31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

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 shock us when we see His definition.  Our Lord is urging those who are professing believers to become disciples.  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 often we make many converts but few disciples.  Yet it was not converts that our Lord called us to make.

Across our pulpits today there will be thousands of sermons preached to those who are Christians to urge them to live like Christians, and thousands more will be preached to those who are not Christians to urge them to believe in Jesus. I doubt if many are preached to those who already believe the doctrines of Christianity and who think they are

Christians, but who nevertheless, have never come to the point of accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord.    

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 Savior and Lord? Has one believed 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. Well over 90% of people surveyed in opinion polls claim they believe in a personal God, but very few obviously live differently as discipleship requires. Recognize the difference between verse 30 (NIV) which I think helps us see the distinction between putting their faith in him and believe him. There is a distinction many people miss.    

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 the Christ. I am surprised how 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.

Application:   Is what you say and how you live much differently?

Prayer:  Lord, I want to live like Your disciple in thought, word and deed.   I seek You in Your Word and pray that You will use Your word to transform my mind, my thinking to be that of the mind of Christ.   

Dale