“And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Lk. 9: 23).
INTRODUCTION: The earthly ministry of Jesus reveals that, the ministry of reconciliation between God and men takes the priority in the heart of God. In order to achieve this, God decides to search and choose certain men in whose hands He can entrust His pleasures. But before He uses them; they need to pass through the lively process of discipleship. We shall consider this under four points:
(A) WHO IS A DISCIPLE? Matt. 11:28 – 30; Mk. 3:13 -14 The word “disciple” is derived from an English word “discipline”. Therefore, a disciple is someone that has surrendered the totality of his life to Jesus and is ready to follow the leadership of Jesus regardless of the cost it entails (John 6:68- 69). He is the one that live his life after Christ and has unconditional loyalty and obedience to the dictates of the Master – Jesus (Acts. 5: 40 – 43; 20: 22- 24; 21: 10 – 14)
(B) CONDITIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP: Mathew 16:24 The following conditions are necessary for discipleship:
(1) A disciple must have been born again – Jn. 3:1-7
(2) He must have self-denial – Lk. 9:23; Col. 3:5, 8,9,10,12.
(3) He takes up his cross daily – Lk. 9:23; Matt. 5:11-12
(4) He follows the Discipler – John 10:27; Matt. 4:18-22
(5) He learns of Christ i. e. becoming more like Jesus. Matt. 11:29.
(C) BECOMING AN EFFECTIVE DISCIPLE: Becoming an effective disciple of Jesus is a life long process that has to do with exercising oneself in the things of the Spirit. Like an automobile engine that need oil for friction, in the same way, to become effective as a disciple, you need to be refreshed always in the Spirit. Note these:
(1) Study the word – II Tim. 2:15
(2) Pray and fast – Mk. 9:29
(3) Live by the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts. 19:1-7; Lk. 9:12; Matt. 3:11
(4) Put on the whole armour of God – Eph. 6:10-18
(D) EXPECTATION OF THE DISCIPLER (JESUS) FROM HIS DISCIPLES:
(1) Abide in Him – Jn. 15:4
(2) Preach the word – Lk. 10:1-3; Matt. 28:18-20
(3) Be fruitful – Jn. 15:16
(4) Be faithful – I Cor.4: 1-2
(5) Abstain from worldliness – 2Tim. 2: 3-4
CONCLUSION: Every believer is expected to respond to the ultimate call of the discipler (Jesus). Do not remain being a convert. You need to make up your mind as He calls and you will be rewarded at the end. – Rev 22:12-13: “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Luke 9:23: “Then he said to them all: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'”
“May the Lord answer you when you are in distress; may the name of the God of Jacob protect you. May He send you help from the sanctuary and grant you support from Zion. May He remember all your sacrifices and accept your burnt offerings. May He give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed.” (Psalm 20:1-4)
Rev. Debo Adeyemo
House-to-House Prayer Ministries, Ogbomoso, Nigeria Director of Bible Questions, Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org