BE A DISCIPLE (Part 1)

Introduction

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Be an authentic disciple of Jesus Christ! Paul told Timothy to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” ( Timothy 2:3). The true disciple of Jesus Christ will endure hardship, affliction and suffering.

1. We must realize that Christianity is a call to bear the cross! Not a call to wear a crown! Nevertheless, many professing Christians experience unpleasant circumstances and just give up on Christianity.

2. Some begin their journey of faith with the “blessing” mindset. Meaning, if it works then I will stick with it. But if it doesn’t work I’ll try something else. In other words, they “try” religion like testing a new car. If everything runs smoothly then they take it. If it doesn’t suit them they move on to another vehicle. There’s only one problem. You don’t test drive Jesus Christ.In fact you don’t “try” Christianity. Christianity is all about “trusting” not “trying.” Trying is all about you! It’s equivalent to self-effort and measuring personal success. On the other hand, trusting is all about a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

3. How has the contemporary church misrepresented the Christian life? Many local
fellowships have adopted “the seeker- sensitive” approach to ministry. This philosophy is “consumer” oriented. It’s kind of like Burger King religion, “have it your way.” Denoting, some have been guilty of mass marketing Christianity in an attempt to make it more attractive to new seekers. For instance, such congregations have removed the cross from their facilities in an effort to not offend anyone.Songs about the blood of Jesus have been removed from the hymnal so as not to upset the un-churched. In reality, the outcome has been a watering down of the Christian faith. Churches are filled with unconverted members. Levels of commitment are very low. Authentic discipleship is almost non-existent.

4.How do we correct the problem? We must go back to the great commission (Matthew
28:19-20). We must make disciples of all nations! Obedience to this biblical decree is essential. A close examination of the great commission reveals one command, “make
disciples.” Then Jesus explained to us how to “make disciples.” We begin with believer’s baptism (v. 19). Then we teach them “to observe all things” He has commanded us (v. 20).The circular cycle of the great commission continues throughout the ages.

5.How did Jesus describe discipleship? Was He seeker-sensitive? Did He commercialize the gospel to make it look more attractive? Did Jesus market Christianity in a way to make it non-offensive?

Let’s examine Luke 14 to see just how Christ defined discipleship. First of all, to define discipleship we must notice the crowd of people who followed Jesus (v. 25).

THE CROWD

Jesus addressed three groups of people in this passage of scripture. All three units
portray a particular level of Christian pursuit.

1. In group number one we see the curiosity seekers (v. 25). Luke draws attention to the fact that Jesus was a very popular man prior to the cross. As Jesus and the disciples traveled to Jerusalem a polus {very large} entourage formed. Undoubtedly, many in the crowd tagged along to see Jesus perform the spectacular! They desired to see the signs, miracles and wonders. Yet when the signs, sensations and phenomenon ceased, they disappeared. This group seldom sticks around very long. Therefore, we will identify this group as the curiosity seekers. By the way, throughout the ages the Christian church has been plagued with curiosity seekers. Those who are there to be entertained and amused. They are recreational Christians. As long as they have fun they stay. If it makes them feel good then they hang around. The curious come and go like a revolving door. They go from one place to the other pursuing fun and happiness. The word “commitment” is not in their vocabulary!

2. The second group of people we see in this passage are the Christian saints (v. 26). Notice the phrase, “if any man come to me.”Meaning, approach me with the desire to begin a journey of relationship.So many well intended individuals approach Jesus Christ to begin a spiritual union. Nevertheless, they seem to ignore the necessity of counting the cost of pursuing that relationship. While salvation is free (relationship) the pursuit of that relationship(discipleship) is very costly. Very few Christian saints are willing to pay the price of pursuing Jesus Christ.

3. The third group of people we see in this passage are the committed servants (v. 27). Notice the expression “come after me” in verse 27. This phrase refers to the fervent pursuit of this relationship, the desire to be a disciple.

Keep in mind that Jesus was rapidly growing in popularity. His fame was quickly moving toward celebrity status. The entourage was multiplying with people. A huge crowd of people began to jump on the Jesus band wagon. Therefore, Jesus stopped "and He turned” {kai strapheis} and he addressed the people (v. 25).Please note, this was a dramatic act on the part of Jesus. His turning was a deliberate motion in an effort to check out the enthusiastic crowd who were following Him. Scholars inform us that Jesus was walking slowly towards Jerusalem for the Passover.Evidently a man who was traveling in this rather large caravan tried toconnect himself to Jesus and His disciples. Concerning the phrase “come to me,” Lenski says,

Judging from what Jesus tells them, some must have wanted to become his disciples. The imperfect pictures the great crowds as moving along with Jesus; he turns about, a general halt ensues, and he speaks as follows. The condition is one of reality, i. e.,Jesus thinks and speaks of somebody who really wants to be a disciple of his.‘Comes to me’ means: with the desire to attach himself to me as disciples attach themselves to a master or rabbi.

As we examined the crowd we basically discovered three groups of people traveling with Jesus. We saw the curiosity seekers, the Christian saints and the committed servants. Each classification represents a level of pursuit. Incidentally, which classification do you belong? As we define discipleship we must look closely at the crowds that followed Jesus.

FAITH THROUGH THE STORM

Matthew 8:23-27 (Part 3)

Introduction

1. First of all, Matthew tells us that Jesus reproved the disciples for their oligopistos {little faith}. Jesus used this word four times in Matthew and once in the gospel of Luke. In each incidence Jesus addressed the minuscule faith of the disciples (Matthew 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8; Luke 12:28).

2. Secondly, Jesus positioned their fear in context with their faith. Fear hinders faith. Yet, faith conquers fear.Fear is natural, while faith is supernatural.Fear is carnal, while faith is spiritual.Fear is an emotion, while faith is reality. Incidentally, lest we come down too hard on the disciples, we may also need to compare our fear with our faith.These two qualities are certainly contrary with each other.Fear is always at war with our faith. Even the apostle Paul rebuked timid Timothy for his pastoral phobias, Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Even though Timothy enjoyed apostolic authority, he still battled trepidation.

How does faith conquer fear?

1. First of all, faith conquers fear when I realize Christ is the navigator of my ship. He is in control! He is at the helm of my ship! It was an act of faith for the disciples to awaken the sleeping Savior. But it was an act of fear when they cried out “Master carest thou not that we perish.” Jesus didn’t reprimand the disciples for waking Him up; He rebuked them for believing the ship would sink with Him in it. It is impossible for the ship to go under when Christ is aboard. Faith boldly declares Jesus is the pilot of my ship and He is always in the vessel with me.

2. Secondly, how does faith conquer fear? Faith will overcome fear when I realize that Christ will awaken in response to the pleadings of one of His disciples. Christ calmed the storm as a result of the pleading of His disciples.

 Perhaps you feel that Jesus is asleep and inactive in your storm. Be confident child of God! Jesus is always aroused to action by the petition of His children.

 The persistent pleading of His people always gets His attention.

 By the way, the disciples only had a very small amount of faith.

 “Little faith” in a big God always seems to get the job done.

 The range of your faith is really unimportant. However, the proper placement of faith is very important.

3. Thirdly,how does faith conquer fear? Faith will make you restful and not fretful. We see a stark contrast in how Jesus and the disciples dealt with the storm. The panic stricken disciples were fretful.Yet, the serene Savior was restful as He slept through the storm.

 Faith in the infinite power of God will enable you to be restful in the storm.

 Faith has a calming effect.

 Resting in Him brings genuine peace.

 Weather beaten saints need to lean on Him when the winds of adversity blow.

4. Fourthly, how does faith overcome fear? Faith views every storm as an opportunity for God to reveal His glory. The disciples were eyewitnesses of this supernatural phenomenon. Matthew says they thaumazo {marveled}, or stood in awe (Matthew 8:27). In their astonishment they asked this thought provoking question, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” They truly recognized that Jesus was more than a man. He revealed His glory. They physically saw the elements of nature hupakouo {obey} Him.The winds and waves moved at His beckon call. Perhaps God has brought a storm into your life in order to reveal His glory.

 By faith you must accept that God has chosen you to be a vessel of His power. He desires to display His splendor to a lost and dying world through your life.

 By faith accept your “stormy,” sovereign assignment.Be confident!God is in control of every storm. Jesus Christ has dominion over the natural realm even in your personal life. He rules. He reigns. Let Him unveil His glory in your life.

Conclusion

What do you do when you don’t know what to do? Like the disciples, we must learn to weather the storm. We must first address the issue of fear. So many believers never make it past the fear-factor. Far too often we become paralyzed by fear and trepidation. We must also confront our storm related frustrations. While it may seem that Christ is asleep in our storm we must remain secure in Him. Although our boat my sail stormy seas, Christ is always at the helm. Then finally, if we are to weather the storm we must deal with our faith.Faith in Christ will conquer our fears and frustrations. By faith we must accept the fact that Christ is with us through every storm of life. He is in our boat. He is the navigator of our ship. Therefore, we can remain restful and not fretful as we go through the eye of the storm with Him.

Storm Related Frustrations

WEATHER THE STORM
Matthew 8:23-27 (Part 2)

Introduction

Our text tells us that Jesus was asleep (Matthew 8:24-25).Exhausted by the events of the day, Jesus was in a deep sleep at the rear end of the boat. This passage illustrates the dual nature of Christ.

1. In His humanity He was weary and tired.
2. Yet in His divinity He calmed the sea.

The God-man was fast asleep as the ship was being tossed by the wind and the waves. By now, the ship was taking in water from the huge waves that were crashing down on the ship. The disciples struggled to make their way back to the hinder part of the ship to find Jesus. While they were wet, cold and choking on the water they discovered Jesus asleep.

The synoptic gospel of Mark reveals the fear and frustration of the disciples. Mark records, “And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish” (Mark 4:38)?

In a tone of panic, fear and frustration the disciples accused the Lord of not caring.By the way, lest we get too impressed with our own spirituality we must admit we do the same thing.

1. Have you ever used accusatory language with our Lord?
2. Have you ever questioned Him?
3. Have you ever felt like God just doesn’t care about what I’m going through?
4. Have you ever become frustrated by the inactivity of Jesus in your storm?

Nevertheless, the disciples were frustrated by the silence of Jesus. I can see the
disciples reaching down and shaking the sleeping Savior as they cried out in fear,
“Master we are perishing!” It is easy to see the anxiety and frustration on the disciples faces.

How did the disciples deal with their storm related frustrations?

1. First of all, they stayed in the ship.

 We do not hear any discussion of mutiny.
 No one jumped overboard!
 No one went AWOL!
 The disciples stayed on the boat.
 Storm related frustrations can lead believers to make unwise decisions.

For instance, some storm connected irritations have caused many believers to leave good churches.Sometimes we think if we have a change of scenery our aggravation will go away.We have this idea that if we ignore our problems long enough they will go away.This is a fallacy! Stay in the ship! Confront your storm related frustrations with the assistance of Jesus Christ. Only He can calm the storm in your life!

2. Secondly, they did not change their course.

They could have chosen calmer seas. Smooth sailing is always more pleasant than stormy seas. Yet, the disciples did not alter their course.

So often believers endeavor to modify their course because of stormy seas. Brethren, we do not have this option. God’s divine decree has charted the path for the believer! We cannot revise God’s Word just because we don’t like what it says. By the way, the scripture clearly tells us that suffering is a part of God’s will for the believer (1 Peter 3:13-17; 4:10). Smooth sailing is not always God’s will! Pie in the sky theology is not scriptural. Peter tells us, “Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind” (1 Peter 4:1). Since Jesus experienced physical suffering during His earthly ministry the believer must also hoplizo {arm} himself with the same mindset. Thus, the child of God must be prepared to suffer for the cause of Christ. The unconverted world considers the Christian “strange” because he does not “run with them to the same excess of riot.” As a result, Peter says, they will “speak evil of you” (1 Peter 4:4). Write it down! You will encounter stormy seas!

3. How did the disciples deal with their storm related frustrations? Thirdly, they let Jesus handle the storm. Even though the disciples were impatient and imperfect, they permitted Jesus to deal with the storm.

a. The storm was bigger than the disciples.
b. There was nothing they could do except hunker down and ride out the storm.
c. They anxiously awoke Jesus from His nap and petitioned Him regarding the storm.

So often we forget that Jesus is working behind the scenes in order to show Himself mighty. Our sovereign Lord is ultimately in control of all things. While we clearly see Him conquering this storm, we often ignore the fact He organized this storm.

Psalm 107 is a celebration song of providential deliverances. The Psalmist said,“he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof” (v. 25). God providentially plans each storm. Why did Jesus arrange this particular Galilean gale? Could it be He wanted to display His power? Matthew informs us that the men “marveled” when the winds and waves obeyed Him (Matthew 8:27). We must remember that God orchestrates the circumstances of our lives for His glory. My life should be a vehicle through which God reveals His glorious Son. When we apply this magnificent truth our frustrations will diminish.

4. How did the disciples deal with their storm related frustrations? Fourthly,
they leaned on the Words of Christ. Having been aroused from His slumber, Jesus immediately reproved the disciples for their lack of faith (v. 26a). Then He forcefully epitimao{rebuked} the wind and water which resulted into a calming of the sea (v. 26b). How did Jesus still the sea? With His Word!

Notice what MacArthur says about this verse.

Jesus arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea, saying, “Hush, be still” (Mark 4:39). At the word of the Creator the storm could do nothing but become perfectly calm. The winds stopped, the waves ceased, the air cleared, and the water became as glass. Storms normally subside gradually, with winds and waves diminishing little by little until calm is restored. But this storm subsided faster even than it had come;it came suddenly and ceased instantly. Though small in comparison to hurricanes and typhoons, that storm on the Sea of Galilee had generated multiplied millions of units of horsepower. Yet Jesus stopped it with a word—an easy feat compared to His bringing the entire world into existence with a word.

 Thank God for the power of His Word!
 The believer can conquer storm related frustrations with the Word of God.
 The promises of God can calm even the most ferocious storm.