WHAT IS A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST?

Introduction:
  I. In Acts 11:26; we see that a Christian is 
     a disciple.
 II. This raises the question of what is a 
     disciple?
III. The definition of a disciple.
      A. lit., a learner...it denotes one who 
         follows one's teaching,... Vine's 
         Expository Dictionary of New Testament 
         Words
      B. a learner, pupil, disciple:...one who 
         follows one's teaching

Body:
   I. A disciple is a learner (a student).
      A. John 8:31. (my WORD)
      B. He studies the word or teaching of Jesus.
         1. He does this so he can "correctly 
            handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 
            2:15 (NIV)
         2. Also, that he can give an answer or 
            give a defense "to everyone who asks 
            you to give the reason for the hope 
            that you have." 1 Peter 3:15
      C. Yet, many disciples today do not really study.
         1. Hosea 4:6
         2. "What passes for Bible study in a lot 
            of congregations is the 'pooling of 
            ignorance." (Connie Adams)
         3. "I've learned in band that you get 
            out of something what you put in it." 
            Ramona See
         4. Psalms 119:9, 97; 1:1-3.
         5. Listen to tapes of sermons, singings, 
            and Bible while driving in the car; 
            attending meetings, read articles on 
            the web.
      D. "If you continue..." reflects the type of 
         life we live.

 II. A disciple is a follower.
     A. John 8:31 (MY word).
     B. He follows Jesus Christ; Not:
        1. some man
        2. some creed
        3. some church
        4. The result.  Gal. 1:6-9.
     C. "If you continue..." reflects the type of 
        life we live.

III. A disciple is one who is willing to die.
     A. Figuratively (dead to the world)
        1. Luke 14:26 (Matthew 10:37-39; Mark 
           10:29f), 33
        2. Galatians 2:20
     B. Literally (willing to die for Christ)
        1. Luke 14:26-27; Matthew 10:38-39.
        2. Revelation 2:10

IV. A disciple loves all other disciples.
    A. What is it that sets a Christian from the 
       world?
    B. Jesus gives the world the right to judge 
       if we are His people by one standard.
       1. That standard is not:
          a. instrumental music.
          b. support or non-support of human 
             institutions.
          c. when and how often we partake of 
             the Lord's Supper.
          d. as important as these things are.
       2. The standard is found in John 13:34-35.
          a. When the world sees all the hateful 
             and spiteful actions of "members" 
             they have the right to say "These 
             people are not God's people because 
             they do not love one another."
          b. "You ask in many communities about 
             the church of Christ and you will 
             hear all too often, 'Oh, they are 
             that bunch on the corner that can't 
             get along and are always in a fuss 
             about something.'  Wonder why you 
             will never convert anyone in that 
             community?" Rodney Miller 
             (Searching the Scriptures)
          c. Consider these three points from John 
             13:34-35.
             1) It is a command to love one another.
             2) The object of that love.
             3) The quality of that love.
      C. 1 John 3:14-15, 17; 4:7-12, 19-21.
      D. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.

 V. A disciple is one who bears fruit.
    A. John 15:8
    B. Galatians 5:22-23
    C. Other Christians

Conclusion:
 I. Are you a disciple of Christ?
    A. If not, you need to do what Peter told the 
       Jews in Acts 2:36-38.
    B. You don't have a better opportunity than now.
II. If you have become one, but have not been 
    faithful, you need to repent (Acts 8:22), 
    confess your unfaithfulness (1 John 1:9), 
    and pray for forgiveness (Acts 8:22).

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