Know

For the last few weeks, we’ve been on a journey to understand what a disciple looks like. In our theme verse, Jesus says–

Luke 9:23b | …“If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me.” 

We’ve seen that disciples believe in Jesus. That belief transforms who they are as they turn away from their old life and are made new creations through the work of the Holy Spirit. However, we learned through the judges cycle that God’s followers still struggle with sin. We know that life is filled with crossroads where we have an opportunity to go God’s way or go our own. So what can disciples do daily to prepare for these moments of testing so they indeed choose to give up their own way, pick up their cross, and follow Christ?

Let’s head back to Psalm 119, which has anchored our journey as disciples. 

Psalm 119:9a | How can a young person stay pure?

The theme of the verses that answer this question is impossible to miss– 

Psalm 119:11 | I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

Psalm 119:12b | …teach me your decrees

Psalm 119:15-16 | I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.

After a disciple believes in Jesus, they get to know his commands through His Word. Psalm 119 shows us that staying pure, or navigating the path that goes God’s way, requires a passion for Scripture – learning it, studying it, loving it, and even memorizing it. So what makes Scripture so critical for God’s followers? 

Jesus taught– 

Luke 6:46 | A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

It's not just our words– Jesus also said– 

Matthew 15:19 | For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Our hearts drive our thoughts, words, and actions. Like a water soaked sponge filled to the brim, when pressure is applied through struggle, temptation, or a crossroad, we overflow with whatever we’ve been filled with. 
It is because Paul and Silas knew God’s ways that they could praise Him even in prison. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew God’s commands, they weren’t afraid of the furnace of fire. Stephen knew God’s promises and the hope of salvation, so he was able to stand courageously in the face of persecution and delivered a message of repentance. Over and over again, we see people in the Bible overflowing with whatever they had allowed to fill their hearts. That might be love, joy, peace, or faith, or it might be anxiety, fear, selfishness, sin, anger, or hate. 

A disciple cannot just rely on getting to moments of testing, temptation, or crossroads and hoping for the best. They must diligently absorb the things of the Lord through His Word, prayer, and community with other believers so that at the crossroad, they know God’s ways and when pressure is applied, the Lord overflows through them. 

Disciples choose daily to immerse themselves in God’s commands so they are prepared to give up their own way, pick up their cross, and follow Him. Are you a disciple? 

  • Hide His Word in your heart. 

  • Love His decrees. 

  • Study His commands. 

  • Reflect on His ways. 

Joshua 1:8 | Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.

  • Why is it important for disciples to know the Word of God? 

  • What are you doing to grow in your knowledge of the Word of God? 

    • How often? 

    • Is there anything you need to change or do more of? If so, what? 

  • How does reading God’s Word impact you each day? 

    • Your attitude? 

    • Your actions? 

    • Your desire to share Jesus with others?

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