View our weekly devotional archives

October 19, 2009 - What is a Disciple?

Throughout the New Testament we read about disciples.  Our ministry has had the privilege of writing several books on the subject and delivering scores of messages about what it means to be a disciple (follower of Christ, learner, apprentice, devoted believer, etc.)
 
Our review of scripture suggests that a disciple must not only accept by faith the promises of Christ but must also be willing to apply the truth he knows.  There must be a resulting action from the commitment or conversion experience.  As Jesus tells us, "By their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:16 (NIV).  There must be a by-product to a Spirit-filled life. "As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work." John 9:4 (NIV) " Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed-not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence-continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling," Philippians 2:12 (NIV)
 
The Apostle Paul wrote the Book of Romans prior to his visit to Rome.  He begins Romans by surveying the spiritual condition of all mankind, especially as he understood it to be in Rome.  If you look at Rome it was much like America is today. The first eleven chapters in this book talk about that sin is a problem, salvation through Christ is the only answer, how the Holy Spirit can help sanctify a person, and that we serve a grace-filled God who wishes none to perish.
 
Paul goes on in chapter 12 to say that what he covered in chapters 1-11 is not all there is to being a Christian.  In Romans 12 he provides us with a definition of a Christian.

• Vs.1 Surrendered to God
• Vs. 2 Be not of this world - be transformed  
•  Vs. 3 Thinking accurately of self - God made me for His glory
• Vs. 9 Relationship with others - loving people - this is how we treat each other in the body - Matt. 22
• Vs. 13 Serving in love - God allows you to supernaturally love others. Matt. 20:26

It's that simple.  Let's all work on being a Romans 12 disciple.