Sermon nuggets Tues June 3, 2008
Theme- Spiritual Heritage
Verses: John 8:31-32 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP
It seems there are believers and non believers standing around our Lord. Jesus tells them what a true disciple is. It is very common for people to want to identify themselves as Christians. Jesus may surprise us with His definition. There is a world of difference between being a convert and being a disciple, between believing in Him and surrendering your life and will to Him. It seems that all too often we make many converts but few disciples.
A Christian disciple first is one who believes in Jesus. Faith is the key to being a disciple. Has one believed and accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord? Has one believed that Jesus is telling the truth in all that He says? Believe that He is the only way to the Father. Believe that it is only by the cross and our repenting of our sins and trusting Jesus that we can be saved.
There is a problem we have in our nation. Over 85% of people surveyed in opinion polls claim they believe in a personal God, but in many cases they do not even expose themselves to His teaching. Recognize the difference in verse 30 which I think helps us see the distinction between putting their faith in him, and believe Him.
Another important characteristic of a true disciple, is one who holds to his teaching. If you do not hold on to the teachings of Jesus you are not a true disciple. I am amazed how many people pick and choose what they like of Jesus' words and still convince themselves they are followers of Christ. Many people will call themselves Christians because they like the teachings of the love and forgiveness of God, but reject his teachings on the judgment and punishments of God. Or people who think they are true believers because sometime in childhood they walked an aisle and said a prayer, "Jesus I accept you as my personal savior." and have since lived lives completely against anything Christ taught, or lived for.
I've talked to many people who will not take seriously the claims of Jesus Christ on their lives because they were taught when you were baptized as an infant that took care of your salvation. Yet there is no belief on the child's part, nor is there any holding to the teachings of the Master, as an infant. Likewise many came forward at a church service, or camp meeting but Christ makes no difference in their adult life. There must come a time in ones life when he hears, repents, believes, and seeks to be a follower of the teachings and the person of Jesus. Jesus asked His disciples in Luke "Why do you call me Lord, Lord and not do what I say"
When you believe in Jesus and hold to his teaching then you really are His disciple. You then will know the truth. That is part of the revelation of God to us. You will know the truth, and that will set you free. Free from what? Jesus tells us in the following verses, it sets us from the bind that sin has upon us.
Pastor Dale
