A Disciples Guidance for Daily Decisions

John 8:31–32 KJV 1900

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Discipleship is the process of devoting oneself to a teacher to learn from and become more like them. For the Christian, this refers to the process of learning the teachings of Jesus and following after his example in obedience through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Discipleship fundamentally involves all of one’s being, not just the mind or intellect.

Chris Byrley, “Discipleship,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

It is interesting to note that Jesus is speaking to believers who are not yet disciples. (V. 31a) Believing is an act of the mind and of the will to mentally acknowledge that something true. In this case, the people to whom Jesus is speaking believes that he is the Christ, but that only pre-positions them for the process of becoming a disciple.

The process is what we are discussing tonight, which consists of a decision that leads to devotion and results in discipleship based on sound doctrine that offers full deliverance.

Allow me to exegete this text to illuminate a very practical methodology for repeatedly making good decisions as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Text Exegesis

Conditional Decision - “If ye” (v. 31b)

It can be said that life consists of a series of choices that are made based on the input received.

Illustration: Decision Statements in Computer Programming.

It has already been established that Jesus is talking to people who have responded to the input of the preached Word, and who have now become believers.

Now that the input has been received, these believers are now faced with a decision that is designed to test the level of their commitment to Christ.

This is why Jesus begins this lesson with the word “if”, because the “if” demands that a choice is considered and that a decision is made.

This highlights the reality that there are people who believe who Jesus is but who have not decided to become his disciple. These are people who acknowledge the Lordship of Christ, but have not adhered to the lifestyle of Christ.

Matthew 7:21–23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

You have to make a decision!

Continual Devotion - “continue in my Word” (v. 31c)

True discipleship involves daily submission to the will of God as prescribed in his Word.

It is the Word of God that provides the foundation and the framework for living a life that is in true alignment with what God desires.

2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

The “study” is spoudazo in the Greek, which means to be eager and zealous. To completely and continually apply oneself to something.

Psalm 1:1–3 “Blessed is the man That walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor standeth in the way of sinners, Nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; And in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, That bringeth forth his fruit in his season; His leaf also shall not wither; And whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

The word “delight” is hepes in the Greek, which means, inclination, desire, will, and joy.

Continual exposure to the Word of God makes you susceptible to daily decisions that are pleasing to God.

Characterized Discipleship - “then are ye my disciples indeed.” (v. 31d)

Faithful continuity and exposure to God’s Word develops a life that is characterized by discipleship.

A true disciple does not have to aggressively advertise his devotion and commitment to Christ, because his lifestyle will simply reflect it daily as personal evidence that he has been with Christ.

The life of a disciple of Christ flows seamlessly in alignment with the will of God because his decisions are seasoned by the Word of God.

Romans 12:1–2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

Comprehended Doctrine - “and ye shall know the truth” (v. 32a)

The daily continuance in the Word of God provides invincible protection against false doctrine that causes painful and sometimes deadly decisions.

False doctrine was a problem in the early church and it is just as pervasive in our modern context. Satan is using both human and AI preachers and teachers to spread damnable heresies that lead many people to astray by negatively influencing and impacting their life decisions.

Psalm 19:7–11 “The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward.”

Ephesians 6:13–17 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Complete Deliverance - “and the truth shall make you free.” (v. 32b)

Jesus gave us the real definition of truth…

John 17:17 “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”

Continued exposure to, study of, and immersion in the Word of God is the only way a person can experience real freedom in life.

The word “free” in this part of the text is eleutheroo in the Greek, which is an active, indicative, and continual connotation of the word.

This means that daily exposure to God’s Word provides daily freedom from the shackles of sin and disobedience.

This also means that the decisions we make on a daily basis are more inclined to be pleasing to God, because our thoughts are more focused on what God desires for every area of our lives.

2 Peter 1:2–3 “Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”