This study is a continuation of the last lesson on What is Discipleship?
The audio is a bit choppy. Salm (a member of Eastside, very gifted in and passionate about evangeism) had some questions about true and false conversions (in the context of my comments), and so we spent some time answer them with the Bible.
The majority of the study, however, centers around the three marks of true disciple given by Jesus himself in the Gospel of John.
Jesus was clear when he stated the goal of discipleship in Matthew 10.24-25 and Luke 6.40: he desires for his disciples to be like him in character and conduct. This is God's goal for all men in both the Old Testament (Lev 19.2) and the New (Rom 8.29); he desires to restore his image in lost, sinful man.
Jesus was clear when he stated the goal of discipleship in Matthew 10.24-25 and Luke 6.40: he desires for his disciples to be like him in character and conduct. This is God's goal for all men in both the Old Testament (Lev 19.2) and the New (Rom 8.29); he desires to restore his image in lost, sinful man.
A disciple, then, is not in a separate class of higher spirituality than the normal Christian. Rather, in discipleship one sees the normal growth process that God desires for everyone, a process which begins with regeneration and continues as the disciple grows in Christ-likeness.
Just as in Jesus' earthly ministry, discipleship today is still directed at the whole person and every area of his life. It is not simply a religious or spiritual exercise because Jesus wants his followers to exhibit his character and qualities in all of life, in every area of daily living.
Jesus gave three distinct qualities that would characterize his disciples. They are qualities of Christ that will be reproduced in each and everyone of his disciples as they grow in the likeness of their Master.
Those who abide in Jesus' word are his disciples (John 8.31). Jesus' disciples will hear his words, submit to them, and obey them in every area of life (John 15.4-9). Those who refuse to do are giving indications that they are not truly his disciples (they are not true believers).
Jesus' disciples will exhibit love one for another (John 13.34-35). Biblical, brotherly love is mark of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Their love for their fellow disciples will be the same love that Jesus showed to his disciples (cf. 1John 3.16).
Since the result of this Christlike brotherly love is the edification of other believers (Eph 4.16), it can be equated with discipleship. Jesus disciples love others by discipling them—by leading them to salvation (evangelism) and helping them to grow in Christ (edification).
Those who refuse to love as Christ loved are giving indications that they are not truly his disciples.
Jesus' disciples will bear fruit (John 15.8). They will bear...
Just as one can know a tree by its fruit, so can one see indications of a true conversion to Christ in the visible fruit of discipleship (Mat 7.16-20).