Discipleship

-



As Christians we are called to continually and progressively strive to become more like Jesus in word, thought, and deed.[1] In a way then, discipleship is similar to the process of sanctification in that the goal is to become more holy and righteous until the final state of glorification. Both, I might add, require relationship, the former with God and the latter with fellow believers.

Relationship within the context of discipleship is not merely a superficial one; rather, it requires complete dedication. In fact, Jesus asked that his disciples deny themselves and bear their own cross (Luke 14:27). This means that a disciple must embrace the will of God in spite of personal comforts or wants and despite the suffering, just as Jesus did. He also asks that we hate our family (v. 26). This implies a love so great for Him that love for family pales in comparison to the point of looking like hate. In all of these requirements then, the disciple must be open and ready to follow or in other words, have the character and competence to persevere.[2]

Not surprisingly, Jesus not only asked that his disciples do the things stated above, but also did them himself in relation to God the Father. “A leader,” as Mitchell states, “must first learn to be a follower.”[3] Jesus, God the Son, could have done many things differently, but instead chose to obey and follow God the Father.

Another aspect of discipleship is that it is a lifelong pursuit, “It s not a program. It is not a ministry. It is a lifelong commitment to a lifestyle.”[4] A disciple does not simply go to a class or small group, but engages the world and society they live in, in order to reflect God’s character; as Jesus exhorted, “What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered proclaim on the housetops” (Matthew 10:27).

Lastly, a disciple is to mature and produce disciples themselves. Matthew 28:19 makes this absolutely clear in that we are to, “make disciples of all nations.” Barna agrees that, “The corporate goal is to introduce other people to Jesus, help them to accept Him as their Savior, and enable them to live the life worthy of someone known as a Christian.”[5] Our identity is in Christ and therefore it is our mission to live up to that distinctive.


[1] George Barna, Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ, (Colorado Springs, Colo.: WaterBrook Press, 2001), 17
[2] Michael R. Mitchell, Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples: World-Class Christian Education in the Church, School and Home, (Nashville: CrossBooks Publishing, 2010), Kindle Electronic Edition, location 298
[3] Ibid, location 309
[4] George Barna, Growing True Disciples, 19
[5] Ibid, 23
         



             

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Pray, Do Not Be Anxious

-
Image
Do not be anxious, rather pray.   Jesus made it possible for us to do so.   There was a giant chasm between God and us because of sin.   He is so holy, that sin cannot be in his presence, but Jesus has covered this sin, this stain, making us able to once again have communion with God.   Jesus is our mediator, our advocate.   When preparing this post and looking at what prayer is, it reminded me of a book I read called, The Necessity of Prayer by Edward Bounds.   His largest section and most influential was his work on prayer and faith.   As it should be, faith is the Christian anchor in prayer and touches every other aspect of our life.   Faith is obedient, trusting, and every other positive aspect.   Not only influential but also instructive in his writing, Bounds shows how Christians should pray by stating that, “faith must be definite, specific; an unqualified unmistakable request for the things asked for.” [1]   How true it is that we all too often pray for the grandio
Read more

Oh LORD, You're So Great

-
Image
It just amazes me how God answers prayers in ways we never expect. We almost tend to lower our expectations because we don't think God can handle what we actually want. But He always comes through, in His timing of course. So, a few weeks ago I went through my ordination board, which is a pretty big deal. Twelve pastors/elders/scholars that went through my twenty page ordination paper with a fine tooth comb and pretty much grilled me on my theology. Anyway, I received this card and little Bible from two wonderful people that have just been a joy in my life from 9th grade to present. This is what the card said, "I'm returning your little Bible to you. The last time you were at our house before you went overseas to serve our country, you handed me this Bible and told me you 'wouldn't be needing this.' I carried it in my purse as a prayer prompt. I was not sure if you meant you had another Bible? You did not need the Lord, you did not have faith - I just pray
Read more

Talking to Your Children After a Tragedy

-
Image
Father God, I pray peace emerges from the chaos that has engulfed the community of Newton, CT.  I pray you send your angels to comfort and minister to all who are involved and hurting. I pray your counsel will aid those in the process of grieving and allow healing to emerge.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen. During this tragic time I would like to offer some counsel on how to talk to children about traumatic events.  I want to be succinct and simple. ·       First and foremost, we must love them like there’s no tomorrow.   Physical touch like hugs and snuggles brings comfort and security to a now uncertain world.   ·       In this uncertainty, try to maintain a routine as best as possible.   This also brings a sense of safety and familiarity, which will help them cope better.   ·       Listen to your child, what are they saying, what are they not saying? It may be difficult for them to express what they are feeling, so gently ask questions to facilitate conversat
Read more