learning about and abiding in Jesus Christ

Intentional Learning and Abiding

Section Overview

Intentional learning, a cornerstone of discipleship, requires dedicated effort to learn from Jesus's teachings and example, primarily through studying the Bible along with sound biblical teaching and instruction. Jesus highlighted this need for continuous learning and obedience when He commissioned His followers to teach others "to observe all that I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). The apostle Paul emphasized that all Scripture is useful for teaching and training in righteousness, equipping us as believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17), while following sound teaching helps ensure a firm foundation within the community of faith (Acts 2:42).

This continuous learning enables us as disciples to abide in God, which deepens our relationship with Him. True discipleship is rooted and strengthened by abiding in God, a concept central to Jesus's teaching: "Abide in me, and I in you" (John 15:4). This produces a deep love for Him, a love demonstrated by our genuine desire to please and obey His commands, aligning our personal will with His divine purpose (John 14:15). The result of this alignment is tangible evidence of a transformed life lived according to God's will. Ultimately, this practice leads to becoming more like Jesus and less like our former self, with abiding bringing us closer to God and allowing our life to reflect His character and love to the world, demonstrating transformation that results from being "conformed to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29).

There are numerous ways to abide in God, including:

  • Engaging with Scripture: Regularly reading, studying, meditating on, and memorizing the Bible (Psalm 1:2, Romans 10:17).

  • Living by the Spirit: Seeking the Holy Spirit's comfort, guidance, and direction (Galatians 5:16, John 14:26).

  • Praying Continually: Maintaining an ongoing conversation and seeking communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

  • Practicing Righteousness: Striving for obedience to biblical commands and living a life of integrity (1 Timothy 6:11, Philippians 4:9).

  • Fellowshipping: Connecting with and building up other believers within a community of faith (Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42).

  • Serving and Trusting: Actively serving others and placing complete trust in God's provision and timing (Matthew 6:33, Galatians 5:13).

Key Teachings & References

1. The Discipline of Learning: Equipping the Mind for Mission

Intentional learning is the active, daily commitment to replace the world’s distorted patterns with God’s truth, ensuring we are not just informed, but fully equipped for our Kingdom calling. By submitting to the authority of Scripture, we gain the objective wisdom and correction necessary to navigate life with spiritual integrity and practical effectiveness.

  • The Divine Standard: All Scripture is "breathed out by God" and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training. Its purpose is to ensure the disciple is "competent, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

  • The Foundation of Faith: Faith is not a blind leap; it is a response to the reality of who God is. This conviction grows through "hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Romans 10:17).

  • The Role of Fellowship: Discipleship is a communal journey. The early church was defined by their devotion to "the apostles' teaching and the fellowship," showing that learning alongside others provides the accountability and firm foundation needed to stand in truth (Acts 2:42).

2. The Power of Abiding: Cultivating a Heart of Dependence

Abiding is the continuous, relational intimacy with Jesus where we consciously depend on Him as our primary source of spiritual life, emotional strength, and functional identity. Without this deep connection, our learning becomes dry legalism and our service leads to inevitable burnout.

  • The Source of Vitality: Jesus is the Vine and we are the branches. Abiding means staying connected to the Vine so that His supernatural life flows through us; apart from this connection, we are incapable of producing anything of eternal value (John 15:4–5).

  • Unbroken Communion: Abiding is sustained through "praying without ceasing"—maintaining an ongoing, open-ended conversation with God that keeps our hearts attuned to His presence throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

  • Walking by the Spirit: To abide is to yield to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. As our resident Teacher, He brings Jesus' words to our remembrance and empowers us to overcome the selfish impulses of our old nature (John 14:26; Galatians 5:16).

3. The Evidence of Alignment: A Life Conformed to Christ

When intentional learning meets active abiding, the result is a life that is progressively reshaped from the inside out to match the character of Jesus Christ. This transformation is the tangible proof that our personal will has been surrendered and aligned with God’s high and holy purposes.

  • Love Expressed as Loyalty: Our love for God is measured not by the intensity of our feelings, but by our "desire to keep His commandments." Obedience is the natural, outward overflow of an inward love for the Master (John 14:15).

  • The Master Design: God’s ultimate goal for every disciple is to be "conformed to the image of his Son." Abiding is the relational "greenhouse" in which this Christlike character is cultivated and matured (Romans 8:29).

  • Renewing the Thought Life: Transformation begins in the mind. By "meditating on the law of the Lord day and night," we filter our decisions through God’s perspective, resulting in a life of unshakeable integrity (Psalm 1:2; Philippians 4:8–9).

Bible References

  • 📜 Matthew 28:19-20

    19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

    📜 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

    📜 Acts 2:42

    42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.

    📜 John 15:4

    4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

    📜 John 14:15

    15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.

    📜 Romans 8:29

    29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

    📜 Psalm 1:2

    2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

    📜 Romans 10:17

    17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

    📜 Galatians 5:16

    16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

    📜 John 14:26

    26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

    📜 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    17 pray without ceasing,

    📜 1 Timothy 6:11

    11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

    📜 Philippians 4:8-9

    8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

    📜 Hebrews 10:24-25

    24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

    📜 Matthew 6:33

    33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

    📜 Galatians 5:13

    13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

  • 📜 Matthew 28:19-20

    19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

    📜 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

    📜 Acts 2:42

    42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    📜 John 15:4

    4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.

    📜 John 14:15

    15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.

    📜 Romans 8:29

    29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

    📜 Psalm 1:2

    2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

    📜 Romans 10:17

    17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

    📜 Galatians 5:16

    16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

    📜 John 14:26

    26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

    📜 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    17 Pray without ceasing.

    📜 1 Timothy 6:11

    11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

    📜 Philippians 4:8-9

    8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

    📜 Hebrews 10:24-25

    24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

    📜 Matthew 6:33

    33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

    📜 Galatians 5:13

    13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

  • 📜 Matthew 28:19-20

    19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

    📜 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    📜 Acts 2:42

    42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

    📜 John 15:4

    4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

    📜 John 14:15

    15 “If you love me, keep my commands.

    📜 Romans 8:29

    29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

    📜 Psalm 1:2

    2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.

    📜 Romans 10:17

    17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.

    📜 Galatians 5:16

    16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

    📜 John 14:26

    26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

    📜 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    17 pray continually,

    📜 1 Timothy 6:11

    11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

    📜 Philippians 4:8-9

    8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

    📜 Hebrews 10:24-25

    24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

    📜 Matthew 6:33

    33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

    📜 Galatians 5:13

    13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

  • 📜 Matthew 28:19-20

    19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

    📜 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    📜 Acts 2:42

    42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    📜 John 15:4

    4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.

    📜 John 14:15

    15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments.

    📜 Romans 8:29

    29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.

    📜 Psalm 1:2

    2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night.

    📜 Romans 10:17

    17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

    📜 Galatians 5:16

    16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

    📜 John 14:26

    26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.

    📜 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    17 pray without ceasing,

    📜 1 Timothy 6:11

    11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.

    📜 Philippians 4:8-9

    8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

    📜 Hebrews 10:24-25

    24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

    📜 Matthew 6:33

    33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

    📜 Galatians 5:13

    13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

  • 📜 Matthew 28:19-20

    19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

    📜 2 Timothy 3:16-17

    16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

    📜 Acts 2:42

    42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

    📜 John 15:4

    4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

    📜 John 14:15

    15 “If you love me, obey my commandments.

    📜 Romans 8:29

    29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

    📜 Psalm 1:2

    2 But they delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.

    📜 Romans 10:17

    17 So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

    📜 Galatians 5:16

    16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.

    📜 John 14:26

    26 But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.

    📜 1 Thessalonians 5:17

    17 Never stop praying.

    📜 1 Timothy 6:11

    11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.

    📜 Philippians 4:8-9

    8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

    📜 Hebrews 10:24-25

    24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

    📜 Matthew 6:33

    33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.

    📜 Galatians 5:13

    13 For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.

  • 📜 Mateus 28:19-20

    19 Portanto, vão e façam discípulos de todas as nações, batizando-os em nome do Pai e do Filho e do Espírito Santo, 20 ensinando-os a obedecer a tudo o que eu lhes ordenei. E eu estarei sempre com vocês, até o fim dos tempos.

    📜 2 Timóteo 3:16-17

    16 Toda a Escritura é inspirada por Deus e útil para o ensino, para a repreensão, para a correção e para a instrução na justiça, 17 para que o homem de Deus seja apto e plenamente preparado para toda boa obra.

    📜 Atos 2:42

    42 Eles se dedicavam à doutrina dos apóstolos e à comunhão, ao partir do pão e às orações.

    📜 João 15:4

    4 Permaneçam em mim, e eu permanecerei em vocês. Nenhum ramo pode dar fruto por si mesmo, se não permanecer na videira. Vocês também não podem dar fruto, se não permanecerem em mim.

    📜 João 14:15

    15 "Se vocês me amam, obedecerão aos meus mandamentos.

    📜 Romanos 8:29

    29 Pois aqueles que de antemão conheceu, também os predestinou para serem conforme a imagem de seu Filho, a fim de que ele seja o primogênito entre muitos irmãos.

    📜 Salmos 1:2

    2 Pelo contrário, sua satisfação está na lei do Senhor, e nessa lei medita dia e noite.

    📜 Romanos 10:17

    17 Consequentemente, a fé vem por ouvir a mensagem, e a mensagem é ouvida mediante a palavra de Cristo.

    📜 Gálatas 5:16

    16 Por isso digo: vivam pelo Espírito, e de modo nenhum satisfarão os desejos da carne.

    📜 João 14:26

    26 Mas o Conselheiro, o Espírito Santo, que o Pai enviará em meu nome, lhes ensinará todas as coisas e lhes fará lembrar tudo o que eu lhes disse.

    📜 1 Tessalonicenses 5:17

    17 orem continuamente.

    📜 1 Timóteo 6:11

    11 Você, porém, homem de Deus, fuja de tudo isso e busque a justiça, a piedade, a fé, o amor, a perseverança e a mansidão.

    📜 Filipenses 4:8-9

    8 Finalmente, irmãos, tudo o que for verdadeiro, tudo o que for nobre, tudo o que for correto, tudo o que for puro, tudo o que for amável, tudo o que for de boa fama, se houver algo de excelente ou digno de louvor, pensem nessas coisas. 9 Tudo o que vocês aprenderam, receberam, ouviram e viram em mim, ponham-no em prática. E o Deus da paz estará com vocês.

    📜 Hebreus 10:24-25

    24 E consideremo-nos uns aos outros para nos incentivarmos ao amor e às boas obras. 25 Não deixemos de reunir-nos como igreja, segundo o costume de alguns, mas procuremos encorajar-nos uns aos outros, ainda mais ao ver que o Dia se aproxima.

    📜 Mateus 6:33

    33 Busquem, pois, em primeiro lugar o Reino de Deus e a sua justiça, e todas essas coisas lhes serão acrescentadas.

    📜 Gálatas 5:13

    13 Irmãos, vocês foram chamados para a liberdade. Mas não usem a liberdade para dar ocasião à vontade da carne; ao contrário, sirvam uns aos outros mediante o amor.

  • 📜 Mateo 28:19-20

    19 Por tanto, vayan y hagan discípulos de todas las naciones, bautizándolos en el nombre del Padre y del Hijo y del Espíritu Santo, 20 enseñándoles a obedecer todo lo que les he mandado a ustedes. Y les aseguro que estaré con ustedes siempre, hasta el fin del mundo.

    📜 2 Timoteo 3:16-17

    16 Toda la Escritura es inspirada por Dios y útil para enseñar, para reprender, para corregir y para instruir en la justicia, 17 a fin de que el siervo de Dios esté enteramente capacitado para toda buena obra.

    📜 Hechos 2:42

    42 Se mantenían firmes en la enseñanza de los apóstoles, en la comunión, en el partimiento del pan y en la oración.

    📜 Juan 15:4

    4 Permanezcan en mí, y yo permaneceré en ustedes. Así como ninguna rama puede dar fruto por sí misma, sino que tiene que permanecer en la vid, así tampoco ustedes pueden dar fruto si no permanecen en mí.

    📜 Juan 14:15

    15 »Si ustedes me aman, obedecerán mis mandamientos.

    📜 Romanos 8:29

    29 Porque a los que Dios conoció de antemano, también los predestinó a ser transformados según la imagen de su Hijo, para que él sea el primogénito entre muchos hermanos.

    📜 Salmo 1:2

    2 sino que en la ley del Señor se deleita, y en su ley medita día y noche.

    📜 Romanos 10:17

    17 Así que la fe viene como resultado de oír el mensaje, y el mensaje se oye mediante la palabra de Cristo.

    📜 Gálatas 5:16

    16 Así que les digo: Vivan por el Espíritu, y no seguirán los deseos de la naturaleza pecaminosa.

    📜 Juan 14:26

    26 Pero el Consolador, el Espíritu Santo, a quien el Padre enviará en mi nombre, les enseñará todas las cosas y les hará recordar todo lo que les he dicho.

    📜 1 Tesalonicenses 5:17

    17 oren sin cesar,

    📜 1 Timoteo 6:11

    11 Tú, en cambio, hombre de Dios, huye de todo eso, y esmérate en seguir la justicia, la piedad, la fe, el amor, la constancia y la humildad.

    📜 Filipenses 4:8-9

    8 Por último, hermanos, consideren bien todo lo que es verdadero, todo lo respetable, todo lo justo, todo lo puro, todo lo amable, todo lo digno de admiración, en fin, todo lo que sea íntegro o merezca elogio. 9 Pongan en práctica lo que de mí han aprendido, recibido y oído, y lo que han visto en mí, y el Dios de paz estará con ustedes.

    📜 Hebreos 10:24-25

    24 Preocupémonos los unos por los otros, a fin de estimularnos al amor y a las buenas obras. 25 No dejemos de congregarnos, como acostumbran hacerlo algunos, sino animémonos unos a otros, y con mayor razón ahora que vemos que aquel día se acerca.

    📜 Mateo 6:33

    33 Más bien, busquen primeramente el reino de Dios y su justicia, y todas estas cosas les serán añadidas.

    📜 Gálatas 5:13

    13 Les hablo así, hermanos, porque ustedes han sido llamados a ser libres; pero no se valgan de esa libertad para dar rienda suelta a sus pasiones. Más bien, sírvanse unos a otros con amor.

Key Aspects

  • Dedicated Intellectual Engagement: Discipleship is a proactive pursuit of truth. It requires a continuous effort to study the Bible and submit our logic to Jesus' teachings, ensuring we are not just "forgiven," but "equipped" for our specific calling (2 Timothy 3:17; Matthew 28:20).

  • Relational Intimacy (Abiding): True discipleship is fueled by an uninterrupted connection with God. This "abiding" is a position of total dependence where we draw our spiritual vitality, peace, and identity directly from Christ, our Vine (John 15:4).

  • Joyful Obedience as a Love Response: Learning and abiding transform our motivation. We don't keep God's commands out of fear or to earn a reward; we obey because our love for Him makes pleasing Him our greatest desire (John 14:15).

  • Progressive Christlikeness: The inevitable outcome of this process is a life that looks like Jesus. We are gradually "conformed to His image," trading our old reactions, prejudices, and habits for His love, patience, and character (Romans 8:29).

  • Rhythms of Spiritual Health: Abiding is expressed through tangible habits that keep us grounded: regular engagement with Scripture, continual prayer, consistent fellowship, and active reliance on the Holy Spirit (Psalm 1:2; Acts 2:42; Galatians 5:16).

Section Summary Statement

Intentional learning and abiding are the essential practices that move a disciple from spiritual infancy to maturity. By dedicating ourselves to the study of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:16) and maintaining a deep, dependent connection with Jesus (John 15:4), we align our lives with God's purpose. This alignment transforms our character, turning our obedience into a joyful expression of love (John 14:15) and ensuring we are progressively conformed to the image of Christ to reflect His glory to the world (Romans 8:29).

Section Questions

  1. Intentionality Check: Jesus told us to "observe all that I have commanded" (Matthew 28:20). In your current schedule, what is the most "intentional" thing you do to learn from Him?

  2. Evaluating the Connection: In John 15:5, Jesus says "apart from me you can do nothing." Can you identify a time when you tried to "do discipleship" or serve God without abiding in Him first? What was the result?

  3. The Love Test: If someone looked at your willingness to obey difficult biblical commands (John 14:15), what would it tell them about the depth of your love for Jesus?

  4. Modern Meditation: How does "meditating on the law of the Lord day and night" (Psalm 1:2) practically look in a world full of digital distractions?

  5. Community Impact: Acts 2:42 shows the early church learning together. How has the "fellowship" of other believers helped you understand or apply a teaching of Jesus that you couldn't have mastered alone?

  6. Conformed to His Image: Looking back over the last year of abiding and learning, in what specific way are you more like Jesus—and less like your "former self"—today? (Romans 8:29)