Introduction

In Acts 11:26, we read, “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” That means that for about the first 10 years of church history, Christians weren’t called Christians. What were they called? The word disciple, or the plural, disciples, is used 274 times in the New Testament. Let me be clear, not all of these 274 occurrences refer to Jesus disciples. Sometimes it refers to The disciples of John and of the Pharisees “The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. Then they came and said to Him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?" (Mark 2:18 NKJV) Sixty-one times the disciples are called saints. Three times, the word Christian is used. The first one we have already noted. “And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:26). In Acts 26:28, we read, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." Finally, Peter says: “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.” (1 Pet 4:16 NKJV)

I don’t want anyone distracted by our comments thus far. We are not saying that it is wrong to call ourselves Christians, but we would like to hear what the Bible says about being a disciple. The word translated could have been translated: “a learner, i.e. pupil:--disciple.” I would add one more related thought: a follower.

Body

I. What are the requirements for discipleship?

A. Jesus must come first in our lives. No second place.

(Luke 14:26 NKJV) "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

B. We cannot let ourselves get in the way.

(Luke 14:27 NKJV) "And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

C. Jesus has said that we must be willing to forsake all to be His disciple.

(Luke 14:33 NKJV) "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

1. The message is that of sacrifice and self denial.

2. It is quite the opposite of what we often see today.

John F. Kennedy stated it in a remarkable way, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but rather ask, What can I do for my country.”

3. We have come to live in a “me first” world. What can the church do for me? -- What programs do you offer.

4. We often forget the teaching or our Lord: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

(Acts 20:35 NKJV) "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

D D. In general, Jesus asked extreme allegiance.

(Mat 8:19-24 NKJV) Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." {20} And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." {21} Then another of His disciples said to Him, "Lord, let me first go and bury my father." {22} But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

II. Expectations of a disciple.

A. A. We will not be above our master.

(Mat 10:24-26 NKJV) "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. {25} "It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! {26} "Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.

B. B. We are to make other disciples.

(Mat 28:19-20 NKJV) "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, {20} "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

C. What are the disciples to do?

(Mat 28:20) "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

D. A disciple is one who is disciplined.

dis·ci·pline:

1 : PUNISHMENT
2 obsolete : INSTRUCTION
3 : a field of study
4 : training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or moral character
5 a : control gained by enforcing obedience or order b : orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior c : SELF-CONTROL
6 : a rule or system of rules governing conduct or activity

Webster-Merriam Dictionary.

III. What about discipline?

A. Paul spoke of the need of discipline so that we might win the race.

(1 Cor 9:24-27 NKJV) Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. {25} And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. {26} Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. {27} But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

B. The Hebrew writer speaks of the need of discipline.

(Heb 12:11 NKJV) Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

(Heb 12:11 NIV) No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

We live in a day when we seem to be more concerned about unruly hair than unruly kids or people. If you’re having “a bad hair day” that is really serious. What about a day when you or your kids are being unruly?

C. I think Jesus summed up much of what we have said this morning in these simple words:

(Mat 6:33 NKJV) "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Conclusion

I. Are you a disciple of Christ?

II. But why suffer for Christ?

(Rom 8:16-17 NKJV) The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, {17} and if children, then heirs; heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.

III. Is your life right with God?

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