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 ).               4.     The 12 apostles.

        2.     Moses( John 9:28 ).                      5.     Mostly followers of Jesus

        3.     Pharisees( Mark 2:18 )                                 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 ).

        4.     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?