A disciple is defined as a follower or student of a teacher. Would you consider yourself to be a disciple of Jesus? Would you say that you are a follower or a student of his teachings? If you are, then you would, indeed, be a disciple of Christ. Jesus puts it this way in John, chapter 8 verses 31 and 32:
“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’”
Jesus not only calls us to believe in him, he also wants us to be followers of his teaching; or his disciples. Being a disciple is a life-long journey. We need to continue to remind ourselves of his teachings by reading his word, attending events that highlight his word such as church, Bible study and prayer gatherings and pray that the Holy Spirit help us to discern his word. And as we learn about his word, we need to do what it says. In doing so, we become a student of his teaching; we become a follower of Christ. When Jesus went to be with the Father, he sent us the Holy Spirit to help us on our journey. I encourage you not to try to live out the Christian walk on your own. We need the Holy Spirit to help us along the way. He will help us live out what we learn. Trying to do it in our flesh will always end in failure. But walking in step with the Spirit will help us live out the truth. And as Jesus puts it, the truth will set us free.
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Jesus says, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” I encourage you to be a student of Jesus’ teaching. Continue to flood your mind with the teachings of the Bible, and do what it says. Make it your life’s mission to become more and more like Jesus. If you do, you will see the world more clearly. You will see the world through his eyes. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.
