YBible Thoughts Y

November 8, 1998

The root word that is translated disciple carries the idea of a learner. It also denotes one who follows another's teaching(Vine). The Christian can be defined as one who learns the will of Christ and follows his commands.

The Christian is a continual learner all of one's life. This also makes one a continual follower of the Lord in order to remain a disciple. In order to follow, it is necessary for one to learn. The learning is supplied by the word of God and applied to the daily life of the disciple.

Far too many believe that religion is something that takes place inside the building at a few services during the week. For the disciple, one realizes the importance of following the will of Christ each day, whether one is at services, at work, at play, or at home. Being a Christian(disciple) is a full-time occupation.

Learning to live in a world that seems to be given to the practice of ungodliness each passing day, the disciple needs the tools to face the powers of Satan. Those tools are supplied by the word of God and the application of righteous principles in all phases of one's life.

Disciples belong to God by right of purchase. Paul said it well, "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me; and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me"(Galatians 2:20). Satan continually works to void that purchase. Not a few fall into his trap and begin to live their lives, not for the one who died for them, but for themselves. Ceasing to learn and follow the Lord, they drift back into the world, being captured by the attractiveness of sin. Such drifting can be avoided by continuing to learn and follow,

The dedicated disciple will seek ways in which to increase the learning and expand one's spiritual growth. Recognizing that a disciple needs the spiritual food supplied by the word of God, the companionship of other disciples, and a dedication to the life of a Christian, such disciples grow into mature servants of the Lord.

Disciples fortify their faith not only by personal study, but by taking advantage of other opportunities to grow. They realize the need to study with others, to worship with others, and to fellowship with others. Such disciples will take advantage of all opportunities for spiritual growth, from the regular services of the congregation to the special efforts(as meetings). The dedicated Christian knows that he needs the help and association of other disciples to grow in the Lord's service.

Joseph of Arimathaea was a unique individual. A person of influence as indicated by his ability to claim the body of Christ and lay it in the tomb. Joseph had been "secretly" following Jesus, but after the crucifixion, "boldly" approached Pilate. This person of "honorable estate," who was "looking for the kingdom of God," proved his discipleship by his actions and devotion to Jesus Christ. It Joseph lived in our time, would he show the same level of dedication when it comes to the ways of Jesus Christ? The answer is obvious. Let there always be the Josephs who will step forward to learn and to follow in the paths of the one who died for each of us.

The opportunities for learning and following the Lord's path are available to each one of us: whether it be in regular attendance to all services, living with our families each day, going to work, acting as a Christian while playing(entertaining), or any other of life's activities.

Joseph was useful in the Lord's service and did what he could. Every disciple can do the same.