Chapter 03 of 12

Abide in His word

Remain with the words of Jesus so that discipleship is shaped by His teaching.

Primary command

Remain in Jesus’ teaching so that His word continually shapes belief, freedom, and discipleship.

Read the Scripture

Primary passage

John 8:31–38

31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” 33 They answered him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free’?” 34 Jesus answered them, “Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondservant of sin. 35 A bondservant doesn’t live in the house forever. A son remains forever. 36 If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s offspring, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. 38 I say the things which I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.”

World English Bible

John

John 12:44–50

44 Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. 45 He who sees me sees him who sent me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. 47 If anyone listens to my sayings and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke will judge him in the last day. 49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me gave me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

World English Bible

In context

Hear the whole passage.

Jesus speaks to people who had believed Him and describes continuing in His word as the mark of true disciples.

What Jesus is forming in us

Jesus forms steady disciples who stay with His word long enough for truth to expose bondage and lead into freedom.

Practice this command

Take one clear step.

Read the full passage slowly on three days this week and write down one command to practice.

Discuss

Talk about it.

What is the difference between hearing Jesus’ word and abiding in it?

Pray

Pray this.

Ask for constancy, truth, and freedom as you remain in His word.

Teach

Teach it simply.

How would you help another person return to Jesus’ words regularly?