September 23, 2001 am

Truly My Disciples

TEXT: John 8:31-32

INTRODUCTION:

A. WHAT IS TRUE OF DISCIPLES TRUE OF CHRISTIANS (Acts 11:26).

B. WHAT IS A DISCIPLE? "A scholar or learner; especially one who believes in the doctrine of his teacher and follows him."

1. John the B.( John 3:25 ).

2. Moses( John 9:28 ).

3. Pharisees( Mark 2:18 ).

4. The 12 apostles.

5. Mostly followers of Jesus in general.

C. OUR DESIRE IS TO BE REAL GENUINE DISCIPLES.

1. Many think they are but aren't. More than claiming to be.

2. What does the Bible say?

I. AGAIN, WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

A. "IF YE ABIDE IN MY WORD" - CONTINUE, KJV, meno, remain, continue.

B. DISCIPLESHIP INVOLVES FOLLOWING HIM( John 8:12 ).

1. His example( 1 Pet. 2:21 ).

"What would Jesus do?"

2. His teachings( John 14:15, 23 ).

"What would Jesus want me to do?"

3, 2 John 9. Precludes taking the lead. We are limited.

4. Involves a way of life( Eph. 4:20-24 ).

5. Involves a cost( Luke 14:25-33 ).

C. HOW IS ONE INITIATED? ( Matt. 28:19-20 ) WHERE HE JOINS CHRIST( Gal. 3:26-27 ).

D. WON'T ACCEPT MERELY WEARING THE NAME ( Matt. 7:21-23; 15:7-9 ).

II. THE RESULT OF DISCIPLESHIP.

A. "YE SHALL KNOW THE TRUTH..."

1. Jesus is God's spokesman( John 12:49 ).

2. His word is our standard of truth( John 17:17 ).

3. Anything else is false( Col. 2:8 ).

4. Truth is passed on thru the apostles( John 16:13; Luke 10:16 ).

B. "AND THE TRUTH SHALL MAKE YOU FREE."

1. Free from what?( John 8:33-36 ).

2. God's power to save in teachings of Jesus( John 8:31-32, 36 ).

3. Grace appears from God teaching us( Titus 2:11-12 ).

4. It can fully equip us( 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:3 ).

5. But we must obey it( 1 Pet. 1:22; Rom. 6:17-18 ).

CONCLUSION:

A. MANY HONEST AND GOOD PEOPLE ARE SURPRISED TO FIND OUT THEY ARE NOT CHRISTIANS ( disciples ) AND THEY ARE LOST!

B. HOW ABOUT YOU? ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OR IN BONDAGE TO SIN?

1. Have you been initiated?

2. Are you abiding in his word?