First Principles

Lesson 1

Lesson Text—Luke 14:25-28

Luke 14:25-2825 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them,26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he

cannot be my disciple.

Lesson Text—Luke 14:25-28

27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?

Lesson Text—Luke 14:29-32

Luke 14:29-3229 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is notable to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him,30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.

Lesson Text—Luke 14:29-32

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Lesson Text—Luke 14:29-32

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

Focus Verse—John 8:31

John 8:31 Then said Jesus to those Jews

which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye

my disciples indeed.

Focus Thought

The true disciple of Jesus reaches

a level of commitment that makes

cross-bearing a spiritual joy.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleCulture Connection

Commitment – the Measure of True Discipleship

The story is told of a fellow who was writing a love letter to his sweetheart. As he wrote of his love for her, he went to extreme lengths of language to describe his innermost feelings. He wrote poetically of how much he loved her more than anything, how he would go to any length to be with her, and how he would make any sacrifice

necessary to care for her.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleConcluding his letter he opined, “I’ll see you Saturday if it doesn’t rain.”

Commitment is an increasingly rare commodity in our culture today. Many people are quick to express their love for Christ and commitment to the church, but few are willing to demonstrate their commitment through their faithful actions.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleA true disciple of Jesus Christ is not

just a person who verbally expresses his devotion to Christ, but one who commits himself wholeheartedly to the cause of Christ. A disciple is one who will make any sacrifice necessary to follow and serve the living Lord—even death, if called upon to make that extreme sacrifice.

Making a total commitment to Jesus Christ is the foundation of true discipleship, and it is the basis of enjoying a joyful and fulfilling relationship with the Lord.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleContemplating The

TopicThe Greek word commonly

translated “disciple” (mathetes) appears more than two hundred times in various forms in the New Testament. Its range of meaning includes “disciple, pupil, and follower.” Since the word appears so many times in a variety of contexts, one cannot limit its significance to a narrow idea.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleRegardless of the context in which we find the word, it always refers to someone who is following and learning from another person. For the purposes of this lesson, we will examine what it means to be a follower, pupil, or disciple of Jesus Christ.

Jesus addressed the idea of discipleship in various ways. For example, He said to those Jews who believed on Him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-

32).

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleIt is evident that one who wishes to be a pupil or follower of another should continue to believe and obey the word of his teacher or master. To claim to be a disciple while rejecting and disobeying the words of one’s teacher conflicts with reason, is morally dishonest, and is potentially self-destructive—depending on the authority of one’s teacher.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleCertain qualities characterize those

who are disciples of Jesus Christ. For example, Jesus stated, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). It is not enough to embrace mentally the propositional statements of Scripture, even those made by Jesus. Discipleship transcends mental assent to the transformation of one’s behavior.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough Jesus connected discipleship with abiding in His word (John 8:31), He made it clear that discipleship is demonstrated by mutual love. A person cannot demonstrate discipleship merely by adherence to theological concepts, however true they may be.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleSearching The

ScripturesCharacteristics of a Disciple

Jesus’ relationship with those who followed Him reflected the first-century rabbi-disciple practice. John the Baptist also had disciples (Matthew 9:14) as did the Pharisees (Matthew 22:15-16).

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough the requirements Jesus made of His disciples and their reciprocal commitments went beyond the teacher-disciple relationships typical of the times, Jesus’ relationship with His disciples also included the common essentials.

Transparency 1

A. One Who Is Attached to a Leader

A. One Who Is Attached to a Leader

The Hebrew equivalent of the Greek mathetes (disciple) is limmud, which is related to talmid (“scholar,” see I Chronicles 25:8) and to Talmud, the Jewish oral tradition. The words used to describe a disciple indicate the focus on teaching and learning. As the Pharisees questioned the blind man who had been healed by Jesus, the man asked, “Will ye also be his disciples?” (John 9:27).

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleThey answered, “Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses’ disciples. We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is” (John 9:28-29). The ideas of learning and following may be seen here. Since the Pharisees knew God had spoken to Moses, they valued Moses’ instruction and sought to follow his teachings as they understood them.

I. Characteristics of a Disciple1. A Learner. The English word “disciple” is rooted in the Latin discipulus, which means “pupil” or “learner,” and thus captures the idea found in the Greek mathetes. According to the New Bible Dictionary, first century disciples or pupils “often adopted the distinctive teaching of their masters [and] the word came to signify the adherent of a particular outlook in religion or philosophy.”

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough Jesus had not been trained in the rabbinical schools and was thus not recognized officially as a teacher, He was considered to be a teacher by those who followed Him, and His followers were known as disciples. (See John 7:14-15; Mark 9:5.)

The Bible identifies Jesus several times by the Greek term rabbi, an honorary title signifying that a person was considered to be a teacher. (See John 1:38, 49; 3:2; 6:25.) On some of these occasions, His role as a teacher is clear.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleFor example, Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin, said to Jesus, “Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God” (John 3:2). When Jesus’ disciples puzzled over the cause for a man’s blindness, they asked Jesus, “Master [Rabbi], who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?” (John 9:2). They viewed Jesus as one who, as a teacher, could give them the answer.

Another Greek word that includes “teacher” in its range of meaning is kathegetes.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleJesus used this word three times, as recorded in Matthew 23:8-10, to identify Himself—the Messiah—as the only teacher. In this context, He informed those who heard Him that they should not accept the title “teacher” as a means of elevating themselves above their brethren like the Pharisees did.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleThe notes accompanying this passage in The Nelson Study Bible, NKJV, state this “principle [acceptance of titles] is not to be applied universally because these titles are used elsewhere in Scripture with no qualification or admonishment. . . . The hypocrites sought these titles for the prestige and power that went with them, and not for the purpose of using the positions to serve others.”

I. Characteristics of a Disciple2. A Follower. To be a disciple

involved not only studying under a teacher but accompanying that teacher on his travels. In ancient Greece, philosophers of the peripatetic (from peripatetikos, “the ones walking about”) school are said to have taught their disciples as they walked about. Although a related word is used of Jesus, it may be too much of a stretch to suggest His method of teaching was modeled after this pattern. (See Matthew 4:18.)

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleHe did, however, require His closest disciples to follow Him physically. (See Mark 1:16-20.) Women were also included among those who accompanied Jesus on His travels. (See Luke 8:1-3.)

B. Example of the ApostlesB. Example of the Apostles

Although Jesus had many disciples, He selected twelve of them to be further identified as apostles. (See Mark 3:13-15.) Some Greek manuscripts call this select group of twelve, “apostles”: “Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles” (Mark 3:14, NLT). The word transliterated “apostle” (apostolos) means “messenger.”

B. Example of the ApostlesAlthough all believers since the Day of Pentecost are empowered for supernatural ministry, the twelve, and later the seventy, were thus enabled during Jesus’ earthly ministry prior to Pentecost. (See Luke 10:1-20; Mark 16:17-18.)

II. Requirements of DisciplesRequirementsof Disciples

The relationship between Jesus and His disciples went beyond the ordinary teacher-disciple model seen in ancient Greece or even in the first century. The New Bible Dictionary indicates that to be Jesus’ disciple “involved personal allegiance to him, expressed in following him and giving him an exclusive loyalty.”

A. Must Make a Total Commitment

A. Must Make a Total Commitment

1. Leave All. Jesus declared, “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). The radical nature of this requirement seems quite harsh at first, even seeming to conflict with biblical ideals found elsewhere.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleThe Ten Commandments call us to honor our parents, and the New Testament reiterates this commandment. (See Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:2.)

Paul declared that men are to love their wives as Christ loves the church, and fathers are not to provoke their children to anger. (See Ephesians 5:25; 6:4.) Paul also said that to love one’s wife is to love oneself. (See Ephesians 5:28.) Surely the dictate of Christ presupposes a requirement to love one’s children.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough Jesus’ brothers did not believe on Him prior to His resurrection, He certainly did not hate them. Are we to hate our brothers and sisters? Does following Jesus require us literally to hate anyone? Jesus said that we should love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). What about hating our own lives?

Many cults have used Luke 14:26 to separate converts from their families, isolating them to exercise control over them. This completely misses the point of Jesus’ words.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough the New Testament was

originally written in Greek, it reflects the Hebrew background of the Jewish people. In biblical Hebrew, there is no word describing degrees of love. There is only ahab (love) and sane (hate). This does not mean that the ancient Hebrews understood nothing of the degrees of love or hate expressed in the modern English language, like fondness or distaste. However, it does mean that the precise meaning of these words is to be determined by the context in which they are used.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleWhen Jesus called on His disciples

to hate their families and their own lives, He obviously did not mean we are to hate other people in the way the word “hate” is used in the English language. As Jesus pointed out, the second greatest commandment is “thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39). This certainly includes loving our families. We should view Jesus’ use of the word “hate” in the sense of priority.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleThe essence of discipleship is

giving Jesus Christ first place. To “hate” one’s family and even one’s life is rhetorical. It refers to desiring something less than something else. This instruction was especially appropriate in Jesus’ day, since a decision to follow Jesus could mean rejection by family and persecution even to the point of death. Those who feared family disapproval or persecution would not come to Jesus (The Nelson Study Bible, NKJV).

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleNone of this discussion is intended

to minimize the radical nature of Jesus’ statement. In some cases, depending on family dynamics (i.e., when some members of the family believe on Jesus and others do not), it may be necessary to leave one’s family to follow Jesus. This does not mean that one should abandon his family simply because some family members are not believers.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleSome in the church at Corinth apparently thought they were justified in leaving unbelieving spouses, so Paul addressed this issue in his epistle to them. (See I Corinthians 7:12-15.) We know Peter was married, but in the context of Jesus’ discussion about the difficulty involved in the rich being saved, he said to Jesus, “Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee” (Mark 10:28). (See also I Corinthians 9:5.)

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleSince the context involves one’s willingness to abandon riches to follow Christ, Peter evidently was referring to the fact that Jesus’ disciples had left their livelihood and financial security to follow Him. Since Jesus visited Peter’s home and healed Peter’s mother-in-law, we should not interpret Peter’s statement as abandonment of family. However, Jesus’ answer indicates that some may be called to radical measures to follow Him. (See Mark 10:29-30.)

I. Characteristics of a Disciple2. Take up Cross. In His discussion

about the degree of commitment required of His disciples, Jesus continued, “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27). Although we usually interpret this figuratively, any understanding of these words must reflect their literal force.

A condemned criminal in the time of Christ would “carry the cross” (the horizontal beam) out to the site of the upright stake where he would be crucified, usually amid a jeering mob.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleNo one would choose this fate for himself, but Jesus called disciples to choose it and thus to hate their own lives by comparison with their devotion to Him.

For many first-century believers, martyrdom was a reality. If we have a global awareness, we can see that little has changed today. In their book titled By Their Blood: Christian Martyrs of the Twentieth Century, James and Marti Hefley report that more people were martyred for their faith during the twentieth century than during the

previous nineteen hundred years.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleDavid Barrett, editor of World Christian Encyclopedia, estimates that as many as 160,000 people are slaughtered each year for their faith in Christ. These regrettable facts underscore the reality of suffering for people of faith. They are, in the most literal sense, carrying their crosses. Jesus asserted that the world’s hate for His disciples would be at the same level as their hate for Him. (See John 15:18-21.) If we are identified with Him, people will respond to us in the same manner they respond to Him.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleJesus’ words in the Sermon on the

Mount inform us that Christians can expect persecution and they should respond with gladness and rejoicing. (See Matthew 5:10-12.) This may at first seem incredible. Why should we respond to suffering with gladness? Then we discover that to suffer for our faith not only identifies us with Jesus but also with all of those who have gone before us who have faced the hostility of an unbelieving world.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleIf we are suffering for our faith in

Christ, we are doing something right. If our faith is so anemic that Christ’s enemies take no note of it, we should be alarmed. If we suffer persecution by those who reject Christ, it probably indicates that our faith is genuine and robust. This puts us in the company of all people of faith, from Abel to the first-century Christians and even to the present day.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleIt is regrettable that this enmity

within families, which in one sense began with the first human family, is a continuing reality when some in the family believe on Christ and others do not. (See I John 3:10-13.) Jesus addressed this problem: “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAnd a man’s foes shall be they of his own household” (Matthew 10:34-36). This problem is not unique to those of us living in the time after Christ’s first coming. When Jesus made this statement, He drew from the writings of the prophet Micah. (See Micah 7:5-6.)

These kinds of biblical verses are not pleasant to read. We would rather not think about the possibility of suffering from any source, much less from our own family members that we love so much.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleWhy would anyone hate us for being Christians? Everyone should love us since we are more interested in their welfare and what is good for the world than we ever were before we came to know Christ.

There is a cosmic ongoing struggle between good and evil. We know the end of this struggle is already determined where Satan will be cast into the lake of fire. (See Revelation 20:10.)

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleIn the meantime, Satan continues to resist God’s authority, fighting against His purposes wherever he can, enlisting in his service as many as possible of those who reject Christ. Those who believe in Christ have victory over Satan, even to the point of casting out demons. (See Mark 16:17.) They can cause Satan to flee from them by resisting him. (See James 4:7.) However, this authority is in the spiritual realm. In the physical world, believers live side by side, perhaps even in the same house, with

unbelievers.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleEven Jesus lived with unbelieving siblings who mocked His mission. (See John 7:3-5.) His family members thought He was out of his mind. (See Mark 3:21.) Others claimed Jesus was possessed by the ruler of demons. (See Mark 3:22.)

Most of us would like to have the approval of those around us. No one wants to be rejected or misunderstood. Although we gravitate toward those who understand us and see things as we do, we must make a decision.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleIf we refuse to believe on Christ, that decision might please those who have also rejected Him. If we put our faith in Christ, we risk the disapproval of those who continue to reject Him. Which will it be?

B. Must Count the CostB. Must Count the Cost

In His continuing description of the decisions His followers must make, Jesus indicated that we must count the cost before forsaking all to be His disciple (Luke 14:28-33). His words of wisdom are requisite for any person of any era who wishes to complete any project successfully. However, they are significant far beyond the planning of construction projects or even engagement in war.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleBefore making the decision to follow

Jesus Christ, one should carefully evaluate the radical implications of the decision and be sure to make the level of commitment commensurate with its eternal consequences. A person cannot become a genuine disciple on a trial basis. In response to those who professed a desire to follow Him, but who wanted first to care for what they considered more pressing issues, Jesus observed, “No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”

(Luke 9:62).

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleJesus’ words about counting the

cost would have resonated with those who heard Him. “Several years earlier (ad 27) a poorly built amphitheater had collapsed, with approximately fifty-thousand casualties. The failings of inadequate or half-finished structures were well-known. The crucial point here, however, is the builder’s shame in a society obsessed with honor. Herod Antipas had recently lost a war with a neighboring Roman vassal, so the image of foolhardy war should be meaningful to Jesus’ hearers.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleJesus’ point . . . is that one must recognize the cost when one enlists as a disciple of Jesus” (The IVP Bible Background Commentary, New Testament).

C. Must Continue in His WordC. Must Continue in His Word

The word translated “continue” (meno) in John 8:31 includes within its range of meaning “remain, stay, abide.” To be Jesus’ disciple, one must continue to obey His Word. It is not enough to give mental assent to Jesus’ teachings, for one must translate assent into application. The transformation of one’s life demonstrates genuine assent.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleJesus’ use of the same word (meno)

in another context helps us to see what it means to continue or abide in His Word. It also helps us to see the reward of continuing in His Word. (See John 15:7-10.) To abide in Jesus’ Word does not produce a sterile, fruitless relationship. Instead, to abide in His Word empowers one’s prayer life and ultimately results in spiritual fruitfulness.

III. Recognition of DisciplesRecognitionof Disciples

How can one recognize the disciples of Jesus Christ? In contrast to other merely human associations, such things as secret handshakes, code words, special buttons, badges, or symbols do not set apart the disciples of Christ. Instead, the world recognizes His believers by the transforming power of their association with Christ.

A. By Their FruitsA. By Their Fruits

In discussing false prophets, Jesus pointed out the telltale significance of that which one’s life produces. (See Matthew 7:15-20.) Jesus further indicated that obedience to God’s will demonstrates the genuineness of one’s profession: “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21).

B. By Their Love for One Another

B. By Their Love for One Another

One of the specific commandments of Christ is that we are to love one another. In keeping with the idea that obedience to the will of God demonstrates true discipleship, Jesus declared, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35).

B. By Their Love for One Another

As important as this commandment is, it does not mean that to love one another is the only demonstration of discipleship. As a command of Jesus, this is simply one of the evidences that a person is truly His disciple. A believer must obey His other commands as well.

C. By Making DisciplesC. By Making Disciples

Jesus modeled the teacher-disciple relationship. Those who become His disciples are to reproduce His disciple-making ministry. In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His disciples to teach all nations. Specifically, they were to teach those things Jesus had commanded. To clearly see the disciple-making nature of our work, it is helpful to read Matthew 28:19-20 from the New Living Translation.

Matthew 28:19-20, NLT

“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and

the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this:

I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20,

NLT).

IV. Call to DiscipleshipCall to Discipleship

Jesus’ call to discipleship continues to go forth today. Each person must decide what he or she will do in response to His call. Are we willing to forsake all and follow Him? What is the alternative? His call is urgent, with both rewards and consequences. (See Matthew 7:24-27.)

IV. Call to DiscipleshipInternalizing The

Message

To be a true disciple of Jesus, one must be willing to make the radical commitment to leave behind all that would distract from this commitment. One must even be willing, if necessary, to face death for the sake of identifying with Christ.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleAlthough nothing tells us we are to seek estrangement from those we love or that we are to hope for martyrdom, a disciple will recognize both as genuine possibilities. This may seem strange to those of us who live in an environment of religious freedom, especially when that freedom carries with it vestiges of a Christian culture, but most whose faith is in Jesus today do not live in such environments. For many of them, a decision to commit to Jesus Christ is a decision that introduces suffering and rejection into their lives.

I. Characteristics of a DiscipleTo become a disciple of Christ is not to join a secret society. As in the first century, those who follow Jesus are to be known publicly. They are to be actively engaged in making other disciples. Although many may claim identity with Christ, His true disciples will be known by their obedience to His words, including His commands to love one another and to make other disciples for Him.