Becoming a disciple
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29
Hello once again to another subject in our Discipleship education series. I always feel excited to share the word of God with you because it’s a great privilege God has given every one of us to know Him through His word. Yesterday, we talked about who is a disciple and I left a teaser with us to discuss if there is any difference between the disciple as used in the gospels and the new creation (born again) man. And once again I want to thank Pst Phil and Nia for their responses and I think they had a sneak peep at my write up for today
. Now I’ll try to explain further as short as I can.So many scriptures went through my heart when thinking of this subject but the above scripture seemed to demonstrate God’s idea of discipleship which is to be conformed to the image of Christ. It is important to note that in the current dispensation of grace, God is not looking for disciples but Sons. This is amazing because when we know this truth, it liberates us from trying to “do” in order to “become” rather we do, because “we are”. Wow! Glory to God!
It is necessary to know that the disciples as in the gospels were still operating in the old testament because Jesus had not died and resurrected as yet. The new testament only came in force after the death of Jesus Christ (Heb. 9:11). Which is why Jesus told his disciples in John 16:23 that a day is coming when they will not need to ask him anything because whatever they ask the Father in His will be granted. So we must be careful not reason ourselves to be disciples in the manner of the gospels rather our lives as disciples must be seen in light of the creation. This doesn’t imply that discipleship is done away. We will look more at this in the next discussion on the transformation of a disciple.
2Cor. 5:17 says: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This the beginning point of discipleship for the new creation. No tedious protocols involved. This occurs the moment we believe in the finished work of Christ and confess him as our Lord and saviour. From then onwards a whole new process of growth and development continues. This is the discipleship process.
To answer our last question, the new creation man is recreated (born again) in the image of God with the nature of God and is being taught or trained by the Holy Spirit and his workings through the ministry gifts. Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 8:10, Ephesians 4:11-12, 24.
Another long one today. But please keep the discussion going with your lovely feedbacks and questions. Next we’ll look at the transformation of a disciple. I love you all. Stay blessed.
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. Now I’ll try to explain further as short as I can.
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