We are continuing with our series this Sunday entitled “I'm a Believer” from the book of John. Last week we examined the teaching of Jesus at the feast of the tabernacles ...that Jesus stood up on that final day and said to those who were listening, that if any are thirsty let him come to Me and drink… believe in Me as your Lord and Savior and you will experience the flow of the Holy Spirit in your innermost being. All you have to do is Believe!
This Sunday we're moving on to John chapter 8. Jesus is starting to tell the people who are would-be followers that there's more involved if you want to be a disciple. It's not just a one-time decision, it's an ongoing experience to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. And that's the title of the message today, “Becoming a true disciple”.
And when we read that, we understand that there are a few things involved here…. first of all, it's a process…. it’s not just a matter of giving your heart to Christ and signing your name on a commitment card or even being baptized in water. It's a “becoming” process in order to be a True Believer.
John 8:30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
And so, Jesus tells us here in this short paragraph that you and I need to identify ourselves as true disciples…. the four steps that are involved are: ongoing training, embracing the truth, being transformed, and understanding your true identity. Jesus is saying that you need ongoing training and development…. If you stay in my teaching, then you are truly My disciples.
One of the great realities as we approach the end times, is that people will be enticed away by false teachers and false prophets. As you read the discourse of Jesus in Matthew 24 about the signs of the end times, the one thing that is mentioned over and over, more than any other is that people will fall away… they don't know the reality of what the truth is.
I don't know if anything in our world is being handled so recklessly as the truth. Truth is the reality that is seen in God the Father, Jesus His Son and the Holy Spirit. And John talks in 1 John 2 that we, as believers, have an anointing that acts as a teacher for us so that we know the truth. Jesus says that if you continue in my teaching, in the word of God you're going to know the truth and the truth will result in freedom.
You will be transformed from a slave to sin/devil to a child of God…and with that freedom will come a new and true identity as a free child of God.
Join us in person on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. or via livestream by going to https://www.firstbaptistsudbury.com and clicking on livestream for “Becoming a True Disciple”
Blessings,
Kevin