Discipleship Series

Holland CRC Feb 29, ’04 a.m.

DISCIPLESHIP

Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Text: Joshua 24:15b

(Both to be read later)

Intro. This past week I was privileged to watch The Passion.

I don’t think that I have ever viewed a film that so riveted the audience; there was total silence throughout the film—including the credits. The charge by some critics that it has historical and biblical inaccuracies is in my opinion totally without merit. True, there were artistic liberties taken, but none that were in conflict with either biblical or historical records. There is not one word of English spoken throughout the entire film; it is all in Hebrew, Aramaic or Latin with English subtitles, which only adds to its authenticity.

Its “R” rating comes from the graphic detail portrayed on film. I would think twice about taking a child below the age of 14 or 15—but I would recommend that all mature Christians see this movie (its more graphic portrayals can be anticipated [especially by those who know the story] in enough time to avert your eyes if you should so choose). Also Crucifixion was NOT “G” rated,

I know that I have never watched anything that moved me as greatly as did that film; I saw myself at virtually every other scene; from Judas’ betrayal, to Peter’s denial; from the soldiers hands holding the nail (which was Mel Gibson’s cameo appearance—he wanted to let the world know that it was his hands that nailed Christ to the cross) to Simon of Cyrene’s reluctance to carry the cross. Many of us are not only reluctant to carry Christ’s cross, we ask for help to carry our own. Jesus said, …anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27

What does it mean to be a disciple? Is it church attendance? Membership? Tithing? To try and answer that question I thought I’d ask the old tried and true journalistic questions; Who? What? When? And Where? Using Christ’s own words as much as possible.

1. WHO IS A DISCIPLE?

-Not all who profess His name

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’

Matthew 7:21-23 NIV

-Those who obey Him

“If you love me, you will obey what I command. John 14:15

-Those who love others

A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; even as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John13:34-35

-Those who take up their cross and follow Him

“If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24 TLB

Trans. Church attendance, doing good works, or even prophesying (preaching) does not make a person a disciple. Only following the commands of Jesus will make us true disciples. Which brings us to the second question…

2. WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF DISCIPLESHIP?

-Service Matthew 25:37-40

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

-is service to others a chore….

or a delight as unto the Lord?

-do we respond, “Yes Lord!”

or like Moses, “Lord you’ve got the

wrong person, send someone else.”

-remember that great benediction in

Heb 13:20-21

And now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he who became the great Shepherd of the sheep by an everlasting agreement between God and you, signed with his blood, produce in you through the power of Christ all that is pleasing to him. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.

-you don’t even have to depend on yourself

The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thess 5:23 NIV

-After service is submission

-assume the duties of a servant John 13:12 NIV

Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.