| Vessels Of Honor – A Call To Discipleship – Part 4

Christian believers are tied in with the heroes of faith from the time of Abel through the prophets and kings to the closing of the Old Testament. Just as each one of the heroes discovered the grace of God in their failures and endured the chastening of the Lord, so also did the members of the church.

As stated by Oswald Sanders…”The word ‘disciple’ means ‘a learner’, but Jesus infused into that simple word a wealth of profound meaning. As used by Him and Paul, it meant ‘a learner or pupil who accepts the teaching of Christ, not only in belief, but also in lifestyle.’ It means learning with purpose to obey what is learned. It involves a deliberate choice, a definite denial, and a determined obedience.”

In this series we will find that Jesus calls us to ‘go and make disciples’ in Matthew 28:19, but He also lays out clearly that to be a true disciple there will be a cost, Matthew 16:24-25. To make disciples we must be a disciple! The cost is to deny ourselves and take up our cross which means to lay down our own natural wills, say no to self daily, and follow His will and conform to it.  We will walk through the different characteristics of what it means to be a disciple. It does cost our flesh, but the reward of sowing to the Spirit is abundant life! When surrendered completely to Him we are sure to live ‘The Good Life’ in Him and lead people to that ‘Good Life’!

Part 4 – John 8:31-32 states, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. ³² And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” The word abide is defined as; to live in, to remain, to stay, to continue in and dwell. It also carries the idea ‘to fuse to’. A distinct sign of a disciple is a follower of Christ who respects and honors the Word of God and His instruction as God speaking directly to him. The written Word is the divine utterance of God and is given to us to lead, guide, instruct, and correct us as we walk on His path for our lives. True freedom is found in the place of abiding in His Word and not allowing offense to come in where Truth should remain!