03 March 2024

BEING DISCIPLES OF THE WORD OF GOD

(Going Forward in Christ: GFIC 9)

In His three years of ministry, the Lord Jesus showed that He was not interested in just having adherents by the numbers. He was looking for disciples – those who are fully committed to Him and His Word. He made it very clear to the Jews who believed in Him: “To the Jews who had believed in Him, Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you will know the Truth, and the Truth shall set you free” (John 8: 31 -32). To “abide” in His Word is to hold on to it and obey what He says, because He is Saviour and Lord. Obedience is the proof of acknowledging Him as Lord. He once asked His disciples, ”Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I tell you?” (Luke 6:46).

Believing and obeying what He says sets us free: “You will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free”. His Word is Truth because He is God. He said, “I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:6). His Word has Divine Power to set us free: “The Word of God is Living and Powerful and sharper than a double-edged Sword” {Heb.4:12). He also said, "Is not My Word like Fire," declares the Lord, "and like a Hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? (Jer.23:29).

Christ sets us free from sin and its bondage. He said, “Very Truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:34,36). The power of His Word of Truth sets us free when we believe and obey what He says. Christ also tells us: “The Words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and Life” {John 6:63). Many Christians are still in bondage because they have not obeyed His Word and commands, thus showing they are not true disciples. A disciple is a committed and obedient follower.

The Bible exhorts us to “Let the Word of Christ dwell richly in you” (Col.3:16). Because God’s Word is Spirit and Life it has power to strengthen our soul and spirit so that we can overcome temptation and sin. Hence our Lord said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word that proceeds from the Mouth of God” (Matt.4:4). As physical food gives us energy and strength so God’s Word gives divine strength to withstand the trials of life and overcome sin and evil. The Psalmist declared: “How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your Word…I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9,11). Holiness comes through living victoriously by the Word of God.

The disciple is a learner and a student of the Master, the Lord Jesus, Who teaches us all the Truths and Revelations of God. We are true disciples when we “hold on to” His Word and Teaching. The root word “disciple” comes from “discipline”, implying that we must be discipled in the study of God’s Word and walking in obedience in order to be successful and victorious in the Christian life. There are no short-cuts to living a fruitful and joyful life. It is the long road of journeying with Christ in a devoted and disciplined life. It is lifelong walk from earth to Heaven. But what a great joy it will be when we reach Heaven! 

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