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Read Introduction to John

 

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

 

It is important to see that verses 30 and following refer to the same group of people. They “believe in” Jesus at a point in time. The issue in verses 31 and 32 is discipleship, something that takes place over time.

31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him,

Jesus challenged those who believed on Him to test whether their faith was dynamic. The Jews who believed on Jesus need to develop their faith. They needed to fully trust His word.

If you abide in My word,

To “abide” in Jesus’ word is a test to determine the strength of their faith. The word “abide” means to remain. The issue here is adherence to Jesus’ word or teaching. People who adhere to Jesus’ word direct their life by it. They have no casual attitude toward revelation of Himself.

you are My disciples indeed [truly].

A disciple is literally a learner. A disciple “indeed” or truly is a disciple who faithfully believes his teacher’s word. There is a difference between a mere disciple and a disciple “indeed.” This is a person who lets the word of Christ take hold on his or her soul.

Jesus did not lay down a condition for becoming a believer here but simply indicated what characterizes a growing believer. The person who fully engages with the truth that Christ communicates is a disciple “indeed.” 

PRINCIPLE:

Full engagement with Jesus’ word produces a dynamic faith.

APPLICATION:

There are those people today who are inclined to think that Jesus may be true but cannot bring themselves to fully believe Him; they cannot accept the revelation of Himself to men.

Dynamic faith produces growth in Christ. Growing believers personally engage with the truth that is in Jesus.

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