Marks of a Disciple Paper Template (Final)
docx
keyboard_arrow_up
School
Liberty University *
*We aren’t endorsed by this school
Course
815
Subject
Religion
Date
Feb 20, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
13
Uploaded by JusticeSnow35201
Characteristics of a Disciple of Christ
Jason Scott DeVane
DSMN815: Personal Spiritual Formation (B03)
September 2023
Contents
Introduction
....................................................................................................................................
1
Disciples of Christ Humbly Serve as Christ Served
...................................................................
3
Disciples of Christ Submit as Christ Submitted
.........................................................................
4
Disciples of Christ Love as Christ Loved
.....................................................................................
6
Disciples of Christ Make Disciples as Christ Made Disciples
....................................................
7
Conclusion
......................................................................................................................................
8
Bibliography
.................................................................................................................................
10
ii
1
Introduction
When describing and defining what it means to be a disciple of Christ, one must begin with the Scriptures. Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about being a disciple. Even though the term is not found in the Old Testament, the concept of discipleship remains evident in how God’s people were instructed to follow and obey Him. Maregie Belete sees Deuteronomy 10:12-
13 as the backdrop of discipleship in the Old Testament, which includes five proposed imperatives (
King James Version).
1
By adding Genesis 18 to the argument where God reveals his
plan to bless the world through Israel, there stands a compelling case for God’s Scripture-wide design of making disciples that follow him. Moving into the New Testament, the Greek word
mathetes
is found 261 times and translates into the English word “learner.”
2
Most scholars agree and accept this definition while often including synonymous terms such as “follower,” “student,”
and “pupil.” A strong relationship existed between a student and his master in Jesus’ day, which resulted in a student following the teachings, life, and aim of their master until they had become like them.
3
These fundamentals will be used as a foundational understanding in determining a concise list of Biblical characteristics of a disciple of Jesus. To form an acceptable list of characteristics, it is necessary to first include some qualifications regarding what a disciple is not. For instance, an understanding of the word disciple in Scripture should not be limited to the focus on twelve physical men whom Jesus walked with for three and a half years.
4
The Scripture easily refutes this narrow view in the 1
Maregie Belete, "Intentional Discipleship Ministry: Presenting Everyone Perfect in Christ." (diss., Asbury
Theological Seminary, 2023), 24, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. 2
Opoku Onyinah, “The Meaning of Discipleship,” International Review of Mission
, vol. 106, issue 2, (2017): 216-227, accessed September 2,
https://doi.org/10.1111/irom.12181
.
3
Ibid., 216-227.
4
Brad J. Waggoner, "The Development of an Instrument for Measuring and Evaluating the Discipleship Base of Southern Baptist Churches." (diss., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991), 22, ProQuest
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Gospel of Luke, where Jesus sends out seventy disciples (Luke 10:1). An additional qualifier details that men and women were allowed to follow Christ and be his students (Luke 8:1-3). Any
proposition restricting women from bearing the title of disciple does not hold up to Scripture. Another qualifier that needs addressing concerns whether every Christian should be classified as a disciple of Christ. Bill Hull, who has written extensively on discipleship, places no difference between a Christian and a disciple.
5
Hull sees these terms as synonymous in Scripture.
6
Several Scriptural principles would require explanation should Hull’s argument be accepted. For one, the
doctrine of eternal security would require addressing in light of those who no longer chose to follow Jesus (John 6:66). If not following Jesus, would that mean these were no longer Christian? Another startling passage that refutes the idea that disciples are born and not made is found in the Gospel of John (John 15:7-17). Here, Jesus lists some requirements for being a disciple of Christ. Are these then requirements for salvation? Roger Walton rightly suggests that every disciple is a Christian on the road toward transformation in Christ but also observes that every Christian should not be automatically classified as a disciple.
7
These qualifiers help to provide a clearer view when determining potential characteristics. With these qualifiers in mind, it should be noted that the disciples of Jesus were men and women who had accepted him in salvation, submitted themselves to his teaching, and focused their lives on following him to the extent that they might be like him. The continuance of this Dissertations & Theses Global.
5
Bill Hull,
The Complete Book of Discipleship : on Being and Making Followers of Christ
(Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014). 25, ProQuest Ebook Central. 6
Ibid., 25.
7
Roger Walton,
Disciples Together: Discipleship, Formation and Small Groups
(London: Hymns Ancient & Modern, 2015) 7, ProQuest Ebook Central. 2
study will remain focused on examining the characteristics of a true disciple, which ultimately mirrored how Christ’s followers were instructed to be like. Disciples of Christ Humbly Serve as Christ Served
The first characteristic of a disciple of Jesus relates to how Christ commanded his followers to live, serve, and interact with others. Andrew Murry, in his book on the topic of humility, makes the point that humility should “be the first and most essential element in discipleship.”
8
It’s hard to argue against Murray’s assertion when viewing the prominence placed
by Christ concerning this very point. According to Murray, humility is “taking our place in God’s presence to be nothing but a mote dwelling in the sunlight of His love.”
9
Instead of including a broader list of discipleship marks, Murray addresses additional areas of discipleship but through his lens of humility. Considering that humility lines the path to salvation in Christ, it remains appropriate that this characteristic be recognized first above others (Acts 3:19). As will be seen, the principle of serving humbly was emphasized by Jesus numerous times as he instructed these students regarding their attitudes and actions. Jesus stressed the significance of seeing oneself as a servant to the Lord in all things (Matthew 10:24). Jesus also drew attention to
the pride of the Pharisees and challenged his followers to humble themselves so that God might exalt them. Jesus would eventually draw the connection of humility back to himself when he announced that he had come to serve others as a servant of the Lord (Luke 22:26-27). More than just an overall attitude of humility, Christ required the very actions that would be performed by a servant (John 15:15-16). Perhaps one of the most outstanding examples provided by Christ in his servant-minded service relates to when he lowered himself in washing 8
Andrew Murray, Humility: The Beauty of Holiness (Las Vegas, NV: CreateSpace, Independent Publishing Platform, 2014), 14.
9
Ibid., 96.
3
the disciple's feet (John 15:15-16). He included in his example the charge that they, too, would follow his example in humbly serving others. (John 15:16). Although significant differences remain in the writings of R. D. Ross concerning other topics of Scripture, Ross does well to draw
attention to the essential need today for followers of Christ who possess the necessary mark of humility.
10
Ross draws attention to the necessity today for disciples of Christ to walk according to the commandment of Christ and lay aside all pride.
11
It should also be noted that for God’s followers, humility was encouraged throughout the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 8:2, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Zephania 2:3). The Prophet Micah challenged God’s people to walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). These verses provide even more evidence that a necessary mark of a true disciple of Christ must include living and serving humbly. Disciples of Christ Submit as Christ Submitted The second characteristic of a true disciple, according to Scripture, rests in the instruction
Jesus gave regarding submission. The lessons Jesus gave his followers concerning submission related to the fact that his every thought, act, and attitude was in constant surrender to the will of God the Father (John 5:19). As Jesus submitted himself, his followers were instructed to follow accordingly. The submission of which Christ was teaching addressed three critical areas of living. The first area of submission required denying self and accepting God’s will. On more than one occasion, Christ implored his disciples to reject the temptation to follow self-will (Luke 9:23-25, 14:25-35, Mark 8:34). On this point, some have chosen to separate aspects in their lists regarding marks of a disciple and have separated Christ’s command to deny self, take up their 10
Don, R. Ross, “
Humble God but Arrogant Disciples.
”
The Courier
, Mar 02, (2012), https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/newspapers/humble-god-arrogant-
disciples/docview/926029367/se-2.
11
Ibid.
4
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
cross and follow the Lord by making these their separate mark.
12
To both present an essentially fundamental but concise list of characteristics and draw attention to the connection between the concepts of denying and following, care has been given to consolidating both in one aspect focused on the idea of submission. It remains the author’s view that these two aspects are not mutually exclusive. Submission requires relinquishing one's desires to embrace the will of God.
13
A disciple of Christ renounces self-will while submitting to God’s will. The second aspect concerning the submission of a disciple pertains to the words of Christ. Jesus remained focused on the commandments the Lord had given him and expected his disciples to do the same (John 12:49). According to Jesus, one of the distinguishing marks that his followers were of him would be their knowing and continuing in the truth (John 8:31-32). Submitting to God’s will and obeying him requires knowing God’s Word. Every true disciple of Christ must prioritize submitting to the will of the Father, which comes through knowing God’s commands. The final aspect of submission, as seen for true disciples, delineates Christ’s command to abide (John 15:5-19). J. Packer, while emphasizing its importance, defined the concept of abiding as being anchored in and resting on Christ every moment.
14
The benefits of submitting to
the will and word of the Father result in continual anchoring in Jesus. Christ's command for every disciple to abide highlights the essential connection each disciple needs with their Lord. This connection, referred to as abiding, happens when Christians submit daily. The results of this
12
Alton Garrison,
The 360-Degree Disciple: Discipleship Going Full Circle
, (Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2012), 15,
ProQuest Ebook Central
.
13
Adam P. McClendon and Jared E. Lockhart, Timeless Church: Five Lessons from Acts
(Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020), 62. 14
J. I. Packer and Carolyn Nystrom,
Abiding in Christ,
(Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009), ProQuest Ebook Central.
5
choice ensure the abounding fruit associated with every disciple of Christ (John 15:5-19). The choice to submit to the will and words of the Lord, coupled with the choice to remain with Christ, must be the choice of every true disciple who desires to be like his Master. Notation should be made that the submission traced through the gospels mirrors that of what is seen and expected of God’s people in the Old Testament (Exodus 19:5, Deuteronomy 11:27, 27:10, 28:62,
30:2). Submission remains a consistent expectation of the Lord regarding his followers. To the point, disciples of Christ submit as Christ submitted to the Father. Disciples of Christ Love as Jesus Loved
A third characteristic of a disciple of Christ revolves around the love that Jesus possessed
for his Father in Heaven, for others, and the commands that he gave accordingly. Christ’s love for God the Father was recorded by John the Apostle (John 14:31). As Christ often spoke concerning his relationship with his Heavenly Father, there remained a mutual bond of love between both Father and Son (John 3:35). Michael J. Gorman defines love as “the dynamic, creative endeavor of finding ways to pursue the welfare of others rather than one’s interests.”
15
Jesus indeed exhibited these elements as he both loved God and channeled the Father’s love to a lost world (John 15:9). Just as Jesus' life bore the evidence of love for his Father, he commanded his disciples both to love God and show God’s love to others (John 15:12-13,). Christ included in
this command an announcement concerning the distinguishing nature of love in connection with their discipleship (John 13:34-35). D. E. Bader, in his work regarding a discipleship plan, has also included the essential element of love and makes the case that this necessary mark strikes at the very nature of God and the fact that God describes himself as being love.
16
Combine the 15
Michael J. Gorman, Cruciformity: Paul’s Narrative Spirituality of the Cross,
(Grand Rapids, MI; Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001), 160.
16
Donald E. Bader, "Developing a Plan to Disciple International Students." (diss., Liberty University, 2008), 98, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
6
aforethought with the emphasis found in the Old Testament, relating to God’s expectation of his people loving one another, and an unmistakable pattern emerges that supports the argument that true disciples ought to love as Christ loved (Leviticus 19:18). Disciples of Christ Make Disciples as Christ Made Disciples. The final descriptive mark of a disciple of Christ, according to Scripture, centers around the effort Jesus made and encouraged regarding the multiplication of disciples. Jesus made his desires clear to those who followed closely and confessed the goal of making them fishers of men (John 4:19). His goal was the direct result of God the Father’s ultimate will, which Jesus executed to perfection (John 17:4, John 20:21). The effectiveness of Christ in this area should not be overlooked as those he influenced were described as having turned the world upside down
for Him (Acts 17:6). Jesus left both direct, but specific instructions for those who would venture to bear the name of disciple of Christ. These instructions have become known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15, Matthew 9:36-38, Luke 24:46-49, John 20:21, Acts 1:8). Ian Duffield has suggested that the Great Commission given in the Gospel of Matthew
was nothing more than a means of trying to conform people to a way of life. He states, “
There is no command here to proclaim the gospel to all people, and the command is the communication of a lifestyle to which the nations are to conform.”
17
This interpretation completely ignores the thrust of the immediate context as well as the broader purpose of Christ's desire to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). According to Christ, every disciple was instructed to go, teach the truth, baptize, and teach to observe all the Lord’s commands (Matthew 28:19-20). These steps were 17
Ian K. Duffield, “Difficult texts: Matthew 28.19–20”
Theology
,
vol. 120, issue 2,
(2017): 108–111, accessed September 4, https://doi.org/10.1177/0040571X16676673
.
7
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
required to produce more disciples, and according to Robert Wise, the commands that Jesus gave
to his disciples extend to every Christian today.
18
On a macro scale, one cannot help but see the connection between Jesus' desire and the words of God, the Father, to Abraham thousands of years prior (Genesis 13:1-3). God’s words to
Abraham were the foundation of all that would come to pass concerning Israel, the Messiah, and reaching the world. These truths coincide with what David Bempong argues in his thesis regarding the connection between the Great Commission and the book of Genesis. He states, “This book lays the foundation for all that will happen throughout the biblical record through eternity.”
19
The making of disciples remains an unmistakable characteristic of which Christ commanded and perfectly exemplified. Conclusion
In efforts to provide a basic understanding of a disciple of Christ and identify the fundamentally essential characteristics involved, four distinguishing marks have revealed themselves through Scripture. This author argues that humility, submission, love, and the act of making disciples agree with the overarching commands of Christ and the expectations of God the
Father throughout the Old and New Testaments. Care has also been taken to show that each identifying mark has its roots in the nature and example of Christ as he perfectly displayed each characteristic for each follower. Where others may differ in their essential qualifications, considerable effort has been given to create an umbrella effect in which all potential additional discipleship components find placement. Regardless of how each command of Christ 18
Rober E. Wise, "A Comprehensive Disciple Making Strategy for North Brook Baptist Church Cherryville, NC." (diss., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2019), 27, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
19
David Kofi Bempong, "Obeying the Commission: A Model for Equipping Christians to Make Disciples" (diss., Liberty University, 2021), 28, Digital Commons Library. 8
consolidates, the practicality of how each follower fulfills each command remains of utmost importance until Jesus comes again. 9
10
Bibliography
Bader, Donald E. "
Developing a Plan to Disciple International Students
." Diss., Liberty University, 2008. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Belete, Maregie. "
Intentional Discipleship Ministry: Presenting Everyone Perfect in Christ
." Diss., Asbury Theological Seminary, 2023. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Bempong, David, Kofi. "Obeying the Commission: A Model for Equipping Christians to Make Disciples" Diss., Liberty University, 2021. Digital Commons Library. Duffield, Ian, K. “
Difficult texts: Matthew 28.19–20
”
Theology,
vol. 120, issue 2
,
(2017): 108–
111, accessed September 4, https://doi.org/10.1177/0040571X16676673
.
Garrison, Alton.
The 360-Degree Disciple: Discipleship Going Full Circle
, Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 2012.
ProQuest Ebook Central
.
Gorman, Michael, J. Cruciformity: Paul’s Narrative Spirituality of the Cross,
Grand Rapids, MI;
Cambridge, U.K.: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2001
. Bible Works.
Hull, Bill. The Complete Book of Discipleship: Being and Making Followers of Christ
. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014. ProQuest Ebook Central. McClendon P. Adam and Lockhart E. Jared. Timeless Church: Five Lessons from Acts.
Nashville, TN: B&H Academic, 2020. Bible Works.
Murray, Andrew. Humility: The Beauty of Holiness
. Las Vegas, NV:
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014.
Onyinah, Opoku. “
The Meaning of Discipleship
,” International Review of Mission
, vol. 106, issue 2, (2017): accessed September 2,
https://doi.org/10.1111/irom.12181
.
Packer, J. I., and Nystrom, Carolyn.
Abiding in Christ
Downers Grove IL: InterVarsity Press, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Ross, Don, R. “
Humble God but Arrogant Disciples.
”
The Courier
, Mar 02, 2012. https://go.openathens.net/redirector/liberty.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/
newspapers/humble-god-arrogant-disciples/docview/926029367/se-2.
Waggoner, Brad J. “
The Development of an Instrument for Measuring and Evaluating the Discipleship Base of Southern Baptist Churches
.” Diss., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
Walton, Roger
Disciples Together: Discipleship, Formation, and Small Groups
. London: Hymns
Ancient & Modern, 2015. ProQuest Ebook Central.
Your preview ends here
Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version
- Access to all documents
- Unlimited textbook solutions
- 24/7 expert homework help
Rober E. Wise, “
A Comprehensive Disciple Making Strategy for North Brook Baptist Church Cherryville, NC.
” Diss., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2019. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
11