May 18, 2023

Steady Like the Rock

“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.’”

 John 8:31-32 (NASB)

            Years ago, I tried to work with a young man in discipleship. He was friends with my future son in law and daughter from childhood. After I began discipleship material with my future son in law, he wanted to join. I gladly invited him. I knew he wasn’t a believer. It didn’t matter. God can reach anyone He chooses. We prayed for the best outcome. But over time, his heart condition was exposed. He had no interest in spiritual things. He began to miss meetings, or do the work in our book. He wanted no part. So he drifted away, despite our attempts. I can’t help but think of him today and wonder if he accepted Christ. He remains in the same group who refused to accept Jesus’ invitation. How many today fall into this category. They prove their loyalties when they don’t “continue in My word.” Hebrews 4:12 says, “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” When the Word of God cuts, it cuts deep, but a surgeon can’t save you without cutting.

            “If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” The response by those who “believed,” was transformative. Their lives went from judgment to freedom. This was the first step in their conversion which involved believing. The Jewish leaders doomed themselves in their legalism. Jesus challenged those who heard and “believed.” His words revealed the second step by probing their salvation, “if you continue…” Robertson says, “Your future loyalty to my teaching will prove the reality of your present profession. Continuance in the word proves the sincerity or insincerity of the profession. It is the acid test of life.”[1] The second step in the life of the believer is called discipleship. This constant obedience and perseverance to the Scriptures are fruit of genuine faith, “if you continue…” “Continue,” we’ve seen before as krinō; meaning to judge, or decide.[2] It is a verb. Verbs indicate action, not inactivity. By definition, it implies one who is in action, and by that action they “remain in a place,” or “to tarry.” They are steady, and reliable, given to the Word. This proves the salvation of the one who heard and received it. “The believer who is committed to abide in Jesus and his word is in this Gospel to be designated as an authentic (alēthēs) disciple.”[3] “The way to freedom is set forth step by step. Before one is set free, he must know the truth. Before he will know the truth, he must be Jesus’ disciple. Before he can be Jesus’ disciple, he must hold to His teaching. Before he holds to His teaching, he must be a believer.”[4]

            So are the truths before you today. Do you want to know for sure you are a Christian? You persevere in the Word. You grow. You are steady and reliable. You stay when others leave.

[1] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Jn 8:31.

[2] Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).

[3] Gerald L. Borchert, John 1–11, vol. 25A, The New American Commentary (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1996), 303.

[4] Lewis Foster, John: Unlocking the Scriptures for You, Standard Bible Studies (Cincinnati, OH: Standard, 1987), 100.