What does it mean to be a disciple of Christ?

Chris Law explains that a disciple is simply a follower, one who is becoming more and more shaped like the one they are following. In the context of Scripture, a disciple is one who is following Christ, turning away from oneself and coming under His training. The Greek interpretation of a disciple further emphasizes this idea of being a learner, continually being molded in the image of Christ.

As cited in Luke 6:40, a disciple is not above his teacher, but aims to be like his teacher once fully trained. Therefore, the goal of discipleship is to undergo the process of becoming more like Christ, to turn away from our own self-interests and to follow Him, striving to reflect His image in our lives.

Romans 8:29 (NKJV): 'For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.'

What does discipleship look like in the everyday moments of life?

Trent Moody explores the concept of discipleship within the mundane tasks of everyday life. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6, Moody emphasizes the responsibility of parents to disciple their children, not just in formal settings, but in everyday moments. Whether it's doing laundry, cooking, or washing dishes, these tasks become opportunities to discuss and explain the things of the Lord, investing in the lives of our children within the context of a relationship.

Moody encourages parents to see the beauty of God's handiwork everywhere and use these moments to pray for others and instill these habits in their children. Older children should be encouraged to come alongside younger ones in these tasks, fostering relationships and investing in their lives. Moody stresses that every task, no matter how mundane, is an opportunity to disciple our children, to walk with them, talk with them, and invest in their lives.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."

How can we help our children navigate a world filled with potential idols?

In his talk, Paul White discusses the omnipresence of idols in our society and the propensity of children to turn anything they see into an idol. White emphasizes the importance of parents' roles in guiding their children through this landscape, noting that adults often forget their own childhood experiences and underestimate the potential for everyday objects and experiences to become idols for their children.

White encourages parents to be deliberate in what they expose their children to and to have open discussions about the dangers of idolatry. He also advises parents to provide their children with beneficial activities, rather than allowing them to waste time on things like social media. White suggests that parents should defy societal norms that encourage childishness and instead strive to continually guide their children towards maturity.

1 Corinthians 10:14 (NKJV): "Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry."

Have you considered the importance of making disciples in every aspect of your life?

Jason Dohm extends an invitation to join a national conference at the Ridgecrest Conference Center in Asheville, North Carolina. The conference, titled 'Making Disciples at Home, in the Church, and Around the World', focuses on the critical area of discipleship. The aim is to enrich and expand the understanding of the role each person plays in the propagation of the Christian faith, whether at home, in church, or beyond national borders.

At this conference, participants will have the opportunity to delve into the concept of discipleship, gaining a deeper understanding of its significance. This event promises to be a time of rich teaching and intentional focus on this vital aspect of Christian life. Taking part in this conference could serve as a stepping stone towards more effective discipleship, as attendees learn how to better fulfill this command in their daily lives.

Matthew 28:19 (NKJV): "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Have you considered the importance of hearing and recalling the truths you already know?

Jeffrey D. Johnson emphasizes the necessity of reminding ourselves of the Gospel truths we've learned. Drawing from his own experiences as a young preacher, he highlights the value of repetition in absorbing and retaining the message of the Scriptures. Despite knowing the Gospel, we often forget - hence, the disciple-making process largely consists of repeating the same truth over and over.

The beauty and the glory of the Gospel become more evident as we repeatedly hear it. Even if we have known these truths since childhood, it is crucial to constantly remind ourselves of them. This act of remembrance, practiced daily and weekly, aids in our preservation and continuous growth as disciples of Christ. The Gospel never tires us; instead, its repeated recall serves as a nourishment for our souls.

2 Peter 1:12 (NKJV): "For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth."

What role do parents play in discipling their children according to the Bible?

Dr. Joel Beeke points out several key scriptural passages that highlight the importance of making disciples in the home. He draws attention to Deuteronomy 6:6-8, which emphasizes the need for diligent teaching of children. He also references Job 1:5, where Job is seen continually interceding and sacrificing for his children, embodying a prayerful attitude in parenting. Ephesians 6:4 is mentioned as well, reminding fathers to nurture their children in the Lord, rather than provoking them to wrath.

Dr. Beeke also discusses the wealth of wisdom found in the book of Proverbs, which offers practical advice for both fathers and mothers. He suggests that these passages provide a scriptural foundation for parents seeking to disciple their children. The apostle Paul's epistles also provide practical wisdom and imperative instructions for parents. This underscores the importance of continual learning, prayerful intercession, and nurturing guidance in the Christian home.

Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV): "Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it."

How does the role of a pastor, as outlined by Josh Buice, encompass multiple facets and responsibilities within the church?

Josh Buice elaborates on the multifaceted role of a pastor as outlined in 1 Peter chapter 5. He identifies three distinct yet interrelated terms—elder, shepherd, and overseer—highlighting that they don't denote separate offices but rather encapsulate the various facets of the pastoral role. The pastor is depicted as an elder, a leader, a shepherd (termed from the Greek word "poimino"), and an overseer within the church. Buice emphasizes that a pastor's primary focus is to tend to, protect, feed, and lead the flock of God, reminding that it's God's flock, not the pastor's possession.

He underscores the importance of humility in the pastoral role, stating that a pastor shouldn't dominate but shepherd souls, setting an example for the congregation. Buice challenges the notion that a pastor is an elite spiritual figure within the church, highlighting that the characteristics outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 should be found in all men within the church. However, some men are specifically called and separated to serve in the pastoral office, responsible for shepherding and overseeing the congregation.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of a pastor, Buice stresses that a pastor's duty extends beyond being a mere commentator or conveyor of knowledge. Instead, it involves heralding the truth, feeding, leading, and protecting the congregation for the glory of God.

Titus 1:7-9 (NKJV): "For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict."

What does it mean to be a disciple who applies the entirety of Scripture to all aspects of life?

Brandon Scroggins conveys that being a disciple of every nation involves confessing and loving the Lordship of Christ. It's about being learners and lovers of Jesus, and teaching others to do the same. This involves taking the entirety of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation and applying it to every dimension of life. As Jesus said in Matthew 28, we should teach others everything that has been commanded, and that is a lifelong process.

According to Scroggins, observing everything Jesus said involves not only being regenerated or experiencing a change of heart but also living that change in every facet of life. This teaching is meant for every nation and every generation. The Gospel should not end with us, but should extend from one generation to the next. It requires a confession and love of the Lordship of Christ, and learning His ways in all areas of life, and teaching others to do the same.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV): "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Is the power of the Holy Spirit essential in making disciples?

Paul Washer brings to light an often neglected truth about the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in sharing the Gospel. He argues that due to the caution against heretical teachings, many people in the theological circle often shy away from or downplay the significance of the Holy Spirit. Washer insists that the Holy Spirit is not just synonymous with the Word of God but is a distinct person who plays a vital role in our Christian journey.

The world, Washer expounds, is like Jericho - tightly shut and impenetrable. Similarly, the heart of man is often closed off, unreachable without the power of the Holy Spirit. It's not just the fruit or character of the Holy Spirit that is needed, but the actual power from on high. He urges the need for believers to constantly seek more manifestations of the Holy Spirit's power in their lives and ministries, especially if the Gospel is to reach the remotest parts of the world.

Acts 1:8 (NKJV): "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

How do we identify a true disciple of Christ?

Scott Aniol explains that a disciple of Christ is identified as someone who is intentionally following Him. This begins with repentant faith, recognizing the need for salvation due to sins committed against a holy God, and placing complete trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The first question to ask when determining who is a disciple, therefore, is whether they have repented of their sins and put their faith in Jesus Christ.

However, true discipleship goes beyond mere belief. A disciple is one who seeks to live out their faith, following the teachings and example of Christ. This includes examining how the individual lives their life, beyond their stated beliefs. A true disciple is not just intellectually accepting gospel truths but actively seeking to follow Christ in every aspect of their life. This transformation and ability to follow Christ can only come from the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.

John 15:8 (NKJV): "By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples."