‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ (vv19–20) Matthew 28:11–20
Scripture is God’s complete and final Word for His disciples. Jesus’ final instruction to his disciples was to make Christian disciples who follow Jesus’ teachings; God’s way of life.
To help us He left three tremendous gifts: His Word, His Spirit and each other. His Word was already embedded throughout the Old Testament and then set out in the New Testament, guided by the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who is God.
This is why we turn daily to God’s Word for wisdom and guidance. This same Spirit is the one who guides us as we read God’s Word. We become increasingly familiar with the Holy Spirit, who leads us into all truth: ‘But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come’ (John 16:13).
Finally, God gave us each other as the Church to learn together, encourage and support each other throughout life’s many challenges. We’re not designed to be alone, as God made clear at our creation. I’ve spent over forty-five years learning from God’s Word, instructed by God’s Spirit whilst encouraged by God’s Church. This is the disciple’s path.
Related Scripture to Consider: Gen. 2:15–25; Psa.119:9–16; 1 John 2:15–29; Heb. 12:1–12.
An Action to Take: Learn from God’s Word, listen to God’s Spirit and join with God’s people to grow in faith.
A Prayer to Make: ‘Lord, I desire to do Your will. Place Your law within my heart, guide me by Your Spirit and encourage me through Your Church. Amen.’
Photo by Kate Kalvach on Unsplash
