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Theme: THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORD OF GOD
Text: “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” – John 8:31, 32.
Comment: Our Lord, Jesus Christ, explained the meaning of true discipleship. While teaching in the temple, many of the Jews believed in him. (John 8:30) However, he told them that being his disciple indeed goes beyond mere belief in the word of God: they must continue in it if they want to be called the children of God. To continue in the word, the truth, is to keep and obey them faithfully. Apostle James stated, “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” (James 1:22) The truth purifies one to become holy; it instills the fear of God in one’s heart; it gives faith, and it gives sound wisdom and understanding that enables one to distinguish between holy and unholy, or right and wrong. The freedom that comes with knowing the truth is freedom from superstition, sin and above all, death.
Some temptations may come with trying to continue in the word, but we must continue to forge ahead till the end by the grace of God. To this end, St. Paul admonished Timothy, “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” – 2 Timothy 3:14, 15.