RBT: Zephaniah 1-3
Memory Verse: To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “if you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. John 8:31, NIV
Bible Text: John 8:31-38
8:31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.
8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
8:33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”
8:34 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
8:35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
8:36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.
8:37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.
8:38 I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence, and you are doing what you have heard from your father.
Some political leaders have emerged and passed away in Nigeria. They made impact on the economic life of the people, and till date, some people are still referring to them as their political godfathers. Unfortunately, these protégés do not uphold the legacies of the departed leaders but are just using their names to score political relevance.
It is not enough to declare one's belief in God. You have to continue in the Word of God and let it be your guide for your everyday faith and conduct. There are so many philosophies and teachings in the world, but hearing, reading, and knowing the teachings of Jesus Christ should make us believe in Him.
Jesus said, if you want to be His disciple, in reality, you must know, acknowledge, receive, believe, keep believing, and continue in His Word. Jesus offers us a costly freedom from our enslavement to sin. It costs His life and ours. When we live obedient lives, we learn the truth of God and enjoy His freedom. The proof of our discipleship is seen by what we "put off" and "put on" in our lives.
Have you been going to church, but have not fully surrendered to the LORD? You have another opportunity today. Submit your life to Jesus, continue in His Word and then you will be His disciple indeed.
Insight: What you believe determines how you act, or behave, and how you respond to issues.
Prayer: LORD God, make me Your true disciple in Jesus' name.