A DISCIPLE OF JESUS

1. A DISCIPLE OF JESUS Lesson #5

2. In our previous lessons we have looked at the Biblical teachings on. . . • The Beginning of the Christian Journey • Becoming Equipped for the Christian Journey • The Ultimate Goal of the Christian Journey • The Process of the Christian Journey

3. If we have embraced these Biblical teachings and committed ourselves to live by these teachings it has brought us to a point in time that is best described as . . . THE JOURNEY OF DISCIPLESHIP

4. Most Christians are not exactly sure as to what the word “disciple” means. So we will start from there. Our New Testament was first written in the Greek language which was the market language of the Roman Empire

5. “Disciple” has the meaning of “a learner” (i.e. pupil). It refers to anyone who follows the teachings of another and puts into practice those teachings. The following two statements by Jesus provides good examples: “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, ‘If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.’”John 8:31.

6. To His disciples Jesus said, “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”John 15:8. It also helps us to consider that there were disciples of John the Baptist. “Then the disciples of John came to Him. . .” Matthew 9:14.

7. The Religious sect called “Pharisees” proudly claimed to be “Moses’ disciples.” John 9:28. The twelve apostles of Jesus were normally referred to as “His disciples” “And when He (Jesus) had called His twelve disciples. . .”Matthew 10:1. In the book of Acts devout believers in Jesus are commonly referred to as disciples. (See Acts 6:1, 2, 7; 14:20, 22, 28; 15:10; 19:1)

8. What is Required to Become a Disciple of Jesus? The following statement by Jesus gives the answer: “. . .If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 (Also Matthew 10:38; Mark 8:34). Most of us will agree that this is the most challenging requirement that we could ever be called upon to make.

9. In all likelihood an image also comes up in our mind as we think about what Jesus said and we are inclined to think, “That sounds like the most miserable life I could possibly live.” And yet, Jesus said on another occasion, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” John 10:10.

10. Jesus came in order that we may have abundant life! How do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory statements? We must look at them from the viewpoint of God. 1). We must recognize that all mankind are born spiritually dead. “For as in Adam all die. . .”1st Corinthians 15:22. “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” Romans 5:12. (Also read Romans 3:9-20).

11. 2). When Jesus died on the cross for our sins He received the punishment for the sins of mankind. God also accounted that we were in Christ and our fleshly nature received the punishment for our sins as well. “…Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.” Romans 6:6.

12. A thorough reading of Romans 6 reveals that God has placed on His records that the fallen fleshly nature of every true believer was placed into Christ and remained dead in the grave when Jesus rose again. That will remain in God’s eternal record.

13. 3). We must put these truths into practice. In Romans 6 and other Scriptures we discover that to make God’s record come true in our earthly journey we believers must daily reckon this true by faith. “Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:11.

14. The purpose of all this is to liberate our spiritual nature from the bondage of the fallen fleshly nature so we can freely live our life pleasing to God. “For he who has died has been freed from sin.” Romans 6:7.

15. All of this may sound mystical and even impossible but our part is to believe God and put our faith into action. “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.” Colossians 3:9, 10.

16. CORE HABITS OF A DISCIPLE OF JESUS Take up your cross daily. A cross is an instrument of death. This signifies that we are to spiritually crucify our fallen fleshly nature every day by faith. The question arises as to why this is necessary every day. The obvious answer is “because our fallen fleshly nature has a resurrection every morning.” We need to hang it on the cross early.

17. Learn about Jesus On the positive side we must learn about Jesus if we are going to be His disciples. From our relationship with Him, His teachings and actions in the Scriptures and the illumination of the Holy Spirit we must learn everything we can about Jesus.

18. We need to learn that: Jesus was and is God. He answered the Jewish leaders seeking to kill Him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” With this answer Jesus identified Himself as Jehovah God Who Moses requested to reveal His name. “And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. . .” Exodus 3:13, 14. (See also Revelation 1:4-8). As God, Jesus is holy, righteous, just, and good. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, eternal, true and unchangeable.

19. Jesus is the Messiah/Christ The Hebrew word translated into English as “Messiah” and the Greek word translated “Christ” have the same meaning which is “anointed one.” The Scriptural meaning is that Jesus was chosen by God, authorized by God and empowered by God. As the Messiah/Christ, Jesus was anointed to be God’s chosen Prophet, Priest and King.

20. As God’s chosen Prophet (See Deuteronomy 18:15-19). Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom during His first coming (See Matthew 4:17). He offered Himself to Israel and they rejected Him and provoked the Roman authorities to crucify Him. His offer to establish His kingdom with Israel was withdrawn and postponed until His second coming when He returns in power.

21. As God’s chosen High Priest Jesus is affirmed to be appointed by God, the Father 17 times in the book of Hebrews. Some of His major works are: He offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind “once for all.” Hebrews 7:27; 9:11, 12, 26-28, 10:10-14.

22. He became the Mediator of a New Covenant that was better than the old Covenant of Moses. Hebrews 7:22; 8:6-13; 12:24; 13:20. As the . .One Mediator between God and man. . .” (1st Timothy 2:5) He is sympathetic with our weaknesses so that we can “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:14-16.

23. As God’s Chosen King Jesus rules over His kingdom in mystery form during the church age. This is the principal time He gathers citizens for the kingdom of God in power. It includes gentiles as well as Israelites. Jesus shared with His apostles

24. “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10: 15-16. Jesus also gave “The Great Commission” to His disciples, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.. .”Matthew 28:18, l9.

25. The time will come when Jesus will establish His kingdom in power. Jesus gave John the following vision: “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. . .” “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” Revelation 19:11, 16.

26. Those who become disciples of Jesus are destined to be on the victorious side for all eternity.