16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17, New International Version)
Theme: Discipleship
Context:
Yesterday, we established the fundamental link between discipleship and “abiding” in Scripture. You explained in your comments that abiding in Scripture called for Spirit led, persistent and diligent study aimed at transformation and application. Thank you for your comments!
You may have noticed that we haven’t clearly defined discipleship so far. Defining Christian discipleship isn’t a trivial pursuit. In defining discipleship, we will kill two birds with one stone. We will develop the definition while simultaneously demonstrating that Bible Study is key to a correct definition. To aid us in these tasks, over the next four days we will refer to the study of two theologians: 1) Michael Wilkins, author of Following the Master: A Biblical Theology of Discipleship, and 2) Rowan Williams, author of Being Disciples: Essentials of the Christian Life.
At this juncture I must express an extreme word of caution. We are going to kick off the definition process by posing some potentially controversial questions. Our interest is not in a debate about semantics. Instead, we will demonstrate that there are substantive questions that only the Bible can resolve. Please stay with us over the next few days as we work through the controversial questions.
Here are a few questions related to discipleship: Jesus lays out some stringent requirements to be his disciple. For example, in Luke 14:33 He says, “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.” Considering these stringent requirements, is every Christian a disciple? Can a disciple not be a Christian? Are disciples a more committed subset of Christians?
We’ll come back to the above questions later. For now, just consider the confusion these questions can cause. Because of these types of question, Wilkins writes about the following results from an experiment he runs at Christian gatherings. He asks, “How many of you can say, in the humble confidence of your heart, that you are convinced that you are a true disciple of Jesus Christ? Please raise your hand.” Wilkins reports that “most do not put their hand up at all, some do so hesitantly, some put it up then take it down, others put it up half-way.” However, when Wilkin asks: “How many of you can say, in the humble confidence of your heart, that you are convinced that you are a true Christian? Please raise your hand.” Immediately most hands shoot up— no hesitation, no doubt!
Bible Study Passage:
Today’s passage highlights the consequential role of Scripture in being “equipped.” Where do we find God’s definitions? The Bible. Where should we go to find the definition of discipleship? The Bible.
Questions:
Why is it important for us to understand the Biblical definition of our identity as disciples?
Sharing your thoughts could be a big help to someone else. Please leave a comment on the blog
February 20, 2024 at 6:25 am
If we don’t know the definition, then we can’t know the parameters, characteristics, heart of what Christ is calling us to be. We can’t become what we don’t know or understand.
February 20, 2024 at 6:40 am
I think one cannot be a disciple if you don’t accept that your identity is in Christ. Knowing that you belong to Him and having willingness to live for Him is the first step to become a disciple .
February 20, 2024 at 6:58 am
If we don’t actually understand the biblical definition of our identity as disciples, then those of us who really want to be disciples, and think we are, are probably not.
Understanding what a true disciple is will help us in being the followers that we desire to be, and the real disciples of Jesus that God wants us to be.
February 20, 2024 at 10:09 am
On thinking about this question, I looked at it from the angle of what if we don’t understand the biblical definition of our identity as disciples. Three things came to mind; first we miss understanding who God is and what He is like, second, we don’t know what He has said and therefore can’t be good followers and third, we distort what we think He has said into our own reality. I’m currently reading a book based on the Crusades and am amazed at how people thought waging war was a good way to preserve the gospel. We really need to know (and understand) what He saying to us through Scripture.
February 22, 2024 at 11:41 pm
The Bible is to be our primary source of defining for us the guidelines and expectations of our Christian walk. Any deviation opens the door or exposes us to surely following voices and the leading of false shepherds.