BECOMING JESUS’ DISCIPLE
Eleventh of Kingdom Kids devotion series explaining Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.
Matthew 28:18-20: “Then Jesus came to them [eleven disciples, after Judas’ betrayal, Jesus’ death and resurrection] and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
“and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
God’s bottom line for His kids is NOT salvation.
Apostle Paul learned that and wrote in Philippians 2:12b, “continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
Salvation and sanctification are lifelong journeys.
Jesus commands that all be baptized. We rise from the water a new creation to follow Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Many Christian churches confirm young adults or provide instruction for people to learn why spiritual growth, or sanctification, [SANK-tif-i-ka-shon] is vital. “Working out salvation with fear and trembling” is serious business. We learn God’s Ten Commandments and memorize creeds that affirm our belief in the Father, His Son, and His Spirit. Speaking these creeds aloud proclaim our belief publically.
But being saved, baptized, sanctified and confirmed isn’t God’s bottom line for His kids.
What IS God’s bottom line for His kids?
God wants His kids to become disciples. After accepting Jesus’ offer of forgiveness of sin that He suffered, bled and died on the cross to achieve, we enjoy being adopted into God’s family. We’re grateful for His Spirit who lives inside all Christians so that we grow into Christ-likeness.
Sure, God created people in His image so that we could have a relationship with Him. Of course, God looks forward to our sharing eternity together face-to-face in heaven. Naturally, God loves to watch His church grow and enjoys our fellowship with other Believers.
God’s bottom line is that we become like Jesus.
Just like Aristotle became Plato’s disciple (see Jesus’ Double devotion), every Christian should become Jesus’ disciple. Becoming Jesus’ disciple is our purpose on earth. That is both our Father’s and Jesus’ bottom line.
Apostle Paul taught that working out salvation with fear and trembling is the single activity that grows Christians from infancy to spiritual maturity. Disciples bring every part of their lives under the LORDship of Jesus Christ … THEN teach others to do the same!
See the lesson linked below to learn more about being Jesus’ disciple.
Take Home Nugget
God’s bottom line transforms His kids from learning to doing. This fulfills Jesus’ “Great Commission” command from the opening Scripture.
Holy Father, Enable me, Your instrument, to attract others to Your Son, my LORD Jesus—in whose name I pray, Amen.
Adapted from a devotion by Dr. Tony Evans. February 16, 2018. Check out Alternative at www.LightSource.com
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