A positive outlook on our daily circumstances is essential for success. However, if our perception makes no allowance for the ongoing conflict between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of good, we will be disillusioned.
When one becomes a follower of Jesus and ceases to do the things that worldly friends are doing, these friends will often feel guilty about their own evil ways. At that point they have a choice: either respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction of sin and repent or react to God’s standards demonstrated in the believer’s life.
Peter describes this conflict by stating that worldly friends will “think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you” (I Peter 4:4). Isaiah also spoke of this reaction when he said, “Yea, truth faileth; and he that departeth from evil maketh himself a prey” (Isaiah 59:15).
In spite of this vicious reaction, we are told to “rejoice, and be exceeding glad.” Therefore, God knows something that we don’t know about the great benefit and rewards of being reviled for doing good, and this is what we want to discuss this week.
One’s emotional response when his good is evil spoken of reveals his level of maturity in the ways of God.
Showing posts with label Disciple. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Disciple. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Me, Myself, And I: The Disciple and Pride
One day the president of a successful real estate company stood before his sales staff of about one hundred. After presenting several new properties, he stated, “My success story has been written up in a national business magazine. If you would like a copy, just see my secretary.”
A lightning bolt of dismay and tension struck the staff. Angry looks were exchanged, and murmuring began: “Who does he think he is?! We are the ones that made this company successful! It is our success story, not his.”
That very afternoon, several of his top salesmen quit and formed their own company. Soon there was not enough money to close contracts, so the president used money from other escrow accounts, which is a federal offense. Within six months, the once-successful company was dissolved, and the president began serving a prison sentence, all because of the lack of one character quality—humility.
Pride is the sin that God hates the most and punishes the swiftest. Pride caused Satan and a third of the angels to be cast out of heaven. Pride was the cause of Adam and Eve’s dismissal from the Garden of Eden. It is also the cause of our unrepentance over sin, which keeps God from blessing us with riches, honor, and life. “Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way … do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). God resists the proud and so do people. That is why conflicts are stirred up, because “only by pride cometh contention” (Proverbs 13:10).
Pride is putting ourselves on an equal level with God. It is reserving for ourselves the right to decide what is right or wrong. Our pride is what put Jesus on the cross. We are just like those who said, “We will not have this man reign over us.”
Pride is projecting on the outside what is not true on the inside. Today, let’s conquer this primary hindrance to daily success by humbling ourselves before a holy God and making things right with all those whom we have offended.
A lightning bolt of dismay and tension struck the staff. Angry looks were exchanged, and murmuring began: “Who does he think he is?! We are the ones that made this company successful! It is our success story, not his.”
That very afternoon, several of his top salesmen quit and formed their own company. Soon there was not enough money to close contracts, so the president used money from other escrow accounts, which is a federal offense. Within six months, the once-successful company was dissolved, and the president began serving a prison sentence, all because of the lack of one character quality—humility.
Pride is the sin that God hates the most and punishes the swiftest. Pride caused Satan and a third of the angels to be cast out of heaven. Pride was the cause of Adam and Eve’s dismissal from the Garden of Eden. It is also the cause of our unrepentance over sin, which keeps God from blessing us with riches, honor, and life. “Pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way … do I hate” (Proverbs 8:13). God resists the proud and so do people. That is why conflicts are stirred up, because “only by pride cometh contention” (Proverbs 13:10).
Pride is putting ourselves on an equal level with God. It is reserving for ourselves the right to decide what is right or wrong. Our pride is what put Jesus on the cross. We are just like those who said, “We will not have this man reign over us.”
Pride is projecting on the outside what is not true on the inside. Today, let’s conquer this primary hindrance to daily success by humbling ourselves before a holy God and making things right with all those whom we have offended.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Disciple's Thought Life
Have you ever noticed the day you decided not to do a certain thing is the day you couldn't stop thinking about it? Maybe you decided to go on a diet, but all you could think about was food. Or perhaps you've been upset over something someone said about you. You chose to forgive him for what he said, but the very day you made that decision all you can think about is what he said.
Thoughts are powerful because they are precursors to actions. Everything you've ever done in your life was first conceived in your mind. That's why learning to control our minds and replace bad thoughts with something good is important.
Think of your mind as a battle ground but not as a playground. Your mind is something you should take very seriously because it's the place where victories are either won or lost. If you treat your mind as just a place to play and have fun, you'll open the door to the enemy and he'll take advantage you leading you into defeat, discouragement, and ultimately into disobedience. The devil is like the park "bully" who go's around picking on other kids.
You may not be able to control what comes into your mind, but you can control what stay there! God considers your thoughts so important He actually made a list for you to compare them with so that you don't go off in the ditch on either side of the road. (See Phil. 4:8).
Be assured that you can control your thoughts. How do I know this? The Bible instructs us to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Cor. 10:5. Yes, sometimes this is easier said than done, but it's not impossible and it's absolutely necessary if you really want victory.
The questions becomes, what do you use to combat thoughts? The answer: WORDS! Words are stronger than thought. If you start talking, your mind will shut up to hear what it is you're saying. If you don't believe it, try counting money while someone yells different numbers. You'll soon lose track and before long you have to start over.
Personally there are several things I do when when I need to bring my thoughts into captivity.
First, I speak to the thought and inform it that it's not welcome. I might say something like, "discouragement you were not invited and you're certainly not welcome, so in the name of Jesus be gone now!"
Second, I will use the scripture as a weapon against particular thoughts. If thoughts of fear attempt to enter my mind I will say something like this. "Fear, I take authority over you in Jesus name! According to the Word, I've not be given a spirit of fear so I resist you and command you to go now."
The bottom line is: you believe what you say more than you believe what anybody says! If this is true, then the most important thing you could say is what God says. If you'll say what God says, your faith will increase and develop making a huge difference in your life. Faith only develops one way. "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
Jesus defeated the devil with words. In fact, He used the Word of God and cut the him to pieces. (See Matt. 4).
QUESTION: Can you relate a circumstance when you spoke the Word of God and gained victory over your thoughts?
Thoughts are powerful because they are precursors to actions. Everything you've ever done in your life was first conceived in your mind. That's why learning to control our minds and replace bad thoughts with something good is important.
Think of your mind as a battle ground but not as a playground. Your mind is something you should take very seriously because it's the place where victories are either won or lost. If you treat your mind as just a place to play and have fun, you'll open the door to the enemy and he'll take advantage you leading you into defeat, discouragement, and ultimately into disobedience. The devil is like the park "bully" who go's around picking on other kids.
You may not be able to control what comes into your mind, but you can control what stay there! God considers your thoughts so important He actually made a list for you to compare them with so that you don't go off in the ditch on either side of the road. (See Phil. 4:8).
Be assured that you can control your thoughts. How do I know this? The Bible instructs us to bring "every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" 2 Cor. 10:5. Yes, sometimes this is easier said than done, but it's not impossible and it's absolutely necessary if you really want victory.
The questions becomes, what do you use to combat thoughts? The answer: WORDS! Words are stronger than thought. If you start talking, your mind will shut up to hear what it is you're saying. If you don't believe it, try counting money while someone yells different numbers. You'll soon lose track and before long you have to start over.
Personally there are several things I do when when I need to bring my thoughts into captivity.
First, I speak to the thought and inform it that it's not welcome. I might say something like, "discouragement you were not invited and you're certainly not welcome, so in the name of Jesus be gone now!"
Second, I will use the scripture as a weapon against particular thoughts. If thoughts of fear attempt to enter my mind I will say something like this. "Fear, I take authority over you in Jesus name! According to the Word, I've not be given a spirit of fear so I resist you and command you to go now."
The bottom line is: you believe what you say more than you believe what anybody says! If this is true, then the most important thing you could say is what God says. If you'll say what God says, your faith will increase and develop making a huge difference in your life. Faith only develops one way. "Faith comes by hearing the Word of God" (Rom. 10:17).
Jesus defeated the devil with words. In fact, He used the Word of God and cut the him to pieces. (See Matt. 4).
QUESTION: Can you relate a circumstance when you spoke the Word of God and gained victory over your thoughts?
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Disciple And Knowledge Of The Word
The most pitiful people; in my opinion, are those who cannot or-- for reasons unknown to me-- will not stand up and speak out by giving a biblical and relevant defense of their faith when questioned by others. I believe it's important to know what you believe and why you believe it. Then be able to give an articulate and reasoned response to those around you. For example, how would respond to someone who asks, "How do you know Christianity is true?" How would answer the person who expresses that they need evidence for the existence of God?
C.S. Lewis was right when he argued, the question is not if you will defend the faith, but will you defend it well. Peter said is well when he stated, "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" 1Pet. 3:15.
The word "answer" is the Greek word "apologia," and refers to a legal defense. It's a compound of the words apo and logos. Apo meaning, back, and logos meaning word. When compounded, it means to answer back and depicts a reply, a response, or an answer. The word was us to describe a court trial where the accused was given the opportunity to give a respond or an answer to the charges brought against him. (Sparkling Gems, by Rick Renner p. 926).
As a disciple (a learner) it's very important to be a student of the Word. Paul instructed Timothy to study to show himself approved and to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Again referring to the Believers living in Berea Paul said they "were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
There are at least three reasons to be a student of the Word.
1. According to Matt. 4:4, Heb. 5:11-14 the Word is spiritual food the follower of Christ. Just like your natural body depends on food to sustain itself and survive, your spiritual body requires food for growth and survival.
2. Your enemy; the devil, attempts everything within his power to keep you from receiving revelation from the Word because he knows the Word of God is a weapon (a sword) you can use against him. See Eph. 6:10-18. Your knowledge of the Word is what equips you for battle and the application of that knowledge is what insures your success and victory against the forces of darkness.
3. If you interact with people; especially unbelievers, your knowledge and understanding of the Word will equip to give a reasoned response to their questions.
C.S. Lewis was right when he argued, the question is not if you will defend the faith, but will you defend it well. Peter said is well when he stated, "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" 1Pet. 3:15.
The word "answer" is the Greek word "apologia," and refers to a legal defense. It's a compound of the words apo and logos. Apo meaning, back, and logos meaning word. When compounded, it means to answer back and depicts a reply, a response, or an answer. The word was us to describe a court trial where the accused was given the opportunity to give a respond or an answer to the charges brought against him. (Sparkling Gems, by Rick Renner p. 926).
As a disciple (a learner) it's very important to be a student of the Word. Paul instructed Timothy to study to show himself approved and to rightly divide the Word of truth (2 Tim 2:15). Again referring to the Believers living in Berea Paul said they "were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily (Acts 17:11).
There are at least three reasons to be a student of the Word.
1. According to Matt. 4:4, Heb. 5:11-14 the Word is spiritual food the follower of Christ. Just like your natural body depends on food to sustain itself and survive, your spiritual body requires food for growth and survival.
2. Your enemy; the devil, attempts everything within his power to keep you from receiving revelation from the Word because he knows the Word of God is a weapon (a sword) you can use against him. See Eph. 6:10-18. Your knowledge of the Word is what equips you for battle and the application of that knowledge is what insures your success and victory against the forces of darkness.
3. If you interact with people; especially unbelievers, your knowledge and understanding of the Word will equip to give a reasoned response to their questions.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Following Christ: The Disciples Journey
According to the dictionary, a "follower" is "someone accepts the leadership of another." A second definition is, "someone who travels behind or pursues another." What an awesome description of a disciple.
Three things are clear from the above definitions.
1. A disciple willingly accepts the leadership of Christ. A leader is someone who rules, guides, and inspires others. Jesus is our ruler, our guide, and our inspiration. This can only be true however, for those who accept and submit to Him.
2. A disciple positions himself behind Christ. He never intends to push himself out ahead of Him. If he finds himself in a forward position he will quickly humble himself by positioning himself in his proper place: following.
3. A disciple is always in hot pursuit of his Lord. Pursuing Christ requires a continual focus and attention on Him. It means never looking back. If one looks back, he's not fit to be a disciple. The children; while in the wilderness, looked back toward Egypt on several occasions. Let it not be said of a follower of Christ that they looked back to their life before they received Christ.
Let's examine several Greek words and see if we can glean some truths that we can apply to our personal walk with Christ.
1. The Greek word used in Matt 9:27-30 for the English word followed is akoloutheo and means, "to follow someone or something in a very determined manner." Even though two men were blind and couldn't see where they were going, they were determined to to follow Christ until they got His attention. Their determination was evidenced in their crying. This word means "to, scream, yell, exclaim, or cry out at the top of one's voice."
2. In 1 Cor. 14:1 Paul encourages the church and even you and I to follow after love. The Greek word used here is dioko, and means "to hotly pursue." It was used to describe a hunter following the tracks of an animal until he finally catches his game.
3. 2 Thess. 3:7 uses the word mimeomai, an old Greek word for an actor or mimic and it implies "an intentional study of the life, deeds, actions, and thoughts of another person in an attempt to fully understand that person then to replicate his attributes in one's own life." Paul uses the Greek word mimetes in Eph. 5:1 which means, "to imitate someone," or "to mimic what you see someone else doing." It was also used to describe actors or performing artists who acted on a stage as a profession.
QUESTION: Based on the above information, in what specific ways can you follow the Lord.
Three things are clear from the above definitions.
1. A disciple willingly accepts the leadership of Christ. A leader is someone who rules, guides, and inspires others. Jesus is our ruler, our guide, and our inspiration. This can only be true however, for those who accept and submit to Him.
2. A disciple positions himself behind Christ. He never intends to push himself out ahead of Him. If he finds himself in a forward position he will quickly humble himself by positioning himself in his proper place: following.
3. A disciple is always in hot pursuit of his Lord. Pursuing Christ requires a continual focus and attention on Him. It means never looking back. If one looks back, he's not fit to be a disciple. The children; while in the wilderness, looked back toward Egypt on several occasions. Let it not be said of a follower of Christ that they looked back to their life before they received Christ.
Let's examine several Greek words and see if we can glean some truths that we can apply to our personal walk with Christ.
1. The Greek word used in Matt 9:27-30 for the English word followed is akoloutheo and means, "to follow someone or something in a very determined manner." Even though two men were blind and couldn't see where they were going, they were determined to to follow Christ until they got His attention. Their determination was evidenced in their crying. This word means "to, scream, yell, exclaim, or cry out at the top of one's voice."
2. In 1 Cor. 14:1 Paul encourages the church and even you and I to follow after love. The Greek word used here is dioko, and means "to hotly pursue." It was used to describe a hunter following the tracks of an animal until he finally catches his game.
3. 2 Thess. 3:7 uses the word mimeomai, an old Greek word for an actor or mimic and it implies "an intentional study of the life, deeds, actions, and thoughts of another person in an attempt to fully understand that person then to replicate his attributes in one's own life." Paul uses the Greek word mimetes in Eph. 5:1 which means, "to imitate someone," or "to mimic what you see someone else doing." It was also used to describe actors or performing artists who acted on a stage as a profession.
QUESTION: Based on the above information, in what specific ways can you follow the Lord.
Monday, May 23, 2011
The Disciple And Spiritual Maturity
There are primarily 3 level of spiritual growth as it relates the individual Christians. Each of which corresponds to the three levels of natural growth. The three levels are: Babyhood, Childhood, and Manhood. Just as everyone is at a different level in their natural growth so to everyone is at a different level of their spiritual growth.
How long you've been born-again has very little to do with where you are currently in you spiritual progress. Being a believer for 20 years does not necessarily means you're at the Manhood level of your spiritual growth. Neither is being a believer for 2 years indicates you're a spiritual baby. I'm sure we all know others who've been saved for many years and yet are still either spiritual infants or spiritually immature children.
Your spiritual development is not up to anyone else but you. It's not even up to God. The responsibility rest squarely on your shoulders. Of course, you can get others involved who can have a positive influence and impact on your spiritual life. And yes, there are others whom you should avoid because they will most certainly retard your progress as a Christian. (2 Cor 6:14-18).
Now that we've established the three levels of spiritual development, let consider the four different types of people or personalities we will encounter on our spiritual journey.
The Starter: The starter is a brand new believer who is eager, zealous, willing, passionate, and yet unskilled, unlearned, undeveloped, and very naive in the ways of their new life in Christ. The most important and strategic action the starter can make is to link up with other more developed and mature disciples who can walk with then through the first weeks, months, and even the first year.
The Struggler: The struggler is generally a disciple who has been following Christ for only a short time (less than a year) but is yet having trouble navigating through the common difficulties every believer faces. Again the most important action a struggler can make is to partner with strong and health disciples who can walk with him and instruct him on becoming an overcomer as it relates to his specific issues.
The Stagnant: The stagnant person is the individual who has found themselves to be stuck spiritually. The root cause of their stagnation is neglect. It's possible they began their spiritual journey in the company of fellow disciples who worked with and walked with them. But over time they lost sight of the importance of being connected to and with fellow Christians. As a result they grew cold in their relationship with Christ. If they want stagnation to keeps it distance, they too must return to their fellow laborers in Christ.
The Stable: Stable disciple are those who faithful and constantly growing in their relationship with Christ. They are committed to things such as training, giving, serving, encouraging, and continued discipleship. Stable people give direction to the starters. They willingly stand with the struggler. They reach out to the stagnant providing encouragement to rekindle the flame of passion for Christ.
How long you've been born-again has very little to do with where you are currently in you spiritual progress. Being a believer for 20 years does not necessarily means you're at the Manhood level of your spiritual growth. Neither is being a believer for 2 years indicates you're a spiritual baby. I'm sure we all know others who've been saved for many years and yet are still either spiritual infants or spiritually immature children.
Your spiritual development is not up to anyone else but you. It's not even up to God. The responsibility rest squarely on your shoulders. Of course, you can get others involved who can have a positive influence and impact on your spiritual life. And yes, there are others whom you should avoid because they will most certainly retard your progress as a Christian. (2 Cor 6:14-18).
Now that we've established the three levels of spiritual development, let consider the four different types of people or personalities we will encounter on our spiritual journey.
The Starter: The starter is a brand new believer who is eager, zealous, willing, passionate, and yet unskilled, unlearned, undeveloped, and very naive in the ways of their new life in Christ. The most important and strategic action the starter can make is to link up with other more developed and mature disciples who can walk with then through the first weeks, months, and even the first year.
The Struggler: The struggler is generally a disciple who has been following Christ for only a short time (less than a year) but is yet having trouble navigating through the common difficulties every believer faces. Again the most important action a struggler can make is to partner with strong and health disciples who can walk with him and instruct him on becoming an overcomer as it relates to his specific issues.
The Stagnant: The stagnant person is the individual who has found themselves to be stuck spiritually. The root cause of their stagnation is neglect. It's possible they began their spiritual journey in the company of fellow disciples who worked with and walked with them. But over time they lost sight of the importance of being connected to and with fellow Christians. As a result they grew cold in their relationship with Christ. If they want stagnation to keeps it distance, they too must return to their fellow laborers in Christ.
The Stable: Stable disciple are those who faithful and constantly growing in their relationship with Christ. They are committed to things such as training, giving, serving, encouraging, and continued discipleship. Stable people give direction to the starters. They willingly stand with the struggler. They reach out to the stagnant providing encouragement to rekindle the flame of passion for Christ.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Disciples Relationship With God
One of the most important elements of any relationship is understanding the person you have a relationship with; that certainly applies to God too. You have to understand the basic nature and character of God to have a healthy relationship with Him. A failure or misunderstanding of the nature and character of God is one of the reasons that many people don't have a health and positive relationship with Him.
Yes, there are many things we could say regarding the nature and character of God. But the most basic and quite possibly the most important character of God is that He is good and His will for us is ONLY good. He is so good that He even take the unfortunate things that happen in our lives and causes it to work out for our good (Rom 8:26).
Jesus' willingness to forgive the woman caught in the very act of adultery exemplifies the goodness of God (Jn 8:1-11). It shows the willingness of God to reconcile mankind to Himself.
Please don't misunderstand or misrepresent what I am saying. God does not simply overlook sin and wrong doing. It's clear from the Word that He hates sin. It's clear that sin separates mankind from a holy and righteous God. What I want you to know and what I hope you understand is that God dealt with our sin when Christ took them upon Himself and received our punishment. God's heart is to reconcile mankind unto Himself, not to judge them or impute their sins to them.
If you really want to know how God deals with sin read "Paid In Full," by Rick Renner.
Yes, there are many things we could say regarding the nature and character of God. But the most basic and quite possibly the most important character of God is that He is good and His will for us is ONLY good. He is so good that He even take the unfortunate things that happen in our lives and causes it to work out for our good (Rom 8:26).
Jesus' willingness to forgive the woman caught in the very act of adultery exemplifies the goodness of God (Jn 8:1-11). It shows the willingness of God to reconcile mankind to Himself.
Please don't misunderstand or misrepresent what I am saying. God does not simply overlook sin and wrong doing. It's clear from the Word that He hates sin. It's clear that sin separates mankind from a holy and righteous God. What I want you to know and what I hope you understand is that God dealt with our sin when Christ took them upon Himself and received our punishment. God's heart is to reconcile mankind unto Himself, not to judge them or impute their sins to them.
If you really want to know how God deals with sin read "Paid In Full," by Rick Renner.
Righteousness: The Disciples Standing Before God
Mankind's greatest need is for righteousness, that is, to be in right standing, or a right-relationship with his Creator (Rom 3:10). Why? Because all have sinned (Rom 3:23), mankind is without hope and without God in this world (Eph 2:12), all come short of the glory of God (Rom 3:23b), and there is none righteous, no not one (Rom3:10).
While mankind was in this condition, God offered them, as a free gift, the righteousness they so desperately needed. It's God's own righteousness that He offers us freely through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22).
According to Rom 3:21 the righteousness God offers us is independent or apart from the law. The law says that men are accepted by God based meeting certain standards. In other words, your acceptance by God is based upon your efforts or by your actions.
If this righteousness is apart from the law (apart from my good deeds, apart from my achieving it by my efforts), how then are we made righteous before God? Rom 3:22 says it's by FAITH in Jesus Christ.
The bible uses the phrase "dead works" in Heb 6:1. Dead works are the things people trust in to get them to heaven. Things like living a good life, keeping the 10 commandments, attending church, giving to the needy etc.
While mankind was in this condition, God offered them, as a free gift, the righteousness they so desperately needed. It's God's own righteousness that He offers us freely through faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22).
According to Rom 3:21 the righteousness God offers us is independent or apart from the law. The law says that men are accepted by God based meeting certain standards. In other words, your acceptance by God is based upon your efforts or by your actions.
If this righteousness is apart from the law (apart from my good deeds, apart from my achieving it by my efforts), how then are we made righteous before God? Rom 3:22 says it's by FAITH in Jesus Christ.
The bible uses the phrase "dead works" in Heb 6:1. Dead works are the things people trust in to get them to heaven. Things like living a good life, keeping the 10 commandments, attending church, giving to the needy etc.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Eternal Life: Entering The Doorway to Discipleship
One of the most familiar passages of scripture is John 3:16. It says, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Traditionally, this verse has been used to teach that Jesus came and died for our sins so that we wouldn't perish. All true but, His real purpose was to die for us in order that we might have eternal life. Eternal life is the real message of the gospel. If this is indeed true, let's examine what that means.
John 17:3 says that eternal is knowing God and Jesus Christ. Eternal life is NOT missing hell or just going to heaven. Listen, missing hell and going to heaven are both wonderful, but they're not eternal life.
John 3:36 says, He that believes on the Son has everlasting life. That means that eternal life can be a present tense position and a present tense possession. It's not something that's going to take place in the future, but it's a present reality for all who receive Christ. (See 1 John 5:13).
John 17:3 uses the word "know." eternal life is to "know" God and Jesus Christ. The word "KNOW" is used throughout scripture to describe the most intimate, personal relationship that a person can have. This intimacy is similar to that in the marriage relationship. We could say then the real purpose of the salvation is to have intimacy -- a personal relationship with God and His Son.
With all this in mind we can conclude at least two things. First, eternal life is available now (1 Jn 5:13; Jn 3:36). Second, the quality of our relationship with God is the goal. The early church had such a quality relationship with God that was so dynamic that there're actual accounts of Roman soldiers who were so moved that they would give their lives to Christ knowing that they were going Ro be put to death with those who possessed this eternal life.
Jesus summed it up best when He said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly Jn 10:10.
QUESTION: Is it possible we're doing the gospel an injustice and a disservice by failing to properly explain the true meaning of eternal life?
Traditionally, this verse has been used to teach that Jesus came and died for our sins so that we wouldn't perish. All true but, His real purpose was to die for us in order that we might have eternal life. Eternal life is the real message of the gospel. If this is indeed true, let's examine what that means.
John 17:3 says that eternal is knowing God and Jesus Christ. Eternal life is NOT missing hell or just going to heaven. Listen, missing hell and going to heaven are both wonderful, but they're not eternal life.
John 3:36 says, He that believes on the Son has everlasting life. That means that eternal life can be a present tense position and a present tense possession. It's not something that's going to take place in the future, but it's a present reality for all who receive Christ. (See 1 John 5:13).
John 17:3 uses the word "know." eternal life is to "know" God and Jesus Christ. The word "KNOW" is used throughout scripture to describe the most intimate, personal relationship that a person can have. This intimacy is similar to that in the marriage relationship. We could say then the real purpose of the salvation is to have intimacy -- a personal relationship with God and His Son.
With all this in mind we can conclude at least two things. First, eternal life is available now (1 Jn 5:13; Jn 3:36). Second, the quality of our relationship with God is the goal. The early church had such a quality relationship with God that was so dynamic that there're actual accounts of Roman soldiers who were so moved that they would give their lives to Christ knowing that they were going Ro be put to death with those who possessed this eternal life.
Jesus summed it up best when He said, I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly Jn 10:10.
QUESTION: Is it possible we're doing the gospel an injustice and a disservice by failing to properly explain the true meaning of eternal life?
Discipleship: Defining The Terms
If you asked ten different people to explain what they think it means to be a disciple I'm certain you'd get at least five different answers. Several years ago I heard high school students were surveyed and ask several questions regarding biblical topics. One question was, "Who were the disciples?" Not knowing the answer, many students commented by answering that the disciples were the wife's of the apostles.
This lack of understanding regarding discipleship is not only evident among our high school students but it is also apparent within many of our local churches.
Let's examine what discipleship is not. First, discipleship is not a program or event. Second, discipleship is not for a limited time. Third, discipleship is not limited to new converts. No, discipleship is a way of life, it's for our whole life, and it's every believer for everyday of their life.
Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Simply stated, discipleship means learning from and following a teacher. I'm convinced the most important evidence of God's work in the world is in the existence of committed disciples. It's important to note that discipleship is not an option, it's actually a command.
Listen to Jesus' words;
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt 28:19-20.)
According to Jesus conversions are not enough. We think we're doing kingdom business when we win others to Christ. Winning others to Christ is only part of what we're commissioned to in Matthew 28. Leading others to Christ is really just the beginning of fulfilling the Great Commission. The biggest and most difficult task is making disciples.
QUESTION: If discipleship is at the core of of God's work in the world why is it that it's not at the core of what local churches focus on?
This lack of understanding regarding discipleship is not only evident among our high school students but it is also apparent within many of our local churches.
Let's examine what discipleship is not. First, discipleship is not a program or event. Second, discipleship is not for a limited time. Third, discipleship is not limited to new converts. No, discipleship is a way of life, it's for our whole life, and it's every believer for everyday of their life.
Jesus said in Luke 9:23, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."
Simply stated, discipleship means learning from and following a teacher. I'm convinced the most important evidence of God's work in the world is in the existence of committed disciples. It's important to note that discipleship is not an option, it's actually a command.
Listen to Jesus' words;
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen (Matt 28:19-20.)
According to Jesus conversions are not enough. We think we're doing kingdom business when we win others to Christ. Winning others to Christ is only part of what we're commissioned to in Matthew 28. Leading others to Christ is really just the beginning of fulfilling the Great Commission. The biggest and most difficult task is making disciples.
QUESTION: If discipleship is at the core of of God's work in the world why is it that it's not at the core of what local churches focus on?
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Goal of Discipleship
Simply stated a disciple is a follower. For the believer, the person we follow is Jesus Christ. Following Christ implies we're moving forward and heading toward a particular destination.
If you're a follower - disciple - of Christ, your goal is to become more and more like Him. You can't follow Christ without desiring to become like Him. Becoming like Christ is what Paul meant when he said, God would finish the work He started in you Phil. 1:6.
True biblical discipleship always has Christ at its core. The FOCUS of true discipleship is always Jesus! Anything less cannot be considered discipleship by Christ' standard.
QUESTION: In your opinion, why is it or why should it be that Christ is the focus of true discipleship?
If you're a follower - disciple - of Christ, your goal is to become more and more like Him. You can't follow Christ without desiring to become like Him. Becoming like Christ is what Paul meant when he said, God would finish the work He started in you Phil. 1:6.
True biblical discipleship always has Christ at its core. The FOCUS of true discipleship is always Jesus! Anything less cannot be considered discipleship by Christ' standard.
QUESTION: In your opinion, why is it or why should it be that Christ is the focus of true discipleship?
Introducing Discipleship
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his classic work "The Cost of Discipleship" stated, "Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ."
WOW! If this is true; and I certainly believe it to be so, we need to take an honest look, and reconsider what it is we've been doing in our churches. Is it possible that we've been in the ditch on one side of the road or the other? Is it possible that we've gotten it all; or at least some if it, wrong when it comes to doing "church?"
This may come as a shock to you, but nowhere did Jesus say, "go make converts." When we read Mt 28:18-20 however, it's abundantly clear that we are to make disciples. Please don't misunderstand me. We are commissioned to preach the gospel to every nation and win as many people to Christ as will receive Him. On this front, there seems to be little misunderstanding. But when it comes to making disciples I'm concerned that we're missing it big time.
QUESTION: Could this be the reason carnality seems to so rampant in our churches? I'd be very interested in your feedback!
WOW! If this is true; and I certainly believe it to be so, we need to take an honest look, and reconsider what it is we've been doing in our churches. Is it possible that we've been in the ditch on one side of the road or the other? Is it possible that we've gotten it all; or at least some if it, wrong when it comes to doing "church?"
This may come as a shock to you, but nowhere did Jesus say, "go make converts." When we read Mt 28:18-20 however, it's abundantly clear that we are to make disciples. Please don't misunderstand me. We are commissioned to preach the gospel to every nation and win as many people to Christ as will receive Him. On this front, there seems to be little misunderstanding. But when it comes to making disciples I'm concerned that we're missing it big time.
QUESTION: Could this be the reason carnality seems to so rampant in our churches? I'd be very interested in your feedback!
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