Have You Been Discipled?

The Greek word for disciple is 'mä-thā-tā's, meaning a learner, or a pupil. Children were put under instructors (literally 'child-leaders'- e.g., paedagogus) (the word is used in 1 Corinthians 4:16) to help them develop into good citizens. After all, kids just don't naturally grow up into moral and responsible people. At an early age, guardian tutors or nurturers were put over male children (often, regardless of the child's social status). These instructors (the word is used in Galatians 3:24-25) were expected to be of serious disposition, trustworthy, reliable, and learned. They would have a formative influence on the child as well as accompany him outside the house. These guardians provided education, nurturing, and moral protection of the children, and guardians and their charges could develop strong ties that continued past the child's maturity.

In Matthew 28 Christ commanded us to go forth as His ambassadors to the world. We are to proclaim entrance into the kingdom of God through repentance and faith in Christ, baptize the new believers, and teach them to observe all things Christ commanded. This last part is critical for effective Christian discipleship, as new believers aren't going to naturally grow up into spiritually mature people. They need the right example set, and the right teaching. 1 Timothy 3 makes it clear that Christian leaders, like the child instructors of the ancient world, must be of serious disposition, trustworthy, reliable, and learned in the word of God. They must set the right example, teach the Word of God, and protect the people of God.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 clearly states that the Word of God is our manual for teaching, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness, that the people of God may come to maturity and be thoroughly prepared and equipped for a life of service to the Lord. In order to properly disciple people, we must spend time with them, pray with them (Acts 1:13-15), speak the word of God, proclaim Christ with them (Acts 4:31-33), care for each other's needs (Acts 6:1f.), and reassure and strengthen each other in the hard times (Acts 14:22, 18:23).

I personally wish that the Greek word 'pī-dyü'-ō' (literally, training up children) would be translated disciple in our New Testament. It is translated with words like chasten, learn, instruct, and teach, but each of these English words falls short of the total package.

Try something for me when you have some time. Look up 1 Corinthians 11:32, 2 Corinthians 6:9, 1 Timothy 1:20, 2 Timothy 2:22, Titus 2:12, Hebrews 12:6-7, 10, and Revelation 3:19, and substitute the word 'disciple' in each of these verses where you find the English words for things like chastening and instructing. I think you will not only see a bigger picture, but will see a clearer picture of Christian discipleship.

As many as I love, I rebuke and 'disciple'. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
(Rev 3:19-20)

Discipleship includes discipline, but it is discipline done in the midst of an onoging relationship. Praise God for His willingness to 'raise us' as His children!

Yours in Him,

Pastor B.