Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
When addressing James (“demons believe”) and Jesus (“Lord, Lord… I never knew you”), he points to “the state of our heart”—a desire to obey—even amid struggle; and from 2 Corinthians 13:5 he recommends self-testing questions (“Do I believe… Am I serious… Am I learning to know Jesus better?”); what answers would you give right now, and what concrete changes would show, over the next month, that you are “seeking the Lord… daily” rather than living confidently but complacently?
Another way to ask: If you asked yourself, “Do I truly believe, am I serious, and am I getting to know Jesus better,” how would you answer today? What specific changes in the next month would show you’re seeking the Lord daily instead of coasting?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript’s test centers on whether you’ve truly committed to Jesus—believing, submitting, desiring to obey—and whether that commitment is making a difference and deepening over time. The speaker doesn’t prescribe a one-month plan, but he implies that “daily” seeking and regular self-examination should produce observable growth in seriousness about following Christ.
- In response to “demons believe” and “Lord, Lord,” he says it’s “about more than belief… about submission… obedience.”
- He points to heart posture: “the state of our heart is our desire to obey,” and that desire, even with struggle, is “a sign that we are in the faith.”
- On 2 Corinthians 13:5 he affirms “introspection… self-examination” is part of Christian life.
- He gives pointed self-test questions: “Do I believe in Jesus… have I committed myself to Christ… submitted to his lordship… desiring to obey him?”
- Second: “Am I serious about following him? Has my commitment… made a difference in my life?”
- Third: “Am I learning to know Jesus better… than… a year ago?” and he concludes the Christian life is “to be lived daily” and requires continually “tak[ing] stock.”