Discipleship Considered 6

Discipleship Considered

Continuing in our series where we consider what constitutes discipleship, we again focus on discipline - this time the discipline of the mind.

Have the Mind of Christ

The Christian who makes a difference is called upon to have 'the mind of Christ', a mind that is not so much concerned with intelligence and fact gathering (although that is involved) as it is with character. Indeed, we are encouraged to exercise mental discipline, not simply to acquire information but to increase in wisdom to humbly walk with the Lord. Paul wrote:

"...whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy - meditate on these things" (Phil. 4:8)

'True', 'noble', 'just', 'pure', 'lovely'', 'of good report', these are the qualities that must stand out. Let this mental discipline be habitual.

Paul speaks of coming up against those who, with a worldly point of view and ungodly rhetoric, oppose the gospel and the servant of God. But those with the mind of Christ and the Word of God are able to resist and overcome such opposition.

"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:4,5).

In the Philippian letter, the importance of the inner self, summed up in the words 'heart' and 'mind', is highlighted even further by the offer of the help and protection of God. Paul advised:

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Phil.4:6,7).

This is protection none can do without, and this promise is of the highest quality - a real five star provision. The heart and mind of the believer under the protection of God - that's the kind of insurance money cannot buy!

Read Your Bible

Although the Bible is the work of many different authors over many centuries, nevertheless it is clear that it is a special collection of books. Those who wrote the histories, prophecies and biographies were inspired by God Himself; therefore God is the real author of the Bible. This claim has been tested time and time again and found to be true. So if God has taken the trouble to write to us, then the least we can do is to read it. And if we are to have the mind of Christ, then there is no more important resource at our disposal. There is no other record of the teaching and actions of the incarnate God that that recorded in the Scriptures. And let's be frank, if the Bible has been authored by the Omniscient One, it must mean that it is the most important book that has ever been written and we neglect it at our cost. A crisis in the early church put a strain on leadership resources but the apostles said, "It is not reason that we should leave the word of God" (Acts 6:2). They knew the importance of the Scriptures. The book of Acts describes the progress of the preaching of the Word in the following terms:

"... they spake the word of God with boldness" (4:31).
"And the word of God increased" (6:7).
"Samaria ... received the word of God" (8:14).
"... the Gentiles had ... received the word of God" (11:1).
"... the word of God grew and multiplied" (12:24).
"... they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews" (13:5).
"Sergius Paulus, a prudent man ... desired to hear the word of God" (13:7).
"And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God" (13:44).
"And he continued there (Corinth) a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them" (18:11).
"So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed" (19:20).

The progress of the gospel was measured in terms of the progress of the knowledge of the Word of God. How can we be true disciples, to witness to the Word, if we are weak in our knowledge of it? Let it be our meat and drink - let us read and digest it - let us obey and witness to it.

Read Christ-Glorifying Literature

How privileged we are in this current age. We have a larger and better supply of good Christian literature available to us now than any other generation of people at any other time. Men who walked closely with the Lord have written of their experiences and recorded them for our benefit. For a small sum of money we can purchase the written record of the wisdom of godly men and women. Let us not neglect the Bible, but also let us not neglect the words of discerning Christians who have trodden the path before us. We don't have to re-invent the wheel - we can learn from those who have preceded us. All of us stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before. But let us weigh up our reading matter. An application of Paul's advice surely applies, "avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing they generate strife" (2 Tim.2:23). By that I mean - let us turn to those authors who speak well of the Saviour.

Next time we will examine the subject 'Discipline of the spirit'.

Discipleship Considered 5 (Continued)

Discipleship Considered

We continue with examining what can be called 'the Discipline of the Body'. We have suggested that to maximise the use of our physical resources we should eat right and exercise right. In addition, it is important to rest, that is, we should rest right.

Rest Right.

Where possible, sleep enough hours each night to allow the body to recover from the exertions of the day. Proper rest is not wasting time - it is a vital ingredient in the management of your physical resources. And, if possible, rise early in the morning and begin serving the Lord while you are still fresh. When God gave a task to Abraham the patriarch "rose up early in the morning" (Gen.22:3) to fulfil it. Give God the best hours of the day. And take a holiday now and again. These periods of rest and recreation can be used to sharpen up for God. You will accomplish more for the Saviour if you are not always tired. Joshua's army did not travel from battle to battle, but after each victory returned to Gilgal to rest and recover, where they cleaned their armour and sharpened their swords.

During a study of the ministry of the Messiah I thought it would be helpful if I used Watchman Nee's three key words, 'Sit, Walk, Stand', albeit in a slightly different way, to divide up the ministry of the Saviour. The amount of the gospels that is devoted to the Saviour's ministry while He was seated is quite a large percentage. For example, it would include the Sermon on the Mount and the Upper Room Discourse.

Edwin R. Roberts of Princeton Seminary once sat under a pastor who concluded his announcements, "I am not going to take a vacation this summer; the devil never does!" Roberts went home and re-read the Gospels to see what Jesus' attitude is. He found that of the Saviour's three years' active ministry, there were mentioned ten periods of retirement. Whose example are we following - Jesus' or the Devil's?

Discipleship Considered 5 (Cont.)

Discipleship Considered

Exercise Right

We continue our study by speaking of the exercise of the body. Beyond the matter of diet is the matter of physical perseverance. Discipleship is not a short sprint - it is more like a marathon. Each day you have to say - I am ready to face anything the Lord puts in front of me. This is where the discipline of the body come in. Paul had to face physical deprivation and weakness on many occasions. But he was always ready and so should we be. He wrote:

"Do you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things," following it with, "Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified" (1 Cor. 9:24-27).

The image of the athlete is repeatedly used in the New Testament. In the twelfth of Hebrews the competitor is running in a stadium with a great company of other athletes watching.

"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Heb.12:1)

It is an endurance race that will be won by the competitor who has followed a training schedule that brought his physique to top condition.

While these various pictures drawn from the games, are used to illustrate and emphasize spiritual truths, it seems to me that they might also have an application in respect of the need to maintain the body in good condition. I repeat, bodily exercise is profitable - maybe not as much as godliness, but it is profitable. I would repeat my word of caution. No-one should embark on a course of exercise that would cause physical distress. If there is any doubt, let us not be afraid to take medical advice; this is especially important for those with physical limitations.

Next time: 'Rest Right'.

Discipleship Considered 5 (Cont.)

Discipleship Considered

Dear friends, thanks for your consideration during the time I have been away from my desk, but now it is time for us to return to considering something of the subject of 'discipleship'.

A Matter of Discipline

We come to discipline next. The word has many negative connotations, but we are not concerned with that side of the subject. We are looking at that part of the training of a disciple of the Lord that is expected to produce a particular pattern of behaviour, expecially that which is expected to produce moral or mental improvement (that is one of the dictionary definitions of the word). Our interest is in self-discipline that will improve our ability to serve the Master.

Discipline of the Body

We begin with discipline of the body. While this area of discipline in not the most important, it is not unimportant. Keeping our physical frame in the best condition we can seems to be common sense. It is our first and most obvious resource and we will accomplish more for the Lord if we are not limited by physical problems. This does not mean that those who are disabled are disqualified from serving the Lord. It just means that for them also, they must do what they can to use what strength they have to fulfil His will in their lives.

But please note - all we are considering are general rules. Do not embark on a course of action that will bring about any level of distress. If there is any doubt, please seek medical advice first.

The Bible says, "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For your were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body" (1 Cor. 6:19,20). Among other things, this means we should eat right, exercise right and rest right.

Eat Right

We should eat right. In this area of the physical the largest issue, certainly in western culture, is what and how we eat. It seems to me that food has a part to play in this area of discipline of the body. The diets of some of those who have been used of God are described in the Bible; Elijah's and John the Baptist, for instance.

On the principle expressed by practical James, if you cannot love your neighbour whom you can see, how can you love God whom you cannot see? By that, I mean that if you cannot exercise discipline in the physical realm (that which is visible), it is very unlikely that you will be one of God's wrestlers in the spiritual realm (that which cannot be seen). If a disciple of Christ does not eat correctly, then it is unlikely that he/she is exercising right discipline in the secret place. In one sense, our eating habits could be considered a visible barometer of the state of our commitment. That some of those who were delivered from Egypt longed for the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic that they had left behind indicated their lack of commitment to the Exodus and the purposes of God. Certainly the Scriptures expect our dining habits to be to the glory of God.

But we will not make more of it than we should. Remember, God always meets us where we are, not where we should be - you don't have to wait until you look good before you can serve the Master - get started, whatever your weight or appearance. Nevertheless, from now on, eat as if you were in table fellowship with the Saviour. The plaque 'Christ is the Head of this house' has the line that indicates He is the unseen guest at every meal.

Next time - 'Exercise right'

Apologies

Dear Friends and fellow bloggers. Please accept my apologies. There has been nothing new on this blog for a couple of weeks now, and I am afraid it will be another week before I will be back at my desk. Other duties and a vacation has kept me fully occupied.

In the meantime, keep on keeping on.

Keep us Lord, O keep us cleaving
To Thyself and still believing
'Till the hour of our receiving
Promised joys in heaven.

'Till next week, every blessing.

Discipleship Considered

Disciples and Discipline

We come to discipline next. The word has many negative connotations, but we are not concerned with that side of the subject. We are looking at that part of the training of a disiciple of the Lord that is expected to produce a particular pattern of behaviour, especially that which is expected to produce moral or mental improvement. Our interest is in self-discipline that will improve our ability to serve the Master.

Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

The creation of humankind was one of God's many master-strokes. If we may echo the Psalmist, we are fearfully and wonderfully made. We marvel at this mixture of flesh, blood, bone, muscle, sinew and nerves. Our physical frame can run, walk, dance, sleep, jump, throw, catch, swim, twist, bend, play games, pick apples, dig trenches and build walls.

And yet we are more than just physical beings. We have an understanding of the ego, the soul, the person who inhabits the body. We use personal pronouns like 'I', 'me' and 'mine'. We have a sense of humour - we can laugh and enjoy a joke. We understand irony and satire. We appreciate beauty. We can even enjoy the ridiculous. We have imagination, conscience and a will of our own. We can make educated choices. We have an inner self - a quality that means we are self-aware. We are the only ones who really know what is going on in our own minds. We think, we reason, we learn, we calculate, we are remarkable.

We were designed by the Omniscient One, the God who is all-wise, and we were made by the Omnipotent One, the God who is able to perfectly make that which He Himself designed.

God has been very generous with His gifts, and for those of us who acknowledge the 'Giving God' and seek to serve Him, having such faculties means we have a responsibility to use them as they were designed to be used. We should think creatively, objectively, sensibly, imaginatively, constructively, as to how we can best live the quality of life He planned for us and fulfil the purpose He has for us.

Disciples will exercise

In accordance with the basic principles of growth, it is only as we exercise our faculties do they get stronger and improve. Take a walk in the park almost any day and you will see those who are going through their paces. Many jog, some do sprints, lots do stretches and warming up and cooling down routines. There are people of all ages, giving a great deal of attention to the toning of the body. They know that, in the main, the healthier they are, the longer they will live. But they also want to keep in good shape to enhance their current enjoyment of life. An excellent aim, but I would suggest that Christians must also consider spending time on those exercises that will hone the mind, spirit and will. Only then will we come near to reaching our full potential, and only in so doing will we improve the satisfaction we get from our work, our leisure time, our witnessing, our home life, our social life, our church life and best of all, our spiritual life. The Bible says, "... bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come" (1 Tim.4:8). We should not neglect the body, but let us aim to acquire the right mind-set to live for God. We should make godliness a habit. Living the life He planned for us will not guarantee worldly success, or financial gain, but it will provide peace of min, a joy that does not depend on circumstances, and a meaningful ministry in the body of Christ.

But we must have a plan. Those who seek to keep the body fit generally follow a regimen - they have a series of exercises drawn up for them. Some even commit themselves to a regular visit to the gym in pursuit of physicial perfection. So those who wish to make a mark for God should also have some programme to follow. But I am not ignorant of the fact that, for each of us, our walk with the Lord is an individual affair. We each must follow the wise man's advice. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Prov.3:5,6).

Neverthelss, while we look to the Lord for guidance as to how we should pursue our Christian walk, there are some general principles that might be worth examining. We will examine some of these in the next blog.

Discipleship Considered (Continued)





Motivation

In the matter of Christian character we soon encounter a difficulty. Christ-like character is normally the result of overcoming difficulties and trials. Paul wrote: "we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character" (Rom.5:3,4) In view of this, motivation is going to be a problem. The life that is set before us is not easy. Jesus constantly cautioned His followers that they would be faced with difficulties and the closer they walked with Him, the more persecution and problems they would face. Paul, who was called to leadership, in defending himself against opponents, lists the experiences he had to survive in his calling.

"Are they ministers of Christ - I speak as a fool - I am more: in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often. From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness - besides the other things, what comes upon me daily; my deep concern for all the churches" (2 Cor. 11:23-28).

His contention was that these were part and parcel of his calling. He was not called to a life of ease. These things may have changed now, and these forms of persecution have been outlawed in civilised communities, but we must state very clearly, the Christian life is beset with difficulties, and if we are not resolute and motivated, we will end up paddling around in some back-water getting nowhere.

So where is this motivation going to come from. The great motivator for the human condition is love. I realise this is a somewhat ethereal quality - often confused with human appetites - but Biblical love is real and a great motivator. Paul, in appealing to the Corinthians said, "the love of Christ compels us" (2 Cor.5:14). Christians who make a difference will seek to live this life to the glory of God because they are responding to love; they are motivated by the love of God. Jesus Himself said, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). The practical outworking of a love for Christ is a life lived under His control.

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'.