John 8:31

DISCIPLESHIP

‘Then are ye My disciples indeed.’

John 8:31

It was in the early days of the Church that ‘the disciples were called Christians’ (Acts 11:26); but in these later days there is much need that the Christians should come to be called disciples. For it seems to have passed out of the ordinary estimate of Christianity, that ‘Christian’ and ‘disciple’ are meant to be interchangeable terms; and that those who lay claim to the former title should naturally vindicate their claim by the witness of the latter title as stamped upon their lives. Note—

I. ‘Christian’ and ‘disciple’ ought to be manifestly combined titles for every believer.

II. Discipleship is in reality such an absorbing thing, that it demands personal consecration for its realisation.

III. Our Lord attaches to discipleship three great principles, without which it is not a working reality.

(a) Permanent continuance in the Master’s teaching.

(b) Obedience to the command that disciples love one another.

(c) Much fruitfulness to God’s glory, through prevailing prayer.

IV. To each principle particular rewards are attached, present results of blessing inseparable from discipleship.

Rev. Hubert Brooke.

Illustration

‘Face this principle of discipleship honestly. Here is obedience commanded, and the law to be obeyed is delivered. Then let each one ask himself, What is my position with regard to it? Is this reflection of the Master’s conduct apparent in my own life? Do I love fellow-disciples as He loved me? And if not, am I a disciple at all? We may not push it off as a lesson for far-advanced disciples. It comes at the outset; it is the B of the Gospel alphabet, as faith in Christ is the A.’