For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel. Ezra 7:10

Tucked away in one of the books that we don’t read as often as we should is a great pattern for everyone who desires to be a lifelong disciple of Christ.  As the new year approaches, I pray that we will all commit to a deeper relationship with Christ.  Here are three keys to do that:

Devoted to Study of the Law
Ezra was a priest of God, so he had studied God’s scriptures since he was a child.  But the key to lifelong discipleship is that he studied the scriptures continually.  By so doing he gained insight into scripture as life unfolded around him.  And, he gained insight into life as scripture guided his decisions.

Devoted to Observing the Law
James taught that we should be doers of the Word and not only hearers.  Ezra wasn’t satisfied to know the deep things of scripture, he put them into practice.  His obedience molded his life to become a genuine disciple who never stopped growing.

Teaching the Law
When a person learns to be a disciple, it is the most natural thing in the world to share what you discover with others.  Sometimes it is done in a classroom, but more often it’s done in daily life.

Summit needs authentic disciples of Christ to teach us the way forward.  Will you make that commitment?  Commitments that are kept to yourself are quickly forgotten.  Will you share your commitment to learn-do-teach with someone?