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Being Disciples of Christ
November 13, 2021

We call ourselves Christians because we are followers of Jesus Christ. We recognize that it is through the death and resurrection of Jesus that we have access to eternal life. Christian is a name that people applied to the followers of Jesus, who considered themselves to be disciples of Christ, and the name Christian was first used in the city of Antioch.

Acts 11:19-26
Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Before Antioch, the disciples considered themselves to be a disciple, which comes from the Greek word, manthano, Strong’s Greek word 3129, meaning a learner, a student. The early disciples were taught by Jesus Christ and learned from His teachings. Today we consider ourselves Christians and we are also disciples of Christ who learn from Jesus. The process of education does not solely revolve around being taught. It is possible to be taught and learn absolutely nothing. It’s possible to be in a situation where you are being taught, where you understand all that is said, and choose in some manner to reject or ignore what you were taught. When a person is being taught and there is no learning, that person is not at all likely to use what they have taught in their own life. It’s also possible to academically learn something, to provide a correct response on a test or within an assignment and to sidestep that learning for personal reasons.

Today we will look at what Jesus taught the early disciples knowing that today we too, are disciples of Jesus. Those early disciples were with Jesus during His earthly ministry and saw the transformation that came to Jesus after His resurrection. Even knowing this transformation had occurred, some of the disciples still had doubt. Those who had doubt were there with those who were fully convinced when Jesus gave them what is thought of as the great commission, to teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to observe all things that Jesus commanded them.

Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Going back to the beginning of His earthly ministry, Jesus first called Peter and Andrew, quickly followed by James and John, while walking by the sea of Galilee. Each left behind what they were doing so they could follow Jesus.

Mark 1:16-20
Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.

Jesus taught his disciples that following Him would mean denying the self and could mean to the point of death. If we are to be followers of Jesus, if we are to be disciples of Jesus, nothing can be more important to us than the opportunity for eternal life through Jesus Christ. If we seek to continue our physical life as we know it on earth, we will die and lose all that we have. However, if we seek to follow Jesus Christ, and remain faithful to Jesus, Jesus will be faithful to us and we will gain eternal life with blessings reaped upon us at that time according to how we have lived today.

Matthew 16:24-28
Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.

Just like Jesus told his first disciples when giving them the great commission to do all things He had commanded them, Jesus had previously told followers that in order to be His disciple, they had to continue in His word. They had to do what Jesus was teaching them, and he told them what he taught would set them free.

John 8:31-32
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Just like James and John, the sons of Zebedee had left their father behind to follow Jesus, Jesus taught that not even a member of our family can come between us and Jesus, if we are to be disciples of Jesus. Badly translated as the word hate in the King James Version, Jesus taught we are to miseo, love less by comparison, Strong’s Greek Word 3404, our family. We will love our family. We will love Jesus even more, and if there is a choice we need to make between who to follow, we have to follow Jesus. Jesus also taught during this moment of the need to value the opportunity for eternal life more than the opportunities of our physical life. Jesus teaches that we have to be willing to part with everything we own and to part with every person we know to be a disciple. Nothing can be more important to us than the opportunity for eternal life and the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Luke 14:25-35
And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Jesus taught that His disciples commit to Him and do what Jesus taught without any delay. Once we know of the teachings of Jesus, once we are called by the Father, once we choose to accept that calling to be a disciple of Jesus, we cannot delay in doing what Jesus taught. There is no acceptable reason to delay doing what Jesus taught us to do.

Luke 9:57-62
And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God. And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house. And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.

Jesus taught His disciples would have good works, that His disciples, including us today, could not hide from the world where we live. Jesus taught that what we do on earth should shine before non-believers so that they will glorify our Father who is in heaven, when they see these good works.

Matthew 5:14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Jesus shared with the disciples that disciples are not guaranteed an easy time on earth and will have their share of troubles on earth. He told the disciples that human conditions of poverty, hunger, sadness, isolation, and being judged, are all part of the human condition His disciples would experience to some degree, and that as we are condemned and judged on earth, our future blessing given to us at the return of Jesus will increase.

Jesus taught that wealth is not an indicator of salvation. The rich who have money today are not saved because of their money. They might live a life where people look up to them and admire them, but they are not saved because of their money.

Jesus taught His disciples would love their enemies and do good to people who hate them, that they would bless those who curse them and pray for them who are just using them, not seeking retribution for the short comings of others. Jesus taught His disciples would be merciful as God the Father is merciful to each of us.

Jesus taught His disciples would not judge and would not condemn, and instead would be generous becoming Christ-like. Before disciples think of the evil in others, Jesus taught disciples would consider their own evil, and work to self-correct what is wrong in their own life. Jesus taught His disciples would bring forth good fruit by doing what Jesus teaches.

Luke 6:20-49
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets. But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.

Jesus taught His disciples would have love for each other and that this would be a big sign to non-believers of the calling we have been given.

John 13:34-35
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Jesus taught that His disciples would bear much fruit and that God the Father would work with all who are called to maximize the spiritual fruit that is grown by each. The disciples of Jesus keep the commandments of Jesus as Jesus kept the commandments of the Father. The commandment that we have been given by Jesus is to love one another as Jesus loved us. Jesus was a sacrifice for us so that we could have eternal life. We are to live our life giving of ourselves to others. Jesus taught that His disciples should expect to find themselves at odds with non-believers. The world hated Jesus and it should not be a surprise when we find ourselves hated for what we believe.

John 15:1-25
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. These things I command you, that ye love one another. If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin. He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.

Later, the apostle Paul warned that the end time would be a time of danger where people are the exact opposite of what a disciple should be. He described these people as very educated, and yet unable to learn the truth. Paul warned that these highly educated people would resist the truth. As disciples of Jesus, we cannot allow those who resist the truth to have any impact on our relationship with Jesus Christ and God the Father. As disciples of Christ, we know we will suffer persecution. To some degree, people individually or collectively will belittle us for what we believe and others will try to seduce us with variations of what Jesus taught, the truth, as the world becomes worse and worse. Paul reminds us to continue with what we have been taught, what is in the Bible, because what is in the Bible is given by inspiration of God and can lead us to salvation.

2 Timothy 3:1-17
This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

If we are disciples of Jesus we live to the spirit, not our body. We live to the Kingdom of God, not the world that is today. We do not live for or long for this present life, we live for the life to come, and strive not for anything of this world, but for that future Kingdom which will come when Jesus returns.

Galatians 5:24-26
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Jesus tells us to beware of false prophets who in every aspect but one look like they are of Jesus Christ and God the Father. Jesus tells us to consider the fruit, how one lives their life, as the proof of whether somebody is and of God the Father or Jesus Christ, remembering the disciples of Jesus will bear much fruit. The disciples of Jesus will do the will of the Father. As people we might not always know at all times exactly what God wants us to do. We will never knowingly go against what God the Father would have us do. The disciples of Jesus hear and do what Jesus teaches and will lay for themselves a strong spiritual foundation.

Matthew 7:15-27
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

We act as ambassadors for Jesus. Just like an ambassador of a nation represents the interests of a nation internationally, we are to represent Jesus Christ to all who do not know Jesus.

2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

As disciples, we are not like the non-believers. We instead are transformed by what we have been taught through the verses in the Bible that comes through the gift of the Holy Spirit that empowers our understanding.

Romans 12:1-2
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

As disciples of Jesus, we value our calling and the treasure that is laid up for us in heaven, knowing there will be this future Kingdom of God. We look to that future Kingdom of God, not the world today. As disciples we choose the light over the darkness and choose good over evil. As disciples of Jesus we know we serve God. We cannot serve God and anything else. All else, including people, in our life is of much lesser importance to us than God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the power given to us through the Holy Spirit. As disciples, we do not have to worry about our life today. We seek first the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness, knowing all things will be given to us.

Matthew 6:19-34
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek: for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

We think of ourselves as Christians remembering it was at Antioch that disciples were first called Christians. We cannot forget that we, too, are disciples of Jesus who must first seek the Kingdom of God and God’s righteousness in all we do.

All verses are from the King James Version.
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