"Christianity is Discipleship" by PastorKipp on May 4, 2006, 12:06 pm, in category TOPIC

"Christianity is Discipleship" TOPIC - What is Christianity?

I believe that the beginning of any question about Christianity must begin with discipleship.  I believe that Christianity and discipleship are inseparable.  I would go so far as to say that where there is no discipleship, Christianity could be called into question.

Then what is discipleship?  As we comb the four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John the common denominator appears to be an invitation from Jesus to "follow" him.  The invitation is followed by the individual's putting everything down to obey and to follow Jesus. (Read for example Matthew 4:18-22; or Mat. 9:9) These patterns are repeated in all four of the Gospel narratives.

A second component of discipleship is action.  Those whom Jesus called to be disciples followed him and dedicated their lives to the work that Jesus set out for them.

(Read Matthew 10 for an example of what expectations discipleship holds)

First Jesus gave them a job.  Disciples were to have "authority over unclean spirits to cast them out," to "cure every disease and sickness."  Matthew reports these tasks in chaps. 8 & 9 that Jesus did himself.  They are to cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons without compensation.  They received this "authority" freely, and it is to be given freely. Second, they are sent out as "sheep among wolves.” They are sent with the command to take no visible means of support, not even a walking stick or extra clothing.  Their food and lodging is to be provided by those they serve. Third, they are told that some will accept what they say, and some will not.  They are commanded not to spend time trying convincing anyone.  Give your testimony and those who accept it will be blessed by it and those who do not -- too bad.  Fourth, they are warned that some will protest, bring them to court, beat them, reject them, and hate them because they already hate Jesus. He was accused of being in league with the devil.  They are warned that these conflicts and rejections will come right within their own families.  However, those who endure will have the prize. (Mtt. 10:22)  If Jesus is to be ill-treated, his disciples can certainly expect the same.

Fear is a factor.  Who would not be afraid at such a prospect?  Jesus focuses attention on fear for a moment.  Who is the one to fear - the one who can kill you, or the one who can both kill and condemn you to hell?  Good question.  Jesus is quick to add that the one can both kill and condemn happens to be the one who loves us; who doesn't let sparrows fall without notice; who knows the number of hairs on our heads.

Fifth, discipleship is about single-minded commitment to Jesus.  There is no peace-making on this (Mat 10:32-42).  Love of Jesus above family and even life itself is what constitutes worthiness. Taking up the cross as Jesus did constitutes worthiness.  This is not just bearing the cross of our own burdens and the difficulties of our own lives.  Taking up the cross is about living and giving to others.  Discipleship is about devoting our lives to those that Jesus devoted his life.  Jesus gave his life for those who were cast out, tax collectors, sinners, and those who were far from God's laws.  Discipleship is about Christians devoting themselves to reaching those that are far away from God.