Vol.
XLII April 1, 2010 No. 7
Disciples
by Tom
McLemore
Discipleship is at the heart of being a
Christian. For many years we have
emphasized that in apostolic times the disciples were called Christians
(Acts 11:26). There is an
equally important fact, viz., that in apostolic times
the Christians were frequently called disciples! (See
Acts 1:15; 6:1, 2, 7; 9:1, 10, 19, 25, 26, 36; 9:38; 11:26, 29; 13:52;
14:20, 22; 14:28; 15:10; 16:1; 18:23, 27; 19:9, 30; 20:1, 7, 30; 21:4, 16). I am convinced that there is great
significance in this fact.
We are
absolutely right to seek to be biblical in our service to God. Nevertheless, I think that in our zeal to
espouse the biblical designations for God's people in distinction from
denominational designations, we may have neglected to stress what these
biblical designations communicate. We
may not have allowed the terminology to inform us of what we ought to be. It is not enough to speak of ourselves
as saints, brethren, believers, Christians, children of God, etc. We must also manifest
in life the significance of these terms.
We must strive to be holy, treat each other like brethren, put our faith
into action, act like we belong to Christ, and show a character resemblance to
our Father.
The Greek
word translated “disciple” refers to one who engages in learning through
instruction from another (pupil, apprentice). It also refers to one who is rather
constantly associated with someone who has a pedagogical reputation or a
particular set of views, (disciple, adherent). Both of these ideas apply to being a
Christian, and they indicate a frame of mind from which we seek to progress in
the Christian life. They describe Christianity as a discipline and a way of
life. It necessitates an absolute commitment
and deep devotion to our Teacher.
How is this
way of life manifested by Christians today?
After all, Jesus is not present as he was during his earthly
sojourn. We do have a large and
sufficient amount of his teaching preserved for us in the holy
Scriptures. Thus, learning from Jesus
and learning Christ (cf. Ephesians 4:20)
involves reading, understanding, and learning the sacred writings. It means accepting his views and
acknowledging him as our Teacher, even unto death (Revelation 2:10). It also
means constant association with Christ Jesus our Teacher. The church is his body (Ephesians 1:22, 23), and we associate and commune with Christ in his
body as it assembles and participates in its mission. It is of the essence of discipleship to be
present on our Teacher's day in the assembly of his body and to commune with
him around his table. It is a way of
life that leads to continual prayer and daily walking with Christ through
faith.
As one
reads the Gospel according to John, there are three vital statements from our
Lord relative to being his disciples. “Then Jesus said to the Jews who had
believed in him, 'If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and
you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free'” (John 8:31, 32). “A new commandment I give to you, that you love
one another; even as I have loved you that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34, 35).“By this my Father is
glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples” (John
15:8).
We might
develop various ideas regarding being disciples, but the surest and best
understanding can only come from hearing what the Teacher himself says
about what is involved. As we strive to
practice discipleship, we would do very well to dwell upon these and use them
as measurements of our progress.
Are you a
disciple of Jesus? If you believe in
Jesus and have repented of your sins, enter the life of discipleship today by
being baptized into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew
28:19, 20).
Designed and maintained by
Houston Park Church of Christ Copyright © 2000 by Houston Park Church of
Christ 2 Crescent Hill Drive Selma, Alabama 36701
334-874-7941. All rights reserved. Revised: 24 Sep 2008.
Back to
Welcome Page