Guidelines for Discipleship

Today we are continuing our gaze into the Disciple's Study Bible (1988, Holman Bible Publishers: Nashville), specifically at an article about the Doctrine of Discipleship.  Yesterday, we covered the "Nature of and Preparation for Discipleship".  Today, we look into Guidelines for Discipleship.  As yesterday, I have spelled out the references fully. Coloring is mine for visual acuity (ie break up the monotony of the black lettering.   Click  eBible search to look up the references if you want.

     Guidelines for discipleship. Discipleship occurs only under God's leadership.  He has provided leadership in the lives and affairs of His people throughout human history (Genesis 12:1-5; 24:1-67; Exodus 14:15-16).  He provided basic guidelines for disciples through His covenant (Exodus 19-24) in which He sought to establish His kingdom.  Under the old covenant God made His will known by laws and prophets.  Under the new covenant He makes His will known by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).  Jesus said the only ones who will enter the kingdom of heaven are those who do "the will of my Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).  To be a Christian disciple demands a willingness to give up everything to experience the reality of the kingdom of God through the immediacy of Christ's ruling authority.  Being part of the kingdom means a live-evidencing repentance (Matthew 3:2; 4:17).
     Discipleship is living out the confession, Jesus is Lord.  Disciples of Jesus extend the ministry He began by doing obediently what He commands.  Discipleship involves hearing the teachings of Jesus as authoritative and following His commands (Luke 6:46; Romans 6:16).  Christ exercises His lordship in the lives of disciples through the ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 14:17, 20; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Galatians 5:16).  When a person repents and makes a personal commitment to Christ by faith, Christ enters the heart in the person of the Holy Spirit and becomes guide, energizer, and enabler in the Christian life (John 16:13-14).  Disciples also need human role models and spiritual leaders.  Disciples do not seek out leadership positions but answer God's call to them (Hebrews 13:7-17).

I enjoy the insight that discipleship is LIVING OUT the confession that Jesus is Lord.  How many of us have witnessed people confessing Christ as Lord, but denying Him by their lifestyle?  Oh, that I may not fall into that trap of busyness for God that I am not busy with God. 

On the next to last sentence above, do you have someone pouring into and discipling you? 
Are you discipling someone else?

Coming up . .
the Purpose for Discipleship
the Focus of Discipleship