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It seemed very promising as Jesus addressed the crowd regarding his identity, stressing the importance of believing he is who he claims to be.  There seemed to be a significant response – ‘many put their faith in him’ (v30).  As Jesus continues to teach, however, a different picture emerges.  When he tells the crowd about what believing in him really means, superficial views of discipleship are quickly swept away.  Jesus’ words expose the hearts of his listeners.  We consider John 8:31-32 True discipleship.

1. Believing in Jesus

In v31 Jesus addresses ‘the Jews who had believed in him’.  This raises the question ‘Is this the kind of belief that brings sinners to salvation?’  Is this saving faith?  The reactions of these people as Jesus confronts them with the nature of true discipleship in v31-32 makes it clear they have not been changed inwardly by what they have heard.  Eventually the Lord says,’ You belong to your father, the devil’ (v44).  Scripture makes it clear there are ways of ‘believing’ that do not save.  Acceptance of certain facts is insufficient without personal commitment.

2. Remaining in truth

The crucial test of discipleship is found in v31 ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples’ (ESV).  There must be steadfast remaining in the truth, in contrast to the seed among the thorns and stones (Matthew 13:5-7).  The ‘word’ of Jesus is all that he reveals about his person and work.  The true disciple does not select the parts he will accept – it is all ‘the truth’ (v32).  In fact Jesus himself is ‘the truth’ (John 14:6).  There must be personal commitment to the One who embodies the truth.  There is no conflict between believing the truth and believing in Jesus.  The ultimate test of true discipleship is perseverance (2 John 9).

3. Growing in knowledge

The result of remaining in the truth is stated in v32 ‘Then you will know the truth’.  Once committed to him, the true disciple will grow in understanding of the truth, moving on from ‘milk’ to ‘solid food’ (Hebrews 5:12).  Faith in the Lord is essential for understanding the truth.  Without faith, our grasp of the truth will be superficial.  Beginning from faith, disciples understand the things of God, which are ‘spiritually discerned’ (1 Corinthians 2:14).  We have the ministry of the Holy Spirit who blesses our use of whatever ability God has given us.

4. Living in freedom

A growing grasp of the truth has profound results – ‘the truth will set you free’ (v32).  2 effects:

            (i).  Free from sin.  Knowledge of the truth exposes our sin, leading to repentance, a daily necessity.  The word produces ‘godly sorrow’ (2 Corinthians 7:10).  The truth also protects from sin – Psalm 119:11 ‘I have hidden your word in my heart…’

            (ii). Free for living.  The truth guides in the way of godliness, and obedience is the essential test of love for God (1 John 5:3).  We were created for such a life, to God’s glory.

The law of God is not a popular subject today.  We live in an anti-authoritarian age when laws are given only grudging obedience, even when they are for one’s own benefit.  Many do not want to hear about a God who tells people what to do.  That is true even among many Christians.  The Psalmist, however, can say ‘O, how I love your law’ (Ps 119:97) and Paul can say ‘in my inner being I delight in God’s law’ (Romans 7:22).  God’s law expresses in practical form God’s holy nature and requirements.  We consider God’s gift of his Law.

1. A mirror

God requires of every person perfect obedience to his law.  Note Israel’s commitment at Sinai – ‘we will do everything the Lord has said’ (Exodus 24:7).  This is what is required if we are to enjoy fellowship with the Lord (Leviticus 18:5).  Jesus says ‘if you want to enter life, obey the commandments’ (Matthew 19:17).  However, we are unable to meet that standard (Romans 3:23).  God’s law holds up a mirror to us, showing the reality of our sin.  It forces us to see that we break specific commandments.  If we are willing to pay heed, the law lets us see what we are really like, but it cannot change us (Romans 3:20).  Worse still, as Paul found, the law even provokes sin (Romans 7:7-8).  But the law as a mirror also serves a positive function – it drives us to Christ for salvation.  Awakened sinners realise their need and turn to the Saviour (Romans 5:20-21).

2. A muzzle

God’s law also has a function in relation to society as a whole.  The law is given to restrain the outward expression of man’s sinful nature.  It acts as a muzzle which prevents sinful actions that would otherwise be committed.  The law had a deterrent effect on Israel (Exodus 20:20).  Where God’s word is known and where the church has some influence, God’s law can still discourage some expressions of man’s sinful nature.  The threat of divine punishment can make some think again before they sin.  God’s law reminds people of his holiness and justice and awakens echoes in the conscience of those who bear God’s image.  Such an effect is of course limited.  As the fear of God and respect for his word decline in society, the muzzling effects of the law decrease.  God’s law however serves to show how a society has deteriorated and to pronounce his judgement.

3. A map

Some Christians believe God’s law no longer has any relevance to them and claim being led by the Spirit is sufficient.  In fact, God’s law is a map to guide his people in the ways of godliness.  The law was given to those God had redeemed (Exodus 20:1).  It was given to show Israel how to serve the Lord.  The NT teaches the same truth.  Christians demonstrate love for God by obedience to his law (John 14:15; I John 5:3-4).  We are saved by grace in order ‘to do good works’ (Ephesians 2:10).  God’s law guides us as to good works to do and sins to avoid.  If a person is truly regenerate, it will be evident in the desire to keep God’s law.  It is Paul the saved sinner who writes Romans 7:22.  Indifference to God’s law is a warning of spiritual decline.  God’s law expresses his nature and reveals the character of Christ.

Speaker: Tom McKendry

Speaker: Tom McKendry