Month: April 2015

By Alfred Bouter

If we would add together the number of times “disciple” and “learn” (learn as a disciple) occur in the New Testament, we would find them almost 300 times – a vast topic, for sure. In the following pages we will look at some of the challenges and blessings of walking as a disciple of the Lord.

While giving instructions to the Twelve, the Lord Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master” (Mt. 10:24-25 NKJV). In this statement Christ emphasized the relationship between Him and His followers and showed the need of their formation, without which it would be impossible to send them out as His representatives. He compared it with the bond between a teacher and his students and a master and his servants. By the time He gave those instructions the Lord had called several young men to be with Him and follow Him, so at a later time He might send them out as His representatives (Mk. 3:14).

Even though the disciples the Lord had called were different from each other and of various backgrounds, just as are all believers, they had certain things in common:

• All were called by Christ and had responded to His call; 
• They left all¹ in order to be with Him and follow Him, and
• They kept learning from Him.

These things were necessary before the Lord could send them out on a specific mission which He gave them, as detailed in Matthew 10 (which we will see later). Similarly the Lord, who is now at God’s right hand in heaven, is training the believers to equip them for special tasks He has given. When sent out by the Lord they need to constantly rely on Him, being then able to represent the Master in a way that pleases Him.

Nathanael Meets Jesus – A Pattern For Disciples 
Let’s briefly look at the relationship with the Master, as illustrated in Nathanael (Jn. 1:45-50).

The disciple Philip told him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (v.45); and he invited Nathanael to “come and see” the Messiah. Despite his initial objections, Nathanael accepted the invitation. When he met the Lord Jesus, this One who knows the heart (Acts 1:24) said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (Jn. 1:47). When meditating under the fig tree (v.48), Nathanael must have been occupied with the question of the Messiah and of his own condition. The Lord knew all this and had been working in him through the Holy Spirit.

Scripture links the fig tree with practical righteousness; and while meditating under this tree Nathanael had come to judge himself in God’s light. Therefore, Jesus the Messiah could say to him those special words (v.47). As a true Israelite, Nathanael had learned lessons similar to his forefather Jacob, whose name God changed to Israel (Gen. 32:28). Now Nathanael recognized Jesus to be the Messiah, the Son of God and the King of Israel (Jn. 1:49). He became His disciple and was further instructed by the Lord (vv.50-51). So we see that a disciple is a learner, taught by the Lord and who follows Him according to His instructions. 

Calling, Formation, Obedience, Love 
Christ’s calling of disciples is seen with Peter and Andrew, John and James (Mk. 1:16-20), and Levi – who was called Matthew (Mt. 9:9). But in Nathanael we see “the other side of the coin”: the inward preparation needed to respond to the call. The responses are different according to each one’s character but they have some elements in common, namely obedience to and love for the Master. In a general way the Lord summarized the calling and the response with these words: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mt. 11:28-29). Applying this for today, we say:

• We are attracted by Him,
• We come to Him,
• We follow Him,
• We learn from Him, and
• We obey and love Him.

At the same time He forms, goes with, leads and protects us even in the midst of opposition and difficulties. The disciple is also a servant (literally bond-slave), and these two aspects cannot be separated.

Finally, the one who serves and follows the Master will be rewarded and honored, not only by the Master but also by the Father (Jn. 12:26). It is very special to the Father to have children in this world who are followers of His beloved Son – the One who was and still is rejected in and by this world. 

The Instructions For The Disciples’ Mission – Many Object Lessons For Today 
The twelve disciples sent out by the Lord after their initial formation received many specific instructions in view of their mission. Today, the immediate context is not the same, yet we can draw many lessons from these instructions by learning from the seven directives:²

1. The Twelve were sent only to the house of Israel, especially to the lost sheep among the nation (Mt. 10:5-6,38) – just as the Lord was sent (9:13,35-36). The nation was occupied, not only by Rome, but by Beelzebub [prince of demons] as well (12:22-45). Today, the period of grace, God’s message is to the Jews first (Rom. 1:16), but it also goes out to all people (Mt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15; Lk. 24:47).
2. The Twelve were to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven had drawn near (Mt. 10:7; compare 3:2, 4:17). This announcement implied the need for repentance (Mt. 4:17; Mk. 6:12) because of Israel’s failure. But morally this message applies to all “for all have sinned” (Rom. 3:23). Initially John the Baptist, while introducing the King, emphasized the need of repentance. This complete U-turn, with inward sorrow for sin, was needed then as it is today; and it will also be needed after the rapture of the Church when the message of the coming Kingdom will again be proclaimed.
3. The Lord empowered His disciples to perform signs to accompany their words. These acts of power were fourfold: to (1) heal sick ones; (2) cleanse lepers; (3) raise dead individuals; and (4) cast out demons. These miracles were signs of the age to come and of Messiah’s reign in glory. Though postponed because of the King’s rejection, these signs will be given again (Heb. 6:5). However, during the period of grace in which we live, even though sometimes physical healing occurs, there is a particular emphasis on the moral transformation (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Such transformed lives demonstrate the power of the King, even though He is absent from this scene.
4. The disciples had received their gifts freely and, therefore, they must give freely. They would wear a girdle for service (a belt, sometimes also used to carry money), but it was to be a service without commercialism or consumerism [business terms that relate to exploiting people for personal profit] – two things which happen when mixing God’s Word with man’s riches. 
5. No special provisions need to be made. Trusting the Lord who provides (Lk. 22:35), the disciples must simply go out as they are, without taking extra things. This is similar to Israel in the desert when the Lord was taking care of all their needs, whereas after arriving in the Promised Land they had to do everything themselves in faith with the Lord’s help. So it is for disciples sent out today: rely on the Master and, on the other hand, make the necessary provisions (Lk. 22:36) in order to go out as His disciples, representing Him in a world that is opposed to Him. These two verses, Luke 22:35-36, present two sides of discipleship. 
6. The instructions the Lord gave in Matthew 10:11-13 relate to a worthy reception of the messengers. A positive reception would bring peace (blessing) to the house.
7. The Lord foresaw a general rejection (10:13-15) and described its consequences. The greater the light, the more responsibility – where much was received (Israel and the Church), much will be demanded. Stephen, addressing the leaders who had rejected the message of grace, outlined the dire consequences of their hardening and rejection (Acts 7). These things are described for our learning on whom the ends of the age have come (1 Cor. 10:11-12). 

The Disciples’ Preparations In View Of Persecution 
In view of opposition and persecution, the Lord prepared His disciples and us also by giving specific instructions for the special needs that would arise.

1. In the setting, disciples are as sheep among wolves – vulnerable but relying on the Master who is with them in dangerous situations. In such cases disciples need to be prudent (wise as serpents), and marked by purity, sincerity and innocence (as harmless doves).
2. “Beware!”, “Take heed!” and “Pay careful attention!” are appeals repeated five times in Matthew (6:1, 7:15, 10:17, 16:6,11). Persecution would come from religious as well as political or civil authorities, but help would be given by the Holy Spirit (10:17-20). Similarly, the apostle Paul warned of dangers coming from outside and inside the Church (Acts 20:28). 
3. Persecution must be “for My name’s sake” and not because of our own failures. Such persecution will take place even inside the family circle (Mt. 10:21-22), often in the most aggressive and difficult forms. Yet, disciples need to “keep going” – enduring to the end. This means Christians must continue even when facing dreadful opposition, now and until the rapture. In a prophetic sense, after the rapture endurance will be needed when disciples of that day will have to keep going on throughout severe persecution, until the coming of the King in judgment and glory. Notice also that there is a progression in the severity of the rejection: (1) opposition and dangers (10:16), (2) persecution (vv.17-20) and (3) delivering up to death by relatives (vv.21-22). 
4. The work must to go on despite opposition and persecution (v.23). The book of Acts and the Epistles give many examples of how the testimony continued.³ May we take courage! 

The Lord’s Seven Words Of Encouragement For Disciples

1. The disciple is identified with the Master/Teacher, who is Lord (vv.24-25). He or she learns from Him, being formed and fed by Him while serving Him. 
2. The message cannot be kept hidden. It must be spread despite resistance (vv.26-27). 
3. They can kill the body but not the soul (v.28). There is a three-fold challenge and encouragement, “Do not fear” and “Don’t be afraid” (vv.26,28,31). 
4. The Father’s care is promised (v.29). This is similar to the promise that the Lord will be with the disciples (28:20), His presence with the sheep among wolves (10:16), the Holy Spirit in and through them (v.20) and the Father that is for them (vv.29-32). 
5. The Lord Himself is the great Advocate with the Father in heaven (see 1 John 2:1), and on earth the Holy Spirit is in them (Mt. 10:20). Both help the disciples in their testimony (consider vv.31-32). 
6. The Prince of Peace sends a sword (spiritually), subduing the enemy and giving victory (morally, not necessarily physically) to those who love Him above all else (vv.34-39). To “take up the cross” because of love for Him may imply that we have to go through this world expecting to be executed for His name’s sake. This would not be for selfish interests – whether for one’s self or group. 
7. The chain of command implies a chain of blessing (vv.40-42). Those who receive the disciple receive the Master, who is the Sender, and therefore the receiver(s) will be blessed.

Brief Summary Of Qualities And Functions Needed For Disciples 
The disciples, called from various backgrounds to be sent out by the Lord while He is rejected, must have many qualities and abilities to function in different roles as outlined in Matthew 10. This applies to all believers since Christ calls them from various spheres of life to function as: 

1. Apostles or sent ones⁴ (vv.1,5), or messengers – the Lord Himself also was sent (v.40); 
2. Workmen or laborers (v.10) – workers God can approve (2 Tim. 2:15); 
3. Sheep, reaching out to the lost sheep (v. 6) among wolves, in need of prudence (like serpents) and of purity (as doves) (v.16); 
4. Disciples, learners and followers (v.24); 
5. Bondmen, bond-servants or slaves (v.24); 
6. Members of Messiah’s household (v.25), in contrast to those who belonged to the house of Israel, now occupied by the enemy (Beelzebul, lord of the dwelling (NASB), Mt. 12:43-45); 
7. Prophets, the Master’s spokes-persons (v. 41) anticipating His rule in glory;
8. Righteous ones representing the righteous King (v.41) and walking in practical righteousness; 
9. Little ones representing the One who humbled Himself (v.42) as the little Child (18:2-4). 

In conclusion, we may be reminded of a verse from a hymn writer of old, Samuel Tomkins (1841-1926):

We worship at Thy Holy feet, And long to serve Thee still; Take Thou our heart, our lips, our lives, And mould them to Thy will.

END NOTES 
1. This does not mean that they neglected their wives and families, but that they learned to give the Master His rightful place in their lives. 
2. For the moral qualifications needed for disciples, see Matthew 5:2-13. 
3. Understand the differences between (1) a literal meaning partly fulfilled then and partly afterwards in church history, (2) the prophetic or future fulfillment, before the Lord’s return in glory; (3) the moral and spiritual application for the Church period; and (4) practical lessons, personally or collectively, today. 
4. Understand the distinction between official authority they had received, then, accompanied by God-given signs and wonders, and moral authority by being doers of the Word as applies to believers today.

By Colin Salter

Some years ago my wife and I hosted a discipleship class¹ using an acrostic: 

D	iscipleship
I	nvolves
S	ubmission to
C	hrist
I	n
P	ractical
L	iving
E	veryday.

• Disciples are followers of someone or something. 
• Famous people in our world have thousands of followers on social networking sites. 
• Followers find out as much as they can about their heroes. They dress like them, listen to them and begin to think like them.

The Very First Followers Of Christ 
Our Savior started His life’s work by calling people to become His followers (Mt. 4:18-22, 9:9-13). These individuals left what they were doing and followed Him. What the disciples did can be seen by reading the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We then can see that they fulfilled the dictionary (Macmillian School Dictionary) definition of a disciple:

1. They paid attention to what the Lord Jesus was doing.
2. They did what He commanded or advised them to do.
3. They went along in the same direction as He did.
4. They were interested in His progress.
5. They began to really understand what He was saying.
6. They did the same as He was doing.
7. They showed in their own lives the truth of His life.

R. C. Sproul defines Christian disciples as “those who are committed to follow Jesus as their Master” (The Gospel Of God). Commitment tells of a cost, as one serving his master.

Followers Have To Chose 
Christian men and women who want to be genuine disciples have to make many decisions every day. They are constantly called to choose between their way of living and God’s way. We are faced with the choice: remain like the world or become more like the Lord Jesus Christ.

For all believers there is a wrong way and a right way to live. This is the spiritual struggle into which true Christians are born again. It begins in our minds – with our thoughts. These then influence our words and actions.

Let’s read Romans 12:1-2 (NIV, italics mine): “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Having given the theology of the gospel in Romans 1-11, Paul makes immediate application in how to live for Jesus Christ – with Him as our Lord. The Old Testament sacrificial system of the tabernacle and temple was replaced by the New Testament command (and yes, it is a command – it is not optional) to “put ourselves alive on the altar. To be a Christian means to live a life of sacrifice, a life of presentation, making a gift of ourselves to God.”² We do not sacrifice to make ourselves Christians, but because we are Christians we sacrifice ourselves.

Followers Change 
Being a true disciple, this kind of sacrifice will affect every part of my life. My family life will be patterned on God’s Word whether as a loyal and loving husband, a spiritual and submissive wife, or an honoring and obedient child. My work life will reflect God’s values: not stealing time or materials, breaking business confidences or telling lies. My ethics will be those the Lord Jesus Christ would have in my situation. I decide to care for my friends and neighbors, putting their welfare even above my own and meeting their needs as I am able. I ensure that my Christian service will mirror my Lord. I will sacrifice myself using my skills, health and time for the spreading of the gospel by word and deed. The way I use my money and other resources God has loaned me will honor Him and His ways – thus being totally different than the non-Christian people around me.

A new believer who wants to know God’s will for his life will find it by prayerfully reading and studying the Word of God. This will help him to start thinking like God, and his new mind will develop new values. In everyday life these values will soon make him stand out from the crowd. By what he does he will be known to be a follower of Jesus Christ. When a man knows what God loves and hates it is quite easy for him to choose what to do – one’s choices following the pattern of His thoughts which are now becoming his own!

Followers Cultivate 
Figuratively, we who are Christian disciples live near the foot of the cross of our Lord Jesus. We learn to cross out the wrong and to cultivate the right in our lives. Yes, we do make mistakes. But we learn from them and seek to avoid them in the future.

Using definitions from our dictionary we see that “cultivate,” to prepare ground for growing crops, is an important word for Christian disciples. Through the Holy Spirit we prepare ourselves to produce spiritual fruit. Digging, weeding, feeding and protecting are all involved. A cultivated person is well educated and knows how to behave politely. We might say that a cultivated Christian lives a style of life that radiates the holiness, grace and love of Jesus Christ to everyone with whom he or she has contact. As in gardening or farming, preparation is the key to producing a good crop.

The Follower’s Cost 
Our Lord told His first disciples that following Him would not be easy. Through them He likewise warned us: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it” (Lk. 9:23-24). Jesus Himself counted the cost and lived every day in God’s honor. The cross on which He was executed was part of following His Father’s will, and in Gethsemane He chose crucifixion rather than release (Lk. 22:42-44). Giving honor and obedience were seen throughout His life – even as a child of 12 years (Lk. 2:49; Mt. 3:17, 17:5; Jn. 15:10). Notice that in Luke 9:23 the decision to follow Jesus had to be made at least once every 24 hours.

The Followers “L”In many countries, people learning to drive have to have a red letter “L” attached to their motorbikes or cars.  Here are seven “L’s” of the first disciples:  • Let go of their old ways in life, • Lived with Jesus Christ, the traveling teacher, • Learned from Him as He explained Scripture (the Old Testament) to them, • Listened to Him, • Looked at Him, • Looked more and more like Him as time went by, and • Loved God with their heart, soul, mind and strength, and their neighbors likewise (Mk. 12:30-31).

Followers Speak Without Words 
When Christians live as followers all day, every day, those around will take notice. Could it be that some do not follow Christ now because we do not follow Christ closely enough? True Christian discipleship speaks every language in the world and no one is beyond the reach of believers who live like the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Pet. 2:12, 2:1-2; 1 Jn. 2:6, 3:1-3).

END NOTES 
1. These studies became my first book, Raising The Standard, at www.colinsalter.net. 
2. Debbie Dodd, Dictionary of Theological Terms In Simplified English (Evangelism and Missions Information Service, Wheaton IL ) 2003, p. 48.

By Hank Blok

Honestly ask yourself this question, “Am I a real disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ?” There are a number of motives for being His disciple, and the signs of a sincere devotee will be very different from the individuals with ambitions that lead ultimately to a disappointed soul. Are you enjoying walking with the Lord now, or are you simply facing disappointment? 

Right Motives
Some important qualities will be seen in a true follower having correct incentives:

1. There will be an attraction to Him as the One who first loved us (1 Jn. 4:19).
2. There will be a continuance in His fellowship, driven by the fact that the Lord Jesus Himself is precious to us individually (1 Pet. 2:7).
3. There will be a following of His teachings and commandments because of our love for Him (Jn. 14:15) and because we have believed that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (Jn. 14:6).
4. There will be, when tempted to forsake Him and follow something or someone else, a realization that we have an anchor: “To whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life” (see John 6:66-68 KJV).

These are the characteristics of a genuine disciple, a loving follower of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Wrong Motives 
There are many wrong motives for acting the “Christian” way. A person may be following Jesus Christ* for what they think they can get: a special family (the family of God), a “prestigious” job (such as a position within the local church), improved health or gaining wealth. These improper motives, even evident in the days of the Lord, have formed false disciples throughout Church history. Many who followed Jesus Christ wanted to make Him king – not because of His preciousness, but for what they thought they could get from Him (see John 2:23-25, 6:14-15).

Consider Judas Iscariot. What was his motive for following the Master? Was it money? He was a thief who held the moneybag and helped himself to what was inside (Jn. 12:6). Or was it power and popularity that he sought? Judas, after all, was numbered among the Lord’s twelve disciples who were sent forth to preach, heal sicknesses and cast out demons (Mk. 3:14-15). Whatever his motives, we can certainly say that Judas was not a true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who knows the heart made a condemning statement about this imposter: “But there are some of you that believe not.” Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not and who it was that would betray Him (Jn. 6:64).

One of the Twelve and others in the early church professed that they knew God, but in their works they denied Him – “being abominable [detestable], and disobedient, and unto every good work, reprobate [worthless]” (Ti. 1:16). Is it any different today? Of course not! There are “Christians” who think they are disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ but their obvious intentions suggest otherwise.

Consider those who follow the “prosperity gospel” – a “believe it/receive it” theology. Such a message must be feared as this so-called gospel is really only a means to an end: to gain the blessings of health and material goods. This teaching prevents the person from making Him Lord and from being the object of one’s affections as He becomes simply the means of, or way to, prosperity. Being a disciple of this philosophy may have its perceived rewards today even as it did in the days of the Exodus, as noted in Psalm 106:14-15: Then the Israelites “lusted exceedingly in the wilderness, and tempted God in the desert, and He gave them their request; but sent leanness into their soul.” Anyone following the person and teaching of Christ for what he can “get out of it” is certainly not a true disciple; he is spiritually famished.

There are other ways someone may follow in the Christian pathway and not be a true disciple of the Lord Jesus. Here are a few possible motives out of many:

• It is done to please parents, friends or associates.
• It has become a habit.
• It provides a social network and sense of belonging.
• It offers some prestige.

A Serious Consideration 
Whatever one’s purpose may be in following Christ, if it is not out of a pure attraction to the person, work and teaching of the Lord Jesus, it is a false motivation. That man or woman, boy or girl is not a true disciple.

The Lord Jesus set out a number of requirements for a genuine and satisfying discipleship:

1. “If any man come to Me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Lk. 14:26). To understand this statement the meaning of the Greek word translated “hate” must be examined. The original Greek word is miseo, meaning “to love less” (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible). Therefore, our Lord is saying that anyone following Him, making a commitment to the Christian way of life, must love Him more than family and friends, and even life itself. Natural ties should not hinder or affect absolute devotion to our Savior and Lord.
2. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after Me, cannot be My disciple” (v.27). It may not be an easy matter in this world to follow the rejected Christ, but it is well worth it to have Him as our soul’s delight. All other things, including hardship and material loss, can then be endured for His glory.
3. “So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be My disciple” (v.33). The Lord Jesus deserves, and should have, the preeminent place in our hearts. Material wealth can be a great obstacle to an undivided motive (see Matthew 19:16-23). 
4. “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” (Jn. 8:31-32). Continuance is the sign of a true disciple. Where this is not seen in one’s life, that person’s salvation may even be questioned – “Was it an actual conversion or simply an empty profession?” It must be noted, however, that a true Christian cannot lose their salvation (Jn. 10:28-30; Rom. 8:28-39).

But how can people tell if someone is a believer? The Bible says that they judge us by our fruit (Mt. 7:15-23). Where there is no fruit in a person’s life, that individual must examine himself or herself in humble confession, either toward restored discipleship or to salvation through repentance and receiving Christ Jesus as Lord.

A Heart Check 
Let us take a moment to examine ourselves, checking our motives for being a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Do we have:

• A real attachment to the person of our Lord and Savior for who He is in Himself? This would be the number one reason for any and all of the following actions.
• A constant communion with Him in prayer, along with personal and group Bible study?
• A desire, willingness and courage to do His will?
• A seeking of direction from above, committing each day and action to Him? Much of the direction for happy Christian living will be found from our daily times of prayer and Bible study.
• A manner of life that brings glory to the Lord Jesus Christ? This will be an automatic result when occupied in doing the other items listed above through His power.

Oh, might we be genuine devotees indeed!

A Personal Experience 
When I was a young child I came to the Savior for what I could get from Him. He was my “fire escape from hell”! At that time He became my Savior, but I did not become a conscientious disciple until some time later. Thankfully, through the years He has become precious to me. I now know that I love Him and seek to follow Him for who He is. May the Lord Jesus Himself and all He has done continually be my reason to love Him. My desire is that He would be the attraction of your heart as well – being a sincere disciple of the “altogether lovely” One (Song 5:16). He, Himself, will then be the motive to observe His teachings and follow in the whole doctrine of the Christ as recorded throughout the Scriptures. 

A final encouragement for a disciple of the Lord Jesus comes directly from the Word of God. The Bible speaks to each of us individually when it says, “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart” (Ps. 37:4). Don’t be surprised that when we truly delight in Him He will give us the gift of Himself, and He – the Lord Jesus Christ – will be that delight of our hearts. He is the greatest reward of genuine discipleship (Gen. 15:1)!

ENDNOTE 
* The title “Lord Jesus Christ” is not used here, as a false disciple has not made Him “Lord” in their hearts.