Believer or Disciple

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This is a sermon based on Luke 6:40 and it begins to explore the difference between being a believer in Jesus Christ and a disciple of Jesus Christ.

Written Excerpts:

Introduction:

I know that what I am about to say will not sound very “spiritual.” But, I felt impressed to develop this sermon after reading a comment from a friend of mine on “Facebook.” I didn’t copy his comment word-for-word, but it went something like this: We are not commanded by our Lord to go and make believers, but make disciples. The Devil is a believer, but he isn’t a disciple.

This comment grabbed my interest and I have thought about it a good bit for the last several days. I truly believe that there is a message of truth here that the Christian church needs to heed.

So, with the help of God’s Spirit, I want to explore this topic today. Are you a just a believer, or are you a disciple?

`It doesn't take much of a man to be a Christian, but it takes all there is of him,' said Thomas Huxley. (http://www.moreillustrations.com/Illustrations/discipleship.html)

Transition:

I want to begin by giving some brief background information regarding the term “disciple,” and then move on to some of the biblical descriptions of a disciple.

I. Background

Some scholars say that the philosopher Socrates was probably the one of the first to use the master/disciple concept that included more than just the idea of a teacher imparting knowledge and wisdom to a student, but also involving an “ideal fellowship between the master and the disciple.” (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Abridged)

Even in the OT the relation is not quite the same. For example, Joshua is more like a servant to Moses and eventually receives his own divine call to leadership. The OT prophets do not have disciples but there are references to “schools” of prophets that are seeking and practicing the divine endowment of prophetic gifts.

As we move into the era leading into the NT, there is a strong practice of Rabbis that are engaged in teaching the law and interpretations of it to their students. But it still doesn’t quite promote the same relationship as the master/disciple concept.

(TDNT) A unique aspect of NT discipleship is that it is commitment to the person of Jesus. His teaching has force only when there is first this commitment to his person. Peter probably knows Jesus, and has heard him speak, prior to the incident in Luke 5:1gff.[Jesus getting into his boat and speaking to the crowds on the shore], but it is the impact of the person of Jesus that makes him a [disciple].

The word “disciple” is used most frequently in the Gospels and also in Acts. However, some scholars emphasize that the term loses its prominence perhaps because the word “tends to suggest that Christianity is simply a philosophical movement rather than personal fellowship with Christ as Lord.” (TDNT)

(The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia) “In all cases [the word] implies that the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he also [practices the teachings]. The word has several applications. In the widest sense it refers to those who accept the teachings of anyone, not only in belief but in life.”

Finally, we notice that the word “disciple” initially referred to those who were followers of Jesus and many times it specifically referred to the Twelve Apostles. However, later on in the book of Acts, the term is used by Luke to describe all Christians.

Acts 6:1 (NKJV) ¹  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

II. Descriptions of a Disciple

A. Identical status

Luke 6:40 - "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher."

In his commentary, Matthew Henry states, “Christ's followers cannot expect better treatment in the world than their Master had, v. 40.”

 (C. D. Alexander) Conversion without discipleship is openly implied in much of our evangelical teaching. It has become strangely possible to be Christ's without taking up the cross.
(Draper's Book of Quotations for the Christian World.)

(Michael Jinkins) Clarence Jordan, author of the "Cotton Patch" New Testament translation and founder of the interracial Koinonia farm in Americus, Georgia, was getting a red-carpet tour of another minister's church. With pride the minister pointed to the rich, imported pews and luxurious decoration. As they stepped outside, darkness was falling, and a spotlight shone on a huge cross atop the steeple. "That cross alone cost us ten thousand dollars," the minister said with a satisfied smile. "You got cheated," said Jordan. "Times were when Christians could get them for free."    (online source: http://www.sermonillustrations.com/a-z/d/discipleship.htm)

In the words of Jesus, it seems impossible for a disciple to think that he or she deserves any better life than what the Master lived. Jesus said that if the world hated Him, then it would hate His disciples. If He lived out the life of a servant, then His disciples should also follow His example.

The status of a disciple is to be identical to the Master.

B. Identical conduct

The second half of the verse reads, “everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.”

The word that is translated “perfectly trained” (NKJV); “perfect” (KJV), literally implies repaired, mended, prepared and equipped.

“The fundamental meaning is to put a thing in its appropriate condition….” (AMG's Complete Word Study Dictionaries)

After Jesus affirms that a disciple cannot expect any different standing or status than his Master, He goes on to say a disciple who has been properly conditioned and prepared will, in fact, turn out just like the Master.

It seems like it is just another way of saying that when people look at us, they should see a replica of our Master. When anyone examines our attitudes, our motivations, our passions, and our lifestyles, they ought to think that we are just like Jesus.

This emphasizes the description that I read earlier from the ISBE, “…the person not only accepts the views of the teacher, but that he also [practices them].”

III. The Cost of Discipleship

There are a number of additional descriptions that we could mention regarding a disciple. Perhaps I will continue this in some future messages. However, I want to talk briefly about the matter of the cost of discipleship before we close today.

I’ve already mentioned the fact that a disciple should expect to receive the same treatment that the Master received. If they crucified Him, then we can not expect that they will treat us any differently. In addition to that fact, I just want to point out that Jesus never tried to “recruit” disciples by enticing them and convincing them how easy or how good life was going to be if they followed Him.

Many Christian theologians and scholars down through the years have emphasized the fact that if you try to draw people to Christ with a “soft,” “palatable” and appealing message, then you will end up with believers that are half-hearted and uncommitted.

Jesus always told His prospective disciples that they must be willing to give up wealth, homes, family and all other comforts of the world in order to follow Him. But I think I must confess that I have often failed to convey that same challenge when trying to convince people to come to Christ.

For our closing hymn today we are going to sing a song that expresses the same kind of principles that we have been talking about this morning.

We Are Called to Be God’s People                         # 415