A DISCIPLE IS A LEARNER OPEN AND TEACHABLE
Disciple means a follower of
- Disciple is synonymous to learner, and has
the idea of apprenticeship
- A disciple when fully trained will eventually
be like his teacher (Luke 6:4)
A disciple in Christianity is a follower of Christ
and desiring to learn his ways and apply them in
life.
Being a learner involves perceiving concepts,
building principles in life, and acquiring
knowledge.
Paul told the Philippians to practice what they
have learned from him (Phil 4:9)
As a Christian, we must be sure that the model
we follow is Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 11:1)
A disciple must be both learner of biblical truth
and visible follower of Jesus.
Areas of Life which we should develop
1. Character
- Genuine Christ-honoring character is
desperately needed if we are to produce
others who will represent Christ to the
world properly.
- A disciple is a marked person (John
13:35). Loving one another is our
marking.
- We should reflect the glory of God like
mirrors (2 Cor. 3:18)
- Character forms the inner man out of
which flows the man who is visible to
the world.
- Christian qualities = fruits of Spirit (Gal
5:22-23) = LaraJoyPaPaKaGatFanGS
- Faith is our confidence to Gods
trustworthiness and promises.
- A little sin in our life outweighs all that
is wise and honorable in our character.
- A disciple as a learner and follower must
have a commitment to develop his
character so it will reflect Jesus Christ.
2. Proficiency in Ministry
- Quality of a persons character will be
reflected in his ministry:
a. Mature = effective
b. Immature = ineffective
- The key to proficiency is commitment to
excellence.
- Proficiency describes Jesus ministry
(Mark 7:37).
- We need to be proficient in spiritual gifts
God has given us.
- Quality should be visible in every facet
of our ministry.
- Focusing on lifes quality will produce
quantity.
3. Conviction
- Moses is an excellent example of
conviction. (Heb 11:24-25)
- Personal convictions are vital in spiritual
aspects of life.
- Jesus did not only say the great
commission, we must have a strong
conviction about its importance and
develop effective methods.
- Jim Kennedy (Evangelism explosion)
was convinced that disciples must learn
how to communicate their faith
effectively.
4. Perspective (bifocal vision)
- Perspective is the ability to see the
probable end as well as the beginning.
- Perspective is also the ability to see the
things of life from Gods point of view.
- Gods point of view is different and
clearer than ours.
How do we Build Conviction and Perspective in
our Life
1. Major principles rather than methods
- Principles are universal; they will work
anywhere and anytime. While, methods
may vary from place to place or time to
time.
- Person with a conviction and perspective
uses whatever methods are available to
him and gets the job done.
2. Focus on the why of what you are doing
- Emphasize the purpose rather than skills.
- When we know why we are doing
something, it is easier to do what we are
supposed to do.
- Unless we know why we should be
evangelizing, the skills of evangelism
will be useless.
3. Concentrate on learning about God rather
than learning theories about Him
- Dynamic personal relationship with God
is more important than understanding
every theological details about Him
- Trusting God totally will develop
conviction and perspective experience
by experience.
- A disciple may fall but tries again
- As a disciple trust God, he learns how to
walk by faith.
- Matt 6:33 says that if we trust God, He
will provide.
- Living in faith involves a high view of
God and His ability to provide for all our
needs.