ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OR JUST A CONVERT?

The goal and purpose of the Church that our Lord Jesus has placed in this world is to be living witnesses to make disciples for Him. Matthew 28:19,20 says,”Go therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. When we examine the makeup of the crowds that were around the Lord Jesus, we see that there were primarily four different groups that are still existent today. There were the outright rejecters, the religious users, the non-functional converted, and those who became fully committed followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no confusion as to how we distinguish the first two groups because they are seen for what they are because of where they stand with the purposes of the Lord Jesus in this world. However, the true Church of Jesus is often made up of the two latter classes of those who profess to be converted through faith in Christ. Technically, both groups of believers are called disciples of the Lord Jesus, but there is a difference in the degree to which each group is faithful to the call and service of our Lord. The difference between the two groups are usually seen in the degree of faithfulness, (1 Corinthians 3:15); usefulness, (2 Timothy 2:21); fruitfulness, John 5:7); and unashamed witness, (Luke 9:26), in lifestyle and testimony.

While Scripture teaches that transformation subsequent to salvation should result, it does not teach that all believers will become reproducing disciples of fruitfulness for Christ. In Matthew’s passage, the word “disciple” always carries with it an idea of a follower who has a personal attachment with a teacher that shapes the disciple’s life. Disciples do more than simply believe on Jesus, but they follow in a way that their lives conform to the teachings and expectations of the one they are following (I Peter 3:15). Are you converted, but not a fully committed disciple of Jesus Christ?
1. A disciple is willing to deny self and follow Jesus even if it means suffering, shame, and sacrifice (Luke 9:23-25).
2. A disciple puts Christ before family, possessions, and above self (Luke 14:25-35).
3. A disciple is committed to remain under the authority and obedience to Christ’s Word (John 8:31).
4. A disciple actively seeks to bear much fruit to the glory of the Father through the Son (John 15:7).
5. A disciple loves others as Christ has loved them and others (John 13:34; 15:12.

Prayer: Please make my heart like the heart of my Lord Jesus, amen.
By Pastor Wayne Cockrell