|
Disciple is a learner. It speaks of a teacher-student relationship. The
student listens, imitates, and obeys his teacher. In fact, he actually helps
spread the leader's teachings.
No person can be considered a true disciple who only intellectually agrees
with some of the teacher's ideas but fails to practice them.
True discipleship is outlined in Luke 9:23, "...If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me." This
biblical commitment to discipleship involves at least the following five
actions:
| 1. |
Desire |
|
[If any man] |
| 2. |
Decision |
|
[will come after me] |
| 3. |
Denial |
|
[let him deny himself] |
| 4. |
Dedication |
|
[take up his cross daily] |
| 5. |
Determination |
|
[and follow me] |
When people express saving faith in Christ they should be invited and
directed to the path of discipleship.
Ideally, the church should be made up of a body of disciples, learners,
devoted to spread the teachings of their Master-Teacher, not a warehouse of
listeners, spectators, or attendees. Our purpose is to encourage believers to be
fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, worshiping, walking, working, and
witnessing on His behalf. |
