The commitment involved is seen further as we consider...
THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP
Jesus must come first - To be a disciple, Jesus must come first, before self (Luke 9:23-25), even before family (Luke 14:25-26; Matthew 10:34-37).
We must be willing to suffer for Jesus - He calls us to take up our cross to follow Him (Luke 14:27). Trying to live godly lives in an ungodly world, following Jesus sometimes involves ridicule and persecution (2Timothy 3:12). Even if we are blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time and energy in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways.
Forsaking all to follow Him - We must count the cost (Lk 14:28-33). Nothing can take precedent over Him and His will for us, for He must be the King and Lord of our lives.
This cost of discipleship required by Jesus caused many to turn away from following Him. But Jesus wasn't trying to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples! Is the cost worth it? I believe so, for consideration.
THE REWARDS OF DISCIPLESHIP
Future blessings - We shall be saved from the wrath of God which is to come (Acts 17:31; Romans 5:9). We can look forward with joyful anticipation of spending eternity with God, free from sorrow, pain and death (Revelation 21:1-8).
Present blessings - Jesus offers a peace the world cannot give, to calm the troubled heart (John 14:27). His words inspire joy to lift our spirits out of depression (John 15:11). He offers those who follow Him the abiding love of God, which casts out fear (John 15:9; 1 John 4:18). He makes it possible for us to be members of the family of God (Mark 10:28-30).
There are many blessings enjoyed by disciples of Jesus; but these suffice to demonstrate that though discipleship is costly, the rewards far exceed the cost!
Now that we understand the nature of discipleship, its cost and rewards, I hope that we want to be true disciples of Jesus Christ. How does one begin? For the answer we return to our text (Matthews 28:19-20).
THE BEGINNING OF DISCIPLESHIP
It involves baptism (Mathews 28:19) - Why baptism? Remember the goal of discipleship: to be like Jesus. He was holy and sinless, yet we are to be like Him. Baptism is an act of faith which puts us in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus so we can be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Roman 6:3-4). It is also how one “puts on Christ” (Galatians 3:27). So, baptism is the logical starting place for true discipleship!
What is baptism? It is an act of submission preceded by faith in Jesus and repentance for our sins (Acts 2:36-38; 8:36-37). This precludes infant baptism since infants are incapable of believing and repenting. It involves a burial in water, in which one then rises to walk in newness of life through the power of God (Acts 8:38; Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 2:12). This precludes sprinkling or pouring as a mode of baptism, for neither involve a burial nor an immersion (the meaning of the Greek word “baptidzo”).
When done according to the Word of God, baptism is an act of faith which results in a wonderful working of God in our lives! Our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Ephesians 5:25-27). We are regenerated and renewed by the Spirit of God so we can now live for God (Titus 3:5-6). It is truly a rebirth involving both water and the Spirit (John 3:5)!
It includes further teaching, obedience - Note carefully what follows baptism (Matthews 28:20). This brings us back to the very definition of discipleship, for Jesus states we are to be taught (learners) and to observe (adherents or doers). Thus, we embark on a life devoted to learning and doing all that Jesus commanded!
Only those scripturally baptized and displaying the marks of discipleship, despite the costs, can truly be called disciples of Jesus! Only they can look forward to the rewards of discipleship and take comfort in Jesus’ promise: “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Have you taken the initial steps in becoming a disciple of Jesus (faith, repentance, baptism)? Are you becoming more like Him by demonstrating the marks of discipleship in your life? Contact us if we can be of assistance!
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