Notes from Discipleship Teaching 19th Feb 2012

June 1st, 2011 in Blog by admin 0

Characteristics of Discipleship

The Greek word for ‘disciple’ is ‘mathetes,’ which means ‘learner.’  In biblical times a disciple would attach himself to a teacher and learn from him.  He would follow him throughout the day, interact with him, work with him and often would go home with him at night.

As a result of this close, personal real-life training, a disciple often took on the characteristics of the one who trained him.  In fact, this is exactly what Jesus said.

The word, “Learner,” does not have a sense of arrival to it.  A disciple is one who is always learning.  He’s not “Learned”, but a “learner.”  Discipleship is a life-long process (Philippians 3:12-14).  We will never fully reflect Jesus Christ in our lifetime.  But disciples keep moving in that direction, learning from Jesus throughout their lives.

The English word “disciple” refers more to a hierarchical position, I am a disciple of…., or he’s a disciple of . . ., whereas the Greek word “disciple” refers more to the activity of a learner.

 

What are essential characteristics of a learner?

A.       Desires to Learn.

B.       Applies Self to Learning.

C.        Puts Self in a Place Where he Can Learn.

D.       Does What He Learns.

E.       Imitates His Teacher.

 

What are the key characteristics of a disciple? Key Verses

Matthew 22:36-40, 1 John 4:19-21  Luke 14:25-33 Luke 9:23-26, 57-62

Philippians 2:4-9; John 13:3-15  Romans 5:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:14; Hebrews 12:28,29

Titus 2:11-14; 3:3-8 2 Timothy 4:5; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 4:11-13

  1. Disciples are those with a love for God, their neighbor and Christian brother and show this love in deeds.
  2. Disciples put Jesus first in everything and count the cost before they jump in.
  3. Disciples are willing to wait on pleasure and comfort, to suffer now for the reward waiting them.
  4.  Disciples serve those whom they lead.
  5. Disciples seek other’s good before their own.
  6. Disciples work out of gratitude and love and are zealous to do good deeds.
  7. A disciple of Jesus seeks to impart what he has learned to others, to fulfill the ministry Christ has given to them.
  8. Disciples are ready to receive whatever Jesus has to offer — His forgiveness, love, direction and commandments — and to pay the price to get it.

Questions:

A.   Do I have the heart of a learner?  Am I willing to learn?  Have I put myself in a place where I can learn?  Do I apply myself fully in my learning?  Do I fully and readily obey what I learn?  Do I imitate Christ in my life?

B.            Are you growing in your love of God?

C.   Are you actively demonstrating love for my neighbor as well as my brother in Christ?

D.   Is there any area of your life (job, play, thoughts, relationships, entertainment, money) where Christ does not have first place?

E.   How closely are your priorities aligned with God’s?

F.   Do you willingly follow your leaders?  Do you seek to do your best?

G.   Do you willingly serve those who follow you?  Are you seeking their best?

H.   Do you seek the best of others before yourself?

I.   Do you actively seek to do good things in the world around you?

J.   Are you motivated primarily out of gratitude for what God has done for you, or out of the need to have other’s approval?

K.   Are you imparting to others what God has built into you?  Are you using your gifts to build God’s kingdom?