We have heard before the reference and the details of when God explains who he is, the I am. But what about us? We have come to believe that a power greater than ourselves does exist and that a relationship is vital. But how do we engage? With biblical direction and high expectations, many see the monumental mountain climb and pick and choose as many things as they think are possible and move forward.
Like any relationship, this would not be healthy. We would give it our best shot and it might be acceptable to many, but it would still not be healthy.
An example
The bible provides great detail of a Godly example, Jesus, and gives many instructions and much guidance. The challenge many of us face is to understand how much of what Jesus did are we supposed to do, what is reserved for him, and how to keep and improve a relationship with this God that we have come to understand.
We can read our bible, we can go to church, we can even commit to the concept of Christianity and possibly even invest in bible studies and small study groups. But internally we question how much is necessary and when is enough, enough.
We will, if not already, be challenge in our behavior, if not from our friends, or society, or our family, it will happen within our own head. The seed or core of our being, is our understanding which lays the foundation for our decisions and motivations; it sets our priorities and drives our existence. It is also what gets questioned and challenged on a daily basis. The series we are going to be going through on Multiply is a dynamic, foundational study of what this challenge is all about.
The term “discipleship” becomes our opening topic for today.
What is your description or understanding of the term “disciple”?
The Lexham Bible Dictionary defines disciple as:
A student, pupil, or learner. In the New Testament it is used for Jesus’ followers. Often references “the Twelve” but also indicates a wider group of followers.
Now the question of “Disciple or not to Disciple”. As a person that spends time learning about the bible and attempting to have a better life, are we committed to being a disciple? Or are we more willing to just use the bible and its principles as a self-help book. You know self-help books. The ones you grab to get some tips so we can do something better.
It it is not a self-help book, it just may be an internet search, a Youtube video, or a verbal inquiry… “Hey Google…”. In any of these various techniques, the purpose is that same. Give me some insight, give me some hints, how about a little help over here.
This same approach is tragically used in the church and in the lives of millions of people. Is our relations with Jesus any more than a simple “call a friend” option? Or is it a way of life?
What is your current situation? Are you a follower of Jesus or merely a consumer of Jesus? What is your understanding and desire when it comes to the topic of disciple?
This series and material is not meant to deter you from where you are today. It is not meant to condemn or persecute how you do your relationship with family, friends or church. This series is to provide a community for discussion, investigation and discovery. The following is an outline of how we intend to get started.
- Begin this week the reading plan on the Bible app and read a bit of the bible each day. This is not required, but will supplement your way of life as a Christian. If you have another means for reading your bible, continue on. If not, give the reading plan a try. It gives the opportunity for us to comment and share about the reading in a convenient way.
http://www.bible.com/reading-plans/388-multiply - Read chapter 1 of Multiply (get book and details by clicking here)
- Watch this video
Don't Be Deceived, Disciples Make Disciples from Multiply on Vimeo.
Let’s come together next Saturday, March 16 and discuss this whole concept of discipleship and our true walks of life that we have, that we struggle with and what we desire.
Nässelqvist, D. (2016). Disciple. In J. D. Barry, D. Bomar, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, D. Mangum, C. Sinclair Wolcott, … W. Widder (Eds.), The Lexham Bible Dictionary. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.