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Disciple! The very word conjures up negative thoughts in
twentieth century minds.
If you were to conduct a survey in your local Church asking for
the definition of a “disciple” you would quickly find that the
word itself means different things to different people. Some
might conclude that a disciple is akin with discipline. Not a
bad answer really. For others maybe a biker group that they used
to be affiliated with prior to their conversion. However, for
many, a disciple is just a synonym for apostle (one of the
twelve). And seeing how the Apostles are dead and gone than
there is no need to worry about defining such a word as
disciple. Convenient as that definition is it is most certainly
incorrect. A disciple, (and for the record an Apostle) cannot be
conveniently tucked away into the graves of the Church.
In Matthew chapter 10 we see that Jesus calls “his twelve
disciples,”. He called them unto Himself to give them “power
over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal every kind of
disease and sickness.” Only disciples receive power from the
Lord! We hear and see many claiming to do many miraculous things
today in the name of the Lord. Take away their microphones,
television camera’s and income! I wonder what fragments of
miraculous things would be left? I think you know the answer to
the question. Jesus said, “Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name
have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from
me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:22-23 KJV
A
disciple is more than someone who believes in their heart and
confesses with their mouth. A disciple is one who has believed,
obeyed the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and entered into a committed
relationship with the Father as student/teacher or better yet
son/Father. Notice in our text (Matthew 10:1-2) Jesus calls
“disciples” unto Himself and sends out Apostles into the world.
The Greek word used there for ‘disciple’ is math-ay-tes'
which means “a learner, that is, pupil: -
disciple.” The Greek word used there for Apostle is
ap-os'-tol-os which means “a delegate; specifically
an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner
of Christ (“apostle”), (with miraculous powers): - apostle,
messenger, he that is sent.” The twelve Apostles were personally
discipled by Jesus. A pattern for all believers. Jesus’
discipleship of the twelve was not just that they believe,
obtain knowledge, or aspire to higher positions but rather that
they become cognizant and qualified for the ministry that lay
ahead of them. If you are ever to become an effective ambassador
for Christ you must enter the school of a disciple. We find the
disciples coming unto Jesus (Matt 5:1), making excuses unto
Jesus (Matt 8:21), waking Jesus (Matt 8:25), sitting down and
eating with Jesus, publicans, and sinners (Matt 9:10-11), and
witnessing Jesus walk on water (Matthew 14:26). We find the
disciples on the receiving end of the greatest teaching and
wisdom ever known to man. Matthew chapter 5 begins the recording
of the ‘sermon on the mount’. Even a casual reading of the
Sermon on the Mount reveals a wealth of wisdom. Prior to
delivering His discourse Jesus flees the crowds and only His
“disciples” are present to receive these precious words of
wisdom. “When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he
climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the
committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat
down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:”
(Matthew 5:1-2 MSG) Disciples are peopled who will climb higher
with Jesus!
Hebrews chapter five ends with an address to born again
believers that should at that point in their walk with God been
teachers of the Word (people that had stopped climbing with
Jesus). Hebrews records that they were mere babes in the Lord
having need of milk and no use for the meat of the Word.
Discipleship begins and ends in the classroom. It begins with
the student’s education however discipleships end is in that
student teaching. Hebrews chapter 6 continues with a call for a
leaving behind of elementary word of Christ. “Therefore leaving
the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto
perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from
dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of
baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the
dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God
permit.” (Hebrews 6:1-3 KJV) This is not a call to forsake the
fundamentals but rather to build your spiritual house on their
foundation. These “principles” must be settle first. “Now
therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow
citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are
built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus
Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the
building fitly framed together groweth unto a holy temple in the
Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of
God through the Spirit.”(Ephesians 2:19-22 KJV)
Today the debate rages on, with some declaring baptism is not
essential in the plan of salvation, receiving the Holy Spirit is
optional, speaking in tongues is not necessary, Holiness is an
outdated concept. I have not the time in this article but let me
say clearly that I believe in the Acts 2:38 message.
1) Repent 2) Baptized in Jesus name 3) The Infilling of
the Holy Ghost
Jesus gave His disciples three indicators of discipleship in the
Gospel of John. One being “love one to another” (John 13:35),
another “that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8), and another “As
he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to
those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word,
then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the
truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:30-32 KJV)
Don’t buy into the latest doctrinal craze of today. Search the
Scriptures for yourself. Become a disciple and become a climbing
companion with Jesus Christ.
"For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of
Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into
their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to
them a God, and they shall be to me a people:" Hebrews 8:10 KJV Some born again believers
get passive. The have obeyed God's plan of salvation (Acts 2:38)
thus entering into covenant with the God of Israel. Rooted
rightly, if you will, however that is as large as their roots
system ever grows. Roots must keep pace with the body! If the
trunk and leaves of a tree grow and spread out the roots must
increase or else the tree will collapse under its own weight. A
tree with a damaged body or branches may rejuvenate itself if
its roots are sound
and planted by water.
It's time to go deep. To become deeply rooted in Christ. |
