What is Discipleship? Part 1- What is a Disciple?

       I have often wondered, what is a disciple? This question began to come to the forefront of my mind as I have started to try to develop a culture of discipleship at NCPC. As we think about the three fold vision of NCPC, Worship God, Live in Community, Serve our World, discipleship is typically looked at as falling under Live in Community . But, discipleship falls into all three area, and because it falls into all three areas it is an integral part of NCPC’s mission and work.

Today, I want to explore the question I posed above, What is a disciple? It is important that we get the answer to this question nailed down before we move onto more discussion on the topic of discipleship. Now I don’t claim to know everything about being a disciple, or discipleship in general, but this discussion is helpful to get us started down the path to discipleship.

What is a disciple?

A “disciple is basically the pupil of a teacher.” This is a good starting point, the pupil of a teacher. We see this definition at work all around us. We say, “Well so and so is a disciple of what’s his name”, and we generally understand what that person believes, their stances on positions, and who they look up to. As this word applies to business, or school the teacher/leader may not even know the disciple, but the disciple does everything he can to know the teacher.

But in Christianity, this idea falls short, and as I propose a working definition for a disciple of Christ the distinctions will become clearer. I want to take a look at three items that help to define (in part) what a disciple of Christ is. Three of the things that define a disciple are:

• Calling by Christ
• Commitment to follow
• Fellowship with Christ, and the Church

Calling by Christ

The disciple of Christ is called by Christ to follow him. While Christ walked the earth he called people to follow him. We see this pattern laid out in the gospels, as well as Acts (calling of the Apostle Paul). Jesus calls, and the disciples drop what they are doing and follow him (Matthew 4:18–22; Mark 1:16–20, 2:13–17, 3:13–21; John 1:35ff; Acts 9). This is how Jesus makes his disciples, by calling them, and they are bound to repent, believe in the gospel, and follow (John 10:1–19). Jesus knows his disciples, they know him, and he calls them out by name.

This ties discipleship to our salvation. In his book Christ's call to Discipleship James Montgomery Boice said this, 

But I say at the outset that the arguments of the following chapters are essentially one thesis, namely that discipleship is not a supposed second step in Christianity as if one first becomes a believer in Jesus and then, if he chooses, a disciple. From the beginning discipleship is involved in what it means to be a Christian. (p 16)

Commitment to follow

As we all find out eventually, following Christ comes with a cost, it is not easy. We have read of the cost of being a disciple of Christ as he called the rich man to sell everything, give it to the poor and follow Christ (Mark 10:17–31). We have heard of the call to leave father, mother and family to follow Christ (Luke 9:57–62). Now, Christ is not calling his people to a life of poverty or solitude, but he is saying that with the call to follow, and worship him comes the call to denounce the idols that can trap us.

But the one call that summarizes Christ’s teaching on the cost of discipleship is found in Matthew 16:24–28 where Christ says, “If any one would come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me…” Now it would take up too much room to fully explain this passage, but what Christ is calling his disciples to do is sacrifice what he himself sacrificed. But the beauty of this call to costly discipleship is that Christ has fulfilled this command for you, so even though you will never do these things perfectly, Christ has and his record is yours.

Fellowship with Christ and the Church

Growth in God’s kingdom does not happen in a vacuum. God has given each believer a new family (Mark 10:17–31: other believers are who we gain as brothers and sister and mothers) who are to care for each other. Paul Tripp has a lecture series out on this topic and I love the title because it captures this thought so well Your walk with God is a community project. 

We are made for community, we are called to encourage each other. But God also gives us the visible church and the means of Grace (Word of God, the Sacraments, and Prayer) for us to grow in Christ. By these means we fellowship with each other and with Christ.

So are you a disciple? I will be writing more in the following weeks to help to explain and encourage you to take hold of the reality that, if you are a Christian you are a disciple, and to encourage you to get involved in either discipling or being discipled.

Plenary Session #1, When Sinners Say I Do; Sin

Tonight started the main conference, Families Shaped by Grace, where we heard Dave Harvey author of When Sinners say I do.

In the first plenary session Harvey discussed the topic of sin in marriage. He covered 1 Timothy 1:12–17 where Paul discusses his sin, and how the gospel applies to life. To start out with Harvey quoted Thomas Watson “Till sin be bitter Christ will not be sweet.” This set the tone for the rest of the session.

Harvey discussed four links between Paul’s story and ours.

1. Our biggest problem is ourselves
2. Our highest status comes from God and not others
3. Our greatest hinderance is our confident morality
4. Our loudest praise targets God’s astounding grace

Throughout his talk Harvey uncovered the sinfulness of our sin, and the glories of God’s grace. He then tied this into the two topics: Forgiveness and Worship. On the topic of Forgiveness he took us to Matthew 18 and the parable of the unforgiving servant. Harvey unpacked how those who have been forgiven so much seek to forgive others.

When we see our sin for how bad it is, it will warm our hearts to others and will break down the pride that so easily creeps in and destroys our relationships. But if we are confident in our morality we will “replace God as judge with ourselves”. To this Harvey quoted Jerry Bridges, “Human morality, not flagrant sin, is the greatest obstacle to the gospel today.” If we think we are good enough and that our sin is not really all that bad we will not see how much we have been forgiven, we will never recognize Christ’s work for what it truly is.

Harvey then tied it beautifully to worship. He modified the quote from Watson to say, “When sin becomes bitter Christ becomes sweet and worship becomes real”. A heart that understands forgiveness will desire to worship the God that saved it. This is the point of 1 Timothy 1:17, as Harvey pointed out vv. 15–16 are the lead in to v 17, “the reminder of who we were and still are draws us to worship”.

Reflections on a week of VBS

Here at NCPC we just finished up Vacation Bible School (VBS), and I want to put together some of my thoughts on the week. I will try to unpack why we put on VBS, and then look at what I learned from it. I will not try to put together a theological justification for, nor argue the merits of VBS, but will try to give some of my thoughts on the nature of our ministry during VBS.

But before I begin to explore these topics, I want to say that this last week was so much fun! I taught the second grade class, and was blessed to have these children under my care for the entire week. I had time to share the gospel, as well as share God’s hope in the midst of life’s struggles with them. This week was truly a blessing, and I want to thank the parents and kids for allowing me to be a part of their lives.

So with that said, I will discuss two topics: “Why we put on VBS?” and “What I learned from VBS.” I hope that you will find this encouraging, and challenging as you examine your participation in VBS, as well as our children’s ministry.

Why do we put on VBS?

I think we put on VBS for two reasons: Teach Christ in both word and deed, as well as to Build a bridge for the gospel.

• Teach Christ

The first reason that we put on VBS is to teach Christ. For the majority of these children hearing about Christ was “old hat”, but for some they have had no exposure to Christ or christianity beyond what they see on TV or their parents tell them. As a teacher I had two goals: the first was to introduce the kids to Christ, and the second was to show the kids Christ.

First, it was my main goal to tell the second graders about Christ. Not just who He was as a person, or His a moral example for our lives, but also what he has done for us. In other words, I wanted to tell them the good news of salvation. My desire was to connect these second graders to the realities of the cross, and the empty tomb. I found that this was one of the most difficult, and yet rewarding times of the week. Teaching the children about how we can be free from the condemnation, and power of sin through faith in Christ was amazing.

Second, it was my goal to show these children Christ through my actions. Although I am certain that I did not model Christ perfectly to these children (That’s an understatement!), I am sure that Christ uses broken vessels, like me, to minister His grace to these children. By taking the time to get to know these kids we are modeling what Christ has done for us. He became a man, and identified with our struggles/sufferings, and then provided us with the hope that through Him our sins can be forgiven. This is the hope of our salvation!

As we teach these children Christ through both our words, and our deeds we are fulfilling the command to spread the seed of God’s word in our community. Now we get the pleasure of praying for the Spirit to come, and cause growth unto salvation in these children’s lives.

• Build a bridge for the gospel

During VBS parents drop their children off with us for a week of teaching, training, and fun. This gives us an incredible view into their lives, and also provides us with an opportunity to build a bridge for the gospel into their lives. What do I mean by “build a bridge”? When I talk about “building a bridge” I am talking about providing the context within which inter-personnal ministry can take place.

Through the relationships we developed during VBS, we have  been able to build a bridge into these children’s lives. It is with these bridges that we are able to take the healing balm of the gospel, and apply it to the lives of these children. Through these interactions, God provided opportunities not only to speak into the child’s life, but also into the lives of the entire family.

What I learned?

Well sadly, I have to admit that at first my goals for working VBS were not the same as these stated goals. I taught VBS because I love children, and I knew that we needed a position filled. These two self-serving goals could not, and would not reach the goals that should be at the heart of a ministry like VBS.

But as the time grew nearer, and my prayers changed, I noticed my goals changed as well. This was where the transformation took place in my life. As God changed my heart to be less concerned with what I wanted to get out of VBS, and more concerned with what He wants from VBS, my joy in service grew. As my eyes shifted focus from building my kingdom, to building God’s kingdom, He was faithful to provide the opportunities for gospel work to be done.

For example, after the second day of VBS I was frustrated with myself, I reached the end of the day and realized that I had gone almost the entire day without giving these children a real, clear presentation of the gospel. As I spent that night preparing, and praying for the next day I asked God for forgiveness, and for the wisdom to give these children the gospel. God answered my prayers, for the majority of the next day’s class time it felt as though I did not have to even try to bring up the gospel, THE KIDS BROUGHT IT UP THEMSELVES! God was kind to bring about opportunities for me, and my helpers to share His wonderful grace with these kids.

As this week drew to a close I realized how blessed I was to be able to teach Christ, and build a bridge for the gospel with these children. I hope and pray that as you read this you will be encouraged to continue to pray for the children who attended VBS, their families, as well as our children’s ministry at NCPC.

Pray specifically that:

1. God’s word would take root in these children’s hearts, and that this would produce salvation, or build them in their faith.
2. God would raise up faithful teachers, and leaders not just for VBS but for our children’s ministry as well.
3. Pray with thanksgiving for Barbara Smith, Donna Pipkin, and Kristen Johnson. Thank God for their faithful service in leading, and praying for us!

I hope that you will be challenged, and encouraged to join us next year as we have the opportunity to be used to tell and show these children Christ.

IBCD Summer Institute: Plenary Session 6 “A Family Surprised by Grace”

Milton Vincent, author of the book A Gospel Primer, preached to us concerning four facts about the gospel. He encouraged us that “Gospel will put fat on our bones in the best of ways.” Vincent recounted how he used to live in the grip of fear, but “as the fear of failure was removed, as the energy he spent worrying about his sin was no longer spent worrying, the energy to follow Christ came.”

These are the 4 facts that he preached on:

• The Gospel is the power of God: Romans 1:16
• The Gospel is for us Christian’s too: Romans 1:15–16; I Corinthians 1:18
• The Gospel is the primary instrument God uses to enrich and transform us daily: Acts 20:32
• There are some simple and delicious ways that we can unleash the power of the gospel in our lives.
  • 3 Truths
    • Stare at the gospel
    • Believe it
    • Feast on it

Vincent was so very encouraging in his reminders to continue in the grace and the power that comes at the foot of the cross.

IBCD Summer Institute: Plenary Session 5 “Gods Grace When Things Are Hard”

In the fifth plenary session we had the opportunity to hear from Jim Newheiser on a topic that he is intimately familiar with, suffering. Newheiser gave what Milton Vincent said was one of the top sermons he had ever heard on any topic, and I would agree.

Newheiser opened up James and showed us that “James helps us to see how we cannot waste our trials.” “You love your own comfort but He (God) wants you to be like Him. The greatest growth in our lives are through the times that we suffer the most.”

Newheiser showed us this in three succinct points from James 1:2–5:

• When - You face trials

Newheiser pointed our that suffering is apart of the Christian life, it is not optional it is a fact of life. God does not deal with us in the way that we would like him to, he uses trials in the lives of his people to make us further into the image of Christ. 

• Consider - God has worked in your trials

You must think properly about your trials. If you just let your brain go, you will end up wasting your suffering. But God can use your suffering to produce in you growth that you would not be able to produce on your own.

• Ask - God for wisdom

There is no other time that you need wisdom more than during trials. We need to try and see our situation from Gods perspective and not our own. Newheiser reminded us to “Never loose sign of the goodness of God.”

IBCD Plenary Session 4: The quest for contentment

Tonight was the fourth and final plenary session for today and Dave Harvey helped us understand what the apostle Paul meant in Philippians 4:11–13 when he said “I have learned the secret to being content.”

Harvey asked the question, “How do you respond when you face an unfulfilled dream?” He pointed out that the real issue is how we respond to God when we don’t get what we want, when we want it.

One of the keys to contentment, according to Harvey, is summed up in a quote by Thomas Watson “If you have not what you desire, you have more than you deserve.” Harvey correctly pointed out that we think that because we have a goal that makes it God’s will, but we cannot fathom that he will deny us our dreams to get us where he wants us to go. “God is committed to our rescue not our success."

Harvey said, “At the heart of discontentment lies this conviction: I don’t have what I deserve. The heart of discontentment looks at others. But, the gospel tells us that we live infinitely above what we deserve. Contentment has to be something vertical and not horizontal. We get contentment by comparing what we have to what our sin deserves.”

This was one of my favorite sessions of the weekend as it drove home the amazing nature of what we receive in the gospel.

IBCD Summer Institute: Plenary Session 3 “Christ: Don’t start your family without Him”

In the third plenary session George Scipione (founder of IBCD) unpacked for us why we need Christ to be the center of our family. In this session, Christ: Don’t start your family without him, Scipione pointed us to the person and work of Christ to encourage us to walk in accordance with His commands.

Scipione encouraged us in two ways:

• You need Christ as your mediator

If we do not point our counselee’s to Christ as our mediator, our counseling will devolve into nothing more than moralism. Scipione rightly pointed out that “Apart from the power of God (through Christ) we will get no where. Without humility we will be trying in a fleshly way to convince your flesh to do spiritual things.”

Our job as counselors and as Christians is to ‘introduce people to the person Jesus Christ and then get out of the way. The truth of the gospel is personnel, “I am the way the truth and the life”’

• You need Christ as your model

Scipione said, “If you appreciate Jesus you should want to be like him”. He pointed to Hebrews 12:1–6 where as he stated it “Looking to Jesus” is the lynchpin to this text. As we “have one eye on the problem” we must keep “one eye on Jesus” our example, and “the Holy Spirit will give you the wisdom to apply it.”

So how does this apply to our family life? We must introduce our families to Christ the person who took on flesh, obeyed, died, and was raised again to intercede for us both as our mediator and as our model.