Discipleship Considered 5 (Continued)

Discipleship Considered (Continued)

We have been considering those qualities which should mark out the disciple of Christ. The next pair is 'leadership and character'.

Leadership and Character

To be of good character is especially important to those that seek to lead. Paul emphasised this to Timothy.

"An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but gentle, peaceable, free from the love of money. He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation incurred by the devil. And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain, but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach." (1 Tim. 3.2-10)

While these qualifications are part of the C.V. of a Christian leader, many of them are also expected of the rank and file. We are all to "walk worthy" of the Lord and our calling as demanded by the following Scriptures.

"Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." (Eph.4.1-3)

"Walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light." (Col.1.10-12)

"Walk worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory." (1 Thes.2.12)

Is this 'Mission Impossible'

You might say 'all this is too high for me, I cannot attain it'. Very true - but God does not exempt you from trying. You might also say, 'I am not equipped to do this'. Again, very true, but God is prepared to equip you. You too can come to the place where you will say, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". (Phil.4.13)

Consider one of the great advantages of the Christian life - that the life that pleases God has been lived, observed and recorded that we have a pattern placed before us. Jesus said we are to follow His example, indeed Paul said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ". (1 Cor.11.1) We should have the same integrity, honesty, energy, generosity and compassion as Christ.

In seeking to emphasise the value of good character, I have been suggesting that if we want to make a difference for Jesus, then we must first seek to make sure that our secret Christian life is healthy, balanced and vigourous. Hudson Taylor was in the company of a new young missionary to China. They were sharing a simple meal together. Hudson Taylor asked for a glass of water, and the young man poured the water but did not completely fill the glass. The young man was asked to fill the glass to the brim, which he did. Then he was asked to knock it. Of course, water spilled on to the table. The aged missionary said, 'Remember, when you receive a knock, what is inside will come out'.

We must ensure that what is inside us is the Spirit of Christ. It is those who know private victories who will be the ones to make a mark for Christ. In this matter of working from the inside out we have the Scriptural exhortation, "examine yourselves". Inasmuch as we are self-aware, we are the only ones who really know what kind of spiritual condition we are in.

Next time: A thought or two on 'Motivation'.

Discipleship Considered

Characteristics of a Disciple

In our last blog we began to look at those qualities that should identify a disciple of Christ. We began with 'Love and Compassion'. Next we consider 'Honesty and Integrity'.

Honesty and Integrity

The Bible says that Jesus is the 'Truth' and the Devil is the 'Father of Lies'. This should be enough for us to make every effort to live lives dedicated to honesty and integrity . But while it is important to tell the truth, that is, we must say exactly what we mean and mean what we say; with every word perfectly expressing what is in our mind and bearing the meaning we wish to convey; it is equally as important to live lives that are true. We should not seek to put on an act - to pretend we are different to who we really are. Hypocrisy was condemned by the Saviour in the fiercest terms and we must avoid it at all costs.

Goodness, Kindness and Generosity

God's glory is tied up with His Name and His goodness. When Moses asked to see the glory of the Lord, God first proclaimed what the Rabbis came to call the 'Thirteen Attributes of Mercy'. "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin" (Exod. 34.6,7) For those that are interested, the thirteen attributes of mercy rest on the Hebrew text. They are as follows:

1. Adonai - compassion before man sins.

2. Adonai - compassion after man has sinned.

3. El - mighty in compassion to give all creatures according to their need.

4. Rachum - merciful, that mankind may not be distressed.

5. Chanun -gracious if mankind is already in distress.

6. Erech appayim - slow to anger.

7. Rav chesed - plenteous in mercy.

8. Emet - truth.

9. Notzer chesed laalafim - keeping mercy unto thousands.

10. Noseh avon - forgiving iniquity.

11. Noseh peshah - forgiving transgression.

12. Noseh chatah - forgiving sin.

13. Venakeh - and pardoning.

Only after the thirteen attributes of mercy does He mention the attribute of justice, "by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children to the third and the fourth generation" (Exod.34.7) In His relationship with humankind, God must exercise righteous judgement, but He delights in showing mercy. In these verses, His magnanimous qualities are emphasised over His judgemental actions. He demonstrated this priority one and for all by sending the Messiah, His own Son, to take the judgement called for by His own righteousness, and to provide mercy for all who would receive it. Jesus demonstrated the goodness of God in all that He did. Not only did He counsel His disciples to do good to both friend and enemy, but He Himself also went about doing good, indeed, He incorporated the word 'good' into one of His titles, "the good Shepherd".

The Hebrew word for the goodness of God is 'chesed'. It covers all His acts of generosity and benevolence and is sometimes translated 'loving kindness'. God's 'chesed' also includes all His acts of mercy, grace and forgiveness (see how often it appears in the thirteen attributes of mercy). It encompasses His longsuffering and patience; and is the template for the attitude and actions of the disciple of Christ who should, in his dealings with others, also demonstrate grace and generosity.

Leadership and Character next time

Discipleship Considered 5 (Continued)

Discipleship Considered

The Character of the Disciples

Love and Compassion

Last time we considered that the disciple needed to begin to be conformed to the image of the Saviour. This means taking on board those qualities that He displayed as well as displaying the family likeness. The first was love and compassion.

When Jesus was asked, "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?", He replied,'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbour as yourself'. On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets" (Matt.22.36-40). As Paul taught, without love we are nothing. Jesus said that love was the hallmark of discipleship. "By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13.35). Love is not an option, it is a command. "This is My commandment, that you love one another" (John 15.12). Moreover, the love we show one another must be of the highest quality. "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you" (John 15.12).

Love is often expressed as compassion. Compassion has been expressed as 'that aspect of the love of God which seems to be born out of His consideration of our pitiable condition'. Our misery moves our God to compassion, hence the frequent expression as Christ meets misery, "He was moved with compassion" (Matt. 9.36; 14.14; Mark 1.41; 6.34) (see also Matt. 15.32; 20.34; Mark 5.19; 8.2; Luke 7.13). In these instances when Jesus was moved with compassion, He expressed His love in a practical manner; for example, "when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick" (Matt.14.14).

At another time His compassion triggered a mighty miracle, the feeding of the multitude. He said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with me three days and have nothing to eat. And I do not want to send them away hungry, lest they faint on the way" (Matt.15.32). Then there were the two blind men, "Jesus had c ompassion and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him" (Matt. 20.34). These are just a few examples taken from a life of good works that were motivated by compassion and love.

The word 'compassion' comes from the Latin 'com' (with) plus the verb 'pati' (to suffer). Compassion, at its root means 'to suffer with', which suggests that the incarnation itself was one of the greatest acts of compassion where the God of heaven took upon Himself a human frame to identify Himself with suffering humanity. However we look at it, we too must reflect His love and compassion in all that we do.

Next time: 'Honesty and Integrity' and 'Goodness, Kindness and Generosity'.

Discipleship Considered 5 (Cont)

Discipleship Considered 5 (Continued)

The Character of the Disciple

We have referred to the 'Sermon on the Mount' on several occasions. It begins with a list of eight kinds of people whose inward attitude leads to blessing.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (Matt. 5.3-10)

Apart from the last two, the 'peacemakers' and the 'persecuted'; they are all to do with inner qualities' and even the last two are consequences of an internal righteous disposition. And it is not as if the sermon is only interested in the inner man, actions are also under scrutiny - what may be called 'good works', such as giving to charity (i.e. almsgiving). However, the indication is that they will only bring long-lasting benefit to the 'doer' if he/she does them from the right motive. If they are performed as an act of worship to God, then it will be the equivalent of laying up treasure in heaven. Otherwise they are only of transient and passing value.

Why is character so important?

Character is important because Christians should reflect the qualities of the God that saved them, for the ultimate objective of God is that we should be conformed to the image of His Son. This goal of being like God is more substantial than many imagine. The God we serve is Himself a 'Serving God' as Jesus indicated when He said, "the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve" (Matt 20.28; Mark 10.45). Here then is an excellent stencil to use for the plan of our Christian life.

So which qualities of the Saviour should we emulate?

His love and compassion.
His honesty and integrity.
His goodness, kindness and generosity.
His whole-hearted commitment to the will of God.
His willingness to work with others.
His fierce loyalty to His disciples.
His energy and stamina.
His perseverance.

Being conformed to the image of the Saviour does not mean that our individuality is to be eroded or eliminated. Rather it is a co-operative effort with the Holy Spirit directed to lifting our personality and character to a higher level. As we go on with God an improvement should be seen in our carriage, demeanour and mind-set, reflecting the qualities of the Christ we serve. After all, a believer is a member of God's family and is expected to display the family likeness, that is, the likeness of Christ. He is our elder brother, as well as our Saviour and Master.

Next time we shall look at these qualities in a little more detail.

Discipleship Considered 5

Discipleship Considered

A Disciple will be a Person of Character

For those that have decided to pursue the path of discipleship, perhaps the next area to scrutinise is Christian character. Why? Because God is not only interested in what we do, but also who we are. Since what we do is a result of what we are, it is necessary to ensure that the foundation is right, that is - our actions come from the right motives. He will always be interested in the process as well as the product - for only the right process can produce our maturity in Christ, which is His chief concern. Jesus said that the issues of life proceed out of the heart. We should do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. We must work from the inside out.

The conflict between the Saviour and the Pharisees revolved around this issue. Jesus clearly identified the difference between the righteousness acceptable to God and the righteousness which the Pharisees were promoting. He said, "I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matt.5.20).

Their problem was that they paid almost exclusive attention to what was visible ("that they may be seen by men" (Matt.6.5)) - they tried to get the external right without the internal being sound. They had re-examined the Torah and extracted a binding set of rules which prioritised what a person should do, over what a person should believe. They taught that the Law was satisfied, even if the obedience was mechanical. The difference between the teaching of the Rabbis and the teaching of Christ is that Rabbinism, in practice, defined righteousness in terms of right conduct, while Christ defined righteousness in terms of right belief, in the knowledge that conduct arises out of belief.

The Pharisees determined that if there was a prohibition in the Law it was only transgressed when the act was committed. Jesus, in contrast, said the sin was committed when the act was planned. There are several instances of the differences in the Sermon on the Mount. For example, the Pharisees judged that the seventh law in the Decalogue, "you shall not commit adultery" was only broken when the act was committed, but Jesus said, "whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt.5.28). What He was saying is that adultery is pre-meditated and the sin was committed when the heart conceived the plan.

The reason He branded the Pharisees 'hypocrites' was because their actions were so much outward dressing. He described them as "white-washed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness" (Matt.23.27) It has been well said, 'If the water in the well is polluted, it cannot be cured by painting the pump'. The Pharisees were constantly engaged in 'painting the pump'. But it is the hidden - the inward - the character - that is important. Thoreaux said, 'For every thousand hacking at the leaves of sin, there is only one hacking at the root'. The Pharisees were concerned with the leaves, Jesus was concerned with the root. Indeed, He indicated that if the root is rotten the fruit will be bad (see Matt.7.17-20).

Next time: Good Character is the Secret of Blessing

Discipleship Considered 4 (Last)

Discipleship Considered (Continued)

Disciples with Gift and Guidance will also need Grace

Ideally , in the Lord's work there is no competition and no jealousy. If someone else is being used to bring souls to Jesus we should say, 'Praise the Lord'. If a neighbouring Church is prospering we should say 'Hallelujah'. Let us have an abundance mentality. There is plenty of work to go around and plenty of blessings available from heaven. We are not diminished by the prosperity of others - we are benefited because the body of Christ benefits.

In the early Church there were those that preached a gospel to oppose the gospel that Paul declared, seeking to diminish his ministry. His attitude was one of grace - he said, "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretence or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice." (Phil.1.18)

Let us make sure that in all things, in all situations, and in all relationships - both with our fellow workers and other Christians - we always season our words and actions with grace and love.

Discipleship Considered 4 (Cont)

Discipleship Considered 4

Disciples Need Guidance

Along with gift there will be guidance. An old but acceptable definition of faith is, 'stepping out on the revealed will of God'. In other words, while there are general rules that apply to everyone, individual guidance will depend on individual revelation. Many of those identified in Hebrews 11 are of this type.

Noah

For example, God said to Noah, "Make yourself an ark of gopherwood" (Gen.6.14). Noah did so - he acted on the revealed will of God and built an ark. The author of the Hebrew letter has a succinct style of writing, and he summed up Noah's experience and testimony in forty one words. "By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith" (Heb.11.7)

Abraham

Similarly Abraham, "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going" (Heb. 11.8). This aspect of the revealed will of God is crucial. Without guidance we would be adrift in an ocean of choices without a compass. The Christian life if not easy, and every person needs divine help to direct their lives into the areas that will be the most beneficial. Such guidance will also serve to motiviate and energise their work for the Master.

Examples from the Book of Acts

Philip

The first historical book of Church history gives us several examples of gifted people who received particular guidance in the performance of their ministry. Philip, the evangelist, was guided by the Spirit to Samaria; and the beginnings of an awakening were soon evident. Later he was directed to a traveller on the road to Gaza. As a result of the exposition of Isaiah 53, the African statesman was converted and baptised, and the Church in Ethiopia begun. In the course of time the home of Philip became a place of comfort and blessing to the Lord's people, including Paul.

Ananias

Then there was Ananias, who was directed to commission Saul of Tarsus (Acts 9.10 ff). He delivered his message faithfully, laying hands on him and restoring his sight. Ananias, like others, received guidance to aid him in the discharge of his gift. He was instructed to go to a particular house in a street called Straight, and although reluctant, he responded to the persuasions of the Lord. There he found a blind Rabbi praying; it was Saul of course. Soon the blind man could see, and filled with the Holy Spirit preached Christ in Damascus.

Peter

And we cannot overlook the gifted Peter who was guided to go to Caesarea to speak to Cornelius. He too was reluctant but the instructions were very particular. The Spirit of God said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them" (Acts 10.19,20) Peter obeyed and the door of salvation was opened to the Gentiles, an important event that was critical in the progress of the gospel.

Each of these disciples was guided individually by the Spirit of God to areas where their gift was of maximum use.

Next Time: Along with Gift and Guidance there will be Grace.

Discipleship Considered 4

Discipleship Considered (Continued)

Disciples will be People with Gift (Ability)

Those that are commissioned will be equipped, they will be gifted. It may mean that they have an aptitude for a particular service that the Lord enhances and consecrates, or it may mean a special ability given above and beyond natural expertise. In any case, it will be evident that it is a spiritual capability provided by the Spirit of God. Of course, not all disciples will have the same gift, but each will be equipped to do the service that God has called them to do. Some will be gifted to the degree that they themselves will be God's gift to the Church, as it is recorded in Paul's letter to the Ephesians. "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." (Eph. 4.11-13)

There are other ministries also recorded in the New Testamant, important ministries, that we may be called upon to fulfil. In Romans Paul mentions some of them, describing both their diversity and unity. Diversity inasmuch as he list different gifts: and unity declaring they are all part of the one body, the body of Christ, the Church. "For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them; if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness." (Rom. 12.2-8)

And he would remind us that these are gifts that are granted by the Spirit of God; therefore there is no room for the gifted to think more of themselves than they should. - they did not earn the gifts, they received them through the grace of God. No place for unsanctified pride here! And for the gifted there is always the one caution: God expects them to be faithful in the exercise of that gift.

Next time : 'Along with gift there will be guidance'.

Discipleship Considered 3 (Contd)

Discipleship Considered (Continued)





A Disciple Must Have a Commission

A Commissioned Disciple can leave the future safely in the hands of Jesus

The aspect of knowing the end from the beginning is a particular quality of deity, for the Lord declared, "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, 'My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure'" (Isa.46:9,10)

For some privileged disciples, like Peter and Paul, there is given an indication of their future; but for most of us we must serve without knowing what tomorrow will bring, but secure in the knowledge that the ultimate outcome is in the hands of Jesus, and we must be obedient to Him who has a long-term aim that will be successful.

Jesus, in His position as the eternal Son of God and Coming King has titles that reflect this quality of deity. He said, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End" (Rev.1:8) and "I am the ... First and the Last" (Rev.1:11). The language of Scripture is always precise, and here it states that the One that John saw while in the spirit on the island of Patmos encompassed the past and the future all in the present.

While the immediate future is important, it needs to be a strategy that is longer term. The successful chess player has an end-game strategy in mind from an early staage and there comes a point when most of his moves are made with the end in mind. Those in the service of the Lord can be confident that He is working with the end in mind, that is, He is working toward a goal that will ultimately display the many-faceted wisdom of God.

Next Time: Disciples will be People with Gift

Discipleship Considered 3 (Cont)

A Disciple must have a commission

The Particular Commission

Last time we considered the disciples general commission. This time we need to consider if a disciple can expect a particular commission, that is, a word from the Lord to point him/her in a particular direction.

It has been said, 'if you aim at nothing you will surely hit it'. Having a commission means we have been given something to aim at. But the general must encompass the particular. The 'great commission' is very wide ranging, and is directed to the Church in totality, but each individual must find their place in the greater scheme of things. The 'greats' of the Bible were given particular commissions and we must follow in their steps.

Paul.

Paul's Damascus Road experience included an indication of his future service. This was re-enforced by Ananias, an agent of God, who had been instructed to welcome and encourage him. Ananias, knowing the reputation of Saul as a persecutor of believers protested, but the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel". (Acts 9.15) This commission was going to be fraught with danger and the Lord prepared his servant accordingly. "I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Acts 9.16) The knowledge that his suffering was for the sake of his Saviour was a great help to the apostle as he trod the road of persecution. Knowing it was within the will of God gave him confidence that there would be a good outcome. He wrote: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Rom.8.18)

Peter

Similarly Peter - Before he denied His Lord, as was foretold by Jesus, he was given a particular commission: "when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren". (Luke 22.32) This was in addition to the stewardship of the keys given to him in Matthew chapter 16. There is no doubt that Peter knew his particular place in the spread of the gospel, being described as the apostle to the Jews, which was confirmed by the used of 'apostle' as a personaltitle in his letters to the Jews of the dispersion.

Moreover, Jesus encouraged Peter by intimating that he would remain strong in the face of persecution and would not deny his Master in the same way as he did before the crucifixion. At the time he was restored and re-established in the ministry for which he had been chosen, Jesus gave him a glimpse of the end. "Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God." (John 21.18,19) Jesus told Peter that whatever he had to face he would not die until he was old, and that when the time of his decease arrived his conduct would glorify God. How this must have been a help for him, all the years that he travelled telling others of the person and work of the Messiah.

More next time ...