In Matthew 8:28 “The grn”, Jesus told his follows to go make disciples. He told them to baptize them and to teach them to obey all his commands. We somehow turned it in to go get them saved. Additionally, we call them “Christians” not disciples. Just repeat these words after me. Great! Now you’re saved. Good luck! Next! Then many fall away when life gets tough. Many times because we don’t tell them that they are disciples of Christ. (See the Seed and the Sower Matt
88-13:In Matthew 8:28 “The great commission”, Jesus told his follows to go make disciples. He told them to baptize them and to teach them to obey all his commands. We somehow turned it in to go get them saved. Additionally, we call them “Christians” not disciples.
In Acts 11:26 “they were first called Christians in Antioch.”
Jesus didn’t call us that. Paul didn’t call us that.
Dr. John MacArthur writes of the word, “A term of derision (“ridicule or scorn, to show contempt”) meaning, ‘of the party of Christ.’”
Please don’t misunderstand what I’m trying to say. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with referring to those of us that follow Christ, Christians. What I’m trying to do is show that we should emphasize that we are disciples of Christ and that we’re called to make disciples. It’s more than semantics. We’re called to disciple others, not just lead them to salvation.
Many times we say, “Just repeat these words after me”. Great! Now you’re saved. Good luck! Next! Then many fall away when life gets tough. (See the Seed and the Sower Matt 13:1-9, 18-23)
We never tell them the cost associated with their decision to follow Christ.
Here are a few things that we should let them know.
1) they need to count the cost. (Luke 14:25-33). Jesus concludes by stating, “so you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything.”
2) you need to choose me over those that are closest to you. (Luke 14:25)
3) you must be willing to go without if necessary. (Matt 8:20)
4) you must be willing to give up ownership of everything if necessary. He told the rich young ruler, sell all that you have and give it to charity and come follow me. He wasn’t willing.
5) you must give up total control of your life and let your will become the will of Christ. “Father not my will but thy will be done. ” And, whoever does the will of the Father is my son and my daughter.”
6) you must be willing to suffer for Him. Simply by identifying with him will bring suffering. John 15:18 ” If the world hates you, keep in mind it hated me first.” And, I Peter 4:1 (a) “Therefore, since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourself also with the same mind.”
I Peter 4: 12-13
“Dear friends, do not think it strange at the fiery ordeal that has come on you as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”
7) you must be willing to be a servant. “For the son of man came to serve, not be served.” And recall when Jesus washed the disciple’s feet. He said,” I leave you an example.”
8) refuse to look back. In other words, when things get rough, don’t desire to go back to the way you were living before salvation. “He that looks back isn’t worthy to be my disciple.”
So then there is a difference from being a “Christian” than it is to be a disciple, in the sense that being a “Christian” can indicate a one time event, where as being a disciple is a whole new lifestyle. The word disciple comes from the Latin word discipulas, which means “student learner or follower.” It is an ongoing process.
Again, the way Christianity is often presented is that it’s a one time act and then you go on about your business. Not so! There is a cost involved. Salvation is free, but being a disciple will cost you your self- life. And we do those who we lead to Christ a disservice if we don’t let them know what they’re signing up for.
Personally, I accepted the Lord at 13. My youth was rife with sin. I would backslide, and come back to the Lord several times. I believe it’s because no one ever explained to me what it meant to be a disciple of Christ. It wasn’t until much later in life that I understood that I am to give up everything and everyone if need be. That I must follow Christ whatever I have to go through. That nothing is to be more important than my relationship with the Lord.
That when I got saved I became a bond servant of my Lord and Savior who gave his life for me.
Now go make disciples not Christians. For that is what we’re commissioned to do!