Friday, 9th June 2023
Alex Buabeng-Korsah
TOPIC: WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN TAUGHT?
THEME SCRIPTURE: “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world” – Matthew 28:20
PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:
- What is the Great Commission about?
- What is Jesus instructing us to teach?
The great commission given to us by our Master and Saviour Jesus, interestingly, mainly focuses not on salvation but discipleship. Jesus said to his disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…" (Matt 28:19). The challenge today is the absence of true and systematic discipleship—teaching saved souls to observe all things whatsoever Jesus has commanded us (Matt 28:20).
Precious One, the critical question is this: “What have you been taught as a believer in Christ?” As Christians, we are to be taught to observe (to do) the commandments of Jesus.
If this is lacking in your life, your discipleship hasn’t begun. What have you been taught? That God saved you to attend church and then go home and continue life as usual? Such that Christianity is all about attending church, that’s all. Have you been taught that Christianity is all about praying to get something from God? Or, that Christianity is an easy way or shortcut to solve your problems in life? Have you been taught that God will bless you, but for decades you have not seen the blessings? This is not discipleship, nor is it Christianity (living like Christ). A soul that is not properly discipled lives anyhow. He becomes like Ephraim—mixed up with the multitude. He becomes a cake not turned (Hos 7:8), overly cooked (burnt) on one side, and uncooked on the other side. He becomes a Christian by title but worldly by action. Carnal, and always looking for something from God.
Beloved, our calling is to observe the instructions, commandments, laws, and leadership of Christ. To observe is to do, and “to do” is an action word.
So we are to be taught to know it and do it. Have you been taught to know that it is the commandment of Christ "to love one another, as He [Christ] has loved us,” and to observe [or do] it (John 13:34)? Have you been taught to pray for your enemies? Have you been taught that “it is finished”, and that all that pertains to life and godliness has been given to you (1 Peter 1:3)? Therefore, you are not in need, but one—the know-how to walk in them. And the holy scriptures have answers for you. Paul, in discussing this subject with the Ephesian believers, showed them who they are in Christ and what this new life entails (chs. 1–3). In chapter 4, he begins to show them how to walk in (or live) this new life. He contrasts the new life with the old life and affirms that we have not learned the wicked and sensual life of the world from Christ (Eph 4:20) in the first place. So, we cannot live that worldly life, if so be that we have heard him [Jesus] and have been taught by Him, as the truth is Jesus (Eph 4:21). I love these two phrases: "heard Him” and “taught by Him”. Until a man is taught Christ, he cannot live Christ. Knowledge goes with the Spirit. The knowledge of Christ without the Spirit is powerlessness, and the Spirit without the knowledge of Jesus is frustration. Paul then shows us what to do if we have been taught and have received the revelations of Christ: be renewed in the spirit of your mind (throw away the old “you” and awaken to the new “you” revealed in scriptures) and put on the new man (wear the new you, embrace, and live your new reality) - Eph 4:23–24. What an insight we have been given! But have you been taught?
Precious One in Christ, it's time to assess what you have been taught and whether you are being discipled properly to live in Christ, with Christ, and for Christ.
Travail to know and understand the commandments of Christ. Search the scriptures; they testify of Jesus. Do His commandments. Then will you mature in the rich experience of knowing Him, and living like Him. God bless you more.
FURTHER READING – Isaiah 54:13
Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so
QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:
- How would you assess your Christian discipleship?
- Would you say you are maturing in the things of God year on year?
CONFESSION
Precious Lord, I affirm that you have called me with a holy calling, and you have set me apart for your own purpose and glory. My mind is renewed today in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus. Through the Spirit’s help I am walking worthy of Christ. Hallelujah!
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Judges 6; Isaiah 33; James 3; James 4
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