns against rationalizing “stupid” behaviors that aren’t sinful but are spiritually draining:
• “Sometimes there are things in your life and it’s not sin, it’s just stupid.” (Joby, 02:49)
• Example: Obsession with entertainment at the expense of time with God.

3. Feeding Spiritual Affection: Connection With God

(03:15 – 04:20)

• Joby offers practical steps to fuel spiritual growth:
  • “What you have to do to feed and fuel that relationship with Jesus is some combination of God’s presence, God’s people, and God’s Word.” (Joby, 03:37)
• God’s Presence: Prayer, worship, attending church.
• God’s People: Brotherhood, community, spiritual accountability.
• God’s Word: Regular scripture intake and meditation.
• Listeners are challenged to self-assess:
  • What needs to be removed and what needs to be added to foster “loving the Lord your God with all your soul”?

4. The Promise of God’s Nearness

(04:20 – 05:15)

• Joby highlights James 4:8 as a core promise:
  • “‘Draw near to me and I will draw near to you.’ That means this is an effort that God will meet you in every single time.” (Joby, 04:36)
• Reassures that the Christian life means ongoing cultivation, not just a one-time profession of faith.
• Encourages deliberate action: Draw near, remove hindrances, and trust God’s faithfulness.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the gravity of Jesus’ invitation:
  “The sovereign king of the universe... gives us this invitation: He says, ‘Abide in me and I in you.’” (Joby, 01:11)

• On self-examination and action:
  “What is the sin in your life that you need to cut out? Not play with it, not pet it, not try to tame it. But what are the branches in your life that need to be cut off and thrown away and burned in the fire?” (Joby, 02:21)

• On spiritual laziness and distraction:
  “If you’re spending extensively more time catching up on the latest Netflix show and you’re not in the Word and you wonder why your relationship with the Lord isn’t growing, well, it’s because of this...” (Joby, 02:59)

• On spiritual disciplines:
  “You’re going to have to have [God’s presence, God’s people, and God’s Word] in your life.” (Joby, 03:42)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:20 – Introduction to “love the Lord your God with all of your soul;” Jesus as the true vine
• 01:11 – The meaning and weight of “abide in me”
• 02:21 – The challenge to cut out sin & distractions; mortification/vivification explained
• 02:59 – Example of misplaced priorities (Netflix vs. the Word)
• 03:37 – Practical formula: God’s presence, people, and Word
• 04:36 – The promise of James 4:8 (“Draw near to me and I will draw near to you”)

Conclusion

In this episode, Joby Martin unpacks the deep spiritual discipline of abiding in Christ, calling listeners to cut away sin and distractions while intentionally cultivating practices that stir love for God. With practical advice and scriptural foundation, the message is clear: True spiritual growth requires both pruning and nourishment. Draw near to God, and He will surely draw near to you.