I Googled the word disciple (mathetes) and learned that it is used around 269 times in the New Testament: about 233 times in the gospels and thirty-six times in Acts. As we have covered in Sunday morning bible class, the word means a learner or pupil with the intent of following that which is learned. Remember what we learned from the study already concerning the Great Commission of Matthew 28:19, that it was the task of those proclaiming the gospel to begin with making disciples. The Young’s Literal Translation of this is “disciple all the nations.” To disciple someone means helping someone to progressively learn the Word of God to become a matured, growing disciple. It is less of an event and more of an ongoing process, as we discussed last week.
This process is at times arduous, laborious, and repetitious. You get the point; the maturing journey is seldom glamorous and often painfully difficult. This idea that we are to “be transformed by the renewing” of our minds and endeavoring no longer to be “conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2) is downright difficult at times. It is a war waged in the mind – an intense internal conflict – where the Spirit within us battles with the flesh that so often seeks to be resurrected (Galatians 5:17). I think of these words from the apostle Paul, “We live in this world, but we do not act like its people or fight our battles with the weapons of this world. Instead, we use God’s power that can destroy fortresses. We destroy arguments and every bit of pride that keeps anyone from knowing God. We capture people’s thoughts and make them obey Christ” (CEV, 2nd Corinthians 10:3-5). All too often, the thoughts we are seeking to capture are our own. This journey has purpose and we considered it last Sunday.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith…” (2nd Peter 1:5)
I have heard it before, right? Bear with me for a moment and consider these words shared just a few verses later, “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have” (2nd Peter 1:12). Why? Are disciples that forgetful? Personally, if I look in the mirror, I will say yes. So, the verse begins with “for this very reason.” Remember the why behind this journey called discipleship. Through God’s gift of Christ, we have the amazing opportunity to be “partakers of the divine nature” (2nd Peter 1:4). Not only that, but God has provided “all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2nd Peter 1:3). Knowledge! Learning about what God has done for us through Christ and the amazing opportunity that is ours in Christ, sets the stage for even further growth. God did not want to simply save sinful man; He desires that they grow in His likeness and become a force to be reckoned with in this world: the salty and light in this world (Matthew 5:13-16). And so, as disciples of Christ because of Christ, we endeavor for Christ.
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2nd Peter 1:8)
Goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. These are the list of attributes that seek to build upon one another and help us to be effective and productive for Christ. I sense the war within so often, do you? Distractions, selfishness, let alone the onslaughts of Satan all around me (2nd Corinthians 2:11). Being the disciple God has called us to be is not easy! It is critical to hold the course and remember the prize that awaits us 1st Corinthians 15:58). That is right, PRIZE! Sometimes what we face here hinders us from seeing what is down the road, awaiting our arrival. Peters writes, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2nd Peter 1:10-11). As difficult as it may be at times, it will be all worth it (Romans 8:18). Paul said it this way, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Each person in our church family may find themselves at a different place in this journey called discipleship. Yet, all of us are on the same road moving towards the same prize. Let us come together with renewed desire to help us all get home together. And while we do that, we can be busy helping to encourage others to join in on this journey. It is disciples seeking to help disciples while looking to make disciples. Sounds like a plan😊
Biddeford Church of Christ 