From “Discipleship and Discipline”, by William H. Hicks, copyright March, 2005:

““Scriptural study on this element of discipline- dedication to truth- helps to edify us and elucidate the practical applications of the truth contained in God’s Word.  <st1:bcv_smarttag>Proverbs 23: 23 says, “Buy truth (Hebrew definition) and do not sell it, get wisdom and instruction and understanding.”  <st1:bcv_smarttag>Matthew 13:44, the Lord’s parable of the hidden treasure, says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.”  In each instance, we see that the truth is so highly valued, that one is encouraged to sell all he has to obtain it and to not relinquish it for any price.

In the process of being dedicated to the truth, a disciple must be taught the truth.  This is the role of the Teacher/discipler.  The point of the Teacher’s teaching is the practical application of what is being taught- “Here’s how you do it!”   The disciple’s role is to be teachable, to be willing to be taught the truth AND to perform, to apply the teaching to his life.  In <st1:bcv_smarttag>John 6: 45, Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learns from the Father, comes to Me.”  As He goes on to state the truth that He is “the bread of life” and that His disciples must ‘eat His flesh and drink His blood’, “Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, ‘This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?’   The greek word for listen, akouo, means to hear with the clear intent to apply what is heard.  Thus, some of Jesus’ disciples did not have the faith to apply the whole truth to their lives.  Jesus’ response to their hesitation is to ask them, “Does this cause you to stumble?” (John 6: 61)  Jesus, in essence, was asking the disciples if they were embarrassed of Him and His truth.  “But there are some of you who do not believe.” (John 6: 64)”