Disciple in Action

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Disciple in action

How do we live our lives in the light of Christ being the centre of our lives? We engage with God through prayer and word and allow that engagement to inform our relationships. Then our lives are transformed and what appears on the outside reflects Christ in the Centre.

Jesus walks with disciples through glade

What does the Bible say about the inner life of a disciple? -

Christ Centre - Galatians 2v20
Obedient Christian - John 14v21
Love - John 13v34-35
Prayer - Colossians 1v9-10
God's Word - 2Timothy 3v16-17

Christ Centre

Galatians 2v20

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Questions for reflection or discussion

What is the focus of the life of a disciple?
What life situations and choices lead to this attitude of trusting in the Son of God?

Thoughts to consider

We do not choose our crosses. We tell Jesus we are ready to trust him and a little while later choices will arise where we have to choose between our old way or Jesus’ way. It is when we prayerfully follow Jesus’ way that we will have been crucified.

Obedient Christian

John 14:21

“Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

Questions for reflection or discussion

What does Jesus ask of us in this verse?
How are love for Jesus and following his way so linked?

Thoughts to consider

Jesus summed up his commands as love God and love people. The way of Jesus is one of love. As we follow him, our life becomes an expression of his love.

Love

John 13v34-35

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

Questions for reflection or discussion

What does Jesus ask of us in our relationships?
Why would our love for others demonstrate that we are disciples more than other means such as words?

Thoughts to consider

A way to approach this is to read one of the gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke or John) considering Jesus as a man who loved. Then ask the question, how could I love others like this?

Prayer

Colossians 1v9-10

So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.

Questions for reflection or discussion

What did the writer, Paul, pray for in the lives of the Colossians?
Why would the prayer offered here lead to the results Paul is expecting?

Thoughts to consider

This is a good prayer to pray for yourself and those you care about. It is engaging with God and giving him permission to work in us to change us to be his kind of people.

God's Word

2 Timothy 3:16-17

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

Questions for reflection or discussion

What does the Bible claim about its origins?
How does God use the Bible in the lives of those who read and study it?

Thoughts to consider

When a person reads and accepts the Bible God uses it as a way of helping that person to see their life from God’s point of view. It is an opportunity for change and becoming like Jesus.

Overview question for reflection or discussion

Which of these lifestyle choices would you estimate you have made the most progress in?
Which one item could you most realistically improve on? How would you do that?

Thoughts to consider

Jesus moves disciples from where they are to the next step. He is not looking for instant perfection. He is looking for a humble heart that will be taken the next stage. Discipleship is a lot more about going with Jesus than it is about what one has achieved.