BECOMING A KINGDOM DISCIPLE

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Bible study note

The word "disciple" comes from the Greek word mathētēs, which means "learner" or "student."

To be a disciple of Christ means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, to believe in Him as the Son of God, and to commit oneself to following His teachings and examples. Being a disciple of Christ involves a personal relationship with Jesus, surrendering one's life to Him, and a daily decision to follow Him.

A Kingdom Disciple is someone who seeks to follow Jesus Christ and live according to His teachings, with a focus on advancing the Kingdom of God on earth.

A Kingdom Disciple seeks to put God's Kingdom first in their life, above all other priorities, and to seek His will and direction in all things. This means living a life of humility, service, love, and compassion towards others, and seeking to be a witness for Christ in all areas of life.

CONDITIONS OF BEING A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST

Matthew 16:24 (NRSV)

Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Luke 14:26-27 (NRSV)

“Whoever comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even life itself, cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not carry the cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:33 (NRSV

So, therefore, none of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions.

In these passages of Scripture, the conditions that Jesus places on His disciples are:

1. Deny oneself

2. Take up your cross (Luke 9:23 says “Take up your cross daily”)

3. Follow Jesus

4. Love Jesus more than your own family and your own life

5. Do not hold tightly to your earthly possessions such that they hinder you from following Him

In other words, Love Jesus Above All

HOW COULD WE BECOME JESUS’ TRUE DISCIPLES?

1. Abide in God’s Word

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

This Word of God shows Jesus' desire for those who believe in Him. What is His desire? "If you abide (continue, remain) in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (John 8:31).

2. Bear fruits (John 15:8)

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

What fruits are we going to produce when our life is attached to Lord Jesus? The fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), the fruit of repentance (Matius 3:8) where we put on new mind, the fruit of thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15) which is about the sacrifice of praise, especially in the midst of bad situation (Jesus’ disciples would not complain when they face this kind of situation), the fruit of souls (Acts 1:8) because when we are close to God, we will be filled with the Spirit of God that will encourage us to be Jesus’ witnesses and win many souls for Him.

3. Serve others (Matthew 20:26-28)

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

and Whoever wants to be first must be your slave—

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As Christ’s true disciples, we have to live as Christ lived in the world. Christ came to the world to serve and not to be served. Just as Christ came to serve, we, as His disciples, have to serve too.

4. Love One Another

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

THE REWARD OF BEING CHRIST’S DISCIPLE

Presents or rewards are a gift to people for their accomplishments, virtues, or their labor. Rewards are sometimes given as a sign of our love for someone. And surely the person who gets the reward will feel very happy. Why? It is an appreciation or a tribute for the hard work done.

1. We Receive Eternal Life - John 3:16,

Matthew 19:29

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.

2. The Disciple of Christ Will Have a Victorious Life -

Romans 8:28

and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

3. The disciple of Christ receives divine revelation, a special blessing from our Father in heaven -

Mark 4:34

He did not say anything to...