We have been challenged through the preaching of God’s Word by Brother John Baker to consider the price paid for our salvation and the motivation it should provide to us as disciples of Jesus Christ. The main points from his sermon last Tuesday evening need to be recorded and put in a place we can see them often. Here are seven perspectives that every disciple (follower, learner, or understudy) of Jesus needs to adopt:
1. A disciple believes he is lost without Jesus. Paul reminded the Christians in Ephesus that there was a time when they walked according to the course of the world and conducted themselves according to the flesh that they were dead in their sin (Ephesians 2:1-3). Jesus came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance (Mark 2:17). May we humbly remember that without Jesus and our humble submission to Him, we cannot be saved.
2. A disciple will know God’s way and God’s glory should be sought because it is always right. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
3. A disciple will reckon himself/herself dead to sin. “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? Certainly not! How shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” (Romans 6:1-2) The old man of sin is put to death in the watery grave of baptism and with it we must say, “I don’t want sin to be a possibility in my life any longer.” We will strive to continually walk in the light (1 John 1:7).
4. A disciple will look forward to the return of Jesus Christ. Like those in Thessalonica, the disciple of Jesus will wait with eager anticipation for the Lord’s return (1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:13-18).
5. A disciple will understand that souls are precious and valuable. The soul of man is divine in origin (Genesis 1:26-27) and eternal in destiny (Matthew 25:46). There is nothing of more value and nothing for which to trade the soul (Mark 9:36-37).
6. A disciple will understand he is a steward of God’s blessings. Just as the master entrusted his goods to servants, so God has entrusted each of us (Matthew 25:14-30). The follower of Jesus understands what he has in this life does not belong to him, but must be used to honor and give glory to God.
7. A disciple will love the church. Saul of Tarsus was guilty of persecuting Christians, members of the Lord’s church. However, it was the Lord who asked plainly, “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4) A disciple of Jesus will understand that when he hurts the church, he hurts Jesus. A disciple will also bear in mind that when he encourages the church, he is loving the Lord. Jesus has only one bride, His disciples are a part of His church. (Ephesians 5:22-33; Acts 2:47).
Let us be willing to count the cost and make the decision to be a disciple of Jesus and keep proper perspective through our lives! – Adam Orr
(Adapted from a sermon of John Baker)
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