Be a Disciple
| Growing as a disciple |
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| Written by Administrator |
| Sunday, 08 August 2010 05:34 |
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Growing as a Disciple
It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Christian principles and ideas. As a Christian we are called to be a disciple.
“Disciple” (Greek “learner”) is used in the New Testament to refer to the 12 apostles (Matt: 20:17) and also the larger group of followers who took Jesus’ teaching seriously (Matt: 14:26)
(See also Acts 20:1, Acts 20:7, and Acts 21:16)
It’s a scandal that there are so many that refer to themselves as “Christians” yet don’t seem to take discipleship seriously. Our salvation comes to us as a free gift of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, since we have been bought with a price (the blood of Christ) we no longer are to live for ourselves. We are called to “take up our cross” (total self sacrifice) and follow the one who gave his life for us.
Reflect:
--Do we really care about what Jesus said?
--Are we willing to obey even when it is inconvenient and costly?
--If we were brought up in court for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict us?
G.K. Chesterton: “Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult and left untried.”
A Christian Disciple:
--Is a learner: (Matt. 16:22-23
--Is teachable: (Matt: 18:15 – Is able to accept the truth
--Is able to submit to authority: (Heb 13:17, 1 Thes 5:12)
--Follows the Spirit’s leading
--Understands God’s will (Acts 6:2-4)
--Is willing to share the faith with others (1 John 1:1-3
--Is willing to serve others (John 13 – The example of Jesus washing his disciples feet)
--Is learning humility (Phil 2:3-4 – the example of Christ’s humility)
--Is willing to forgive (Matt 18:21)
--Can be trusted (1 Cor. 4:2)
--Is obedient to God (Luke 5:4-9)
--Trusts in God (Matt. 11:20-22)
--Is able to examine one’s own life before criticizing others ((Matt. 7:1-5)
--Is forgiving (Matt 18:21)
Why follow the path of discipleship?
--1. There is no other option. Jesus said “Take up you cross and follow me.”
--2. Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ is the only path to the abundant life God has for us. The path of discipleship will also give us the confidence that one day our Lord will say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy lord. Matt: 25:21
The best way for you to strengthen your church is to take seriously the call to discipleship. Your life will inspire and empower others as you walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and fulfil God’s purpose for your life.
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