The Blessings of a Truly Diligent Disciple

So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people. But Herod the tetrarch, who had been reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’s wife, and for all the evil things that Herod had done, added this to them all, that he locked up John in prison. Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:18-22).

John preached on. The Spirit inspired Luke to note that the Baptist exhorted the people God brought out to him in the wilderness. He was diligent to fulfill the call to proclaim the truth of God’s Word even though it offended many of his listeners. His messages were relevant to the current events of his day and his reproofs reached the ears of the politicians and religious leaders in the area. Though his diligence in obeying God’s instructions resulted in unjust imprisonment and premature termination of his public ministry, here the Spirit of Truth reveals some encouragement for diligent disciples in every age. If we follow the Holy Spirit’s leading as we closely study today’s text, truth seekers will discover the blessings of a truly diligent disciple.

Like John, diligent disciples will be persecuted. John was imprisoned because of his vocal stand for righteousness against Herod. One of the marks of true discipleship is abiding in God’s Word and living in His truth… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). The gospel as presented in God’s Word reveals His righteousness… “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). Diligent disciples who immerse themselves in God’s Word and faithfully proclaim His truth are going to encounter resistance and opposition as we become irritating reflections of His righteousness in this unrighteous world. Jesus promised that one of the evidences of diligent discipleship will be the blessing of persecution… “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10).

Like John, diligent disciples will see God’s work completed. Herod put an end to John’s public ministry, but not before he completed the most important part of his mission. John baptized Jesus… “Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness’” (Matthew 3:13-15). Jesus taught His disciples that our work is to believe in His Son… “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent” (John 6:29). He wants us to see every trial as an opportunity to grow our in faith in Him… “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). Diligent disciples believe our faith will glorify God as it is perfected and completed in Christ… “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2).

Like John, diligent disciples will see God’s promises fulfilled. Before his incarceration God allowed the Baptist to see Jesus confirmed as the Son of God. This was a wonderful fulfillment of the promise God made to John… “I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God” (John 1:33-34). Diligent disciples resist the distractions of the world and steadfastly look to Christ as we eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of every promise of God in Him… “For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory” (2 Corinthians 1:20).

As we grow up into Christ we embrace persecution, growing faith, and fulfilled promises…

The Blessings of a Truly Diligent Disciple.