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Being a Disciple - Something "Extreme"

(At least from the perspective of those who aren't disciples)

 

 This is a compilation of some of the verses that are connected with the word "disciple." In some instances, you may have to look in the context of the verse, to get the full significance of what is being taught. Of course, much more can be learned about discipleship, by looking at the rest of the New Testament!


A. Given "Extreme" Teachings:

  1. Teachings from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-2. [See also parallel passages in Luke, etc.]

  2. Being told "secrets" about the Kingdom, and being given the ability to comprehend them - Matthew 13:10-17; Mark 4:33-34; Luke 10:23-24.

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B. Having "Extreme" Devotion:

  1. "No rest" in following Jesus - Matthew 8:19-22.
     

  2. Carrying one's cross/counting the cost - Mark 8:34-38. [See also Luke 14:26-35, below.]
     

  3. Greater devotion to Jesus, than to self/family/spouse - Luke 14:26-35.
     

  4. Considering Jesus as one's closest relative (and demonstrating it by one's actions) - Matthew 12:46-50.
     

  5. Greater devotion to God than to riches/possessions - Matthew 19:23-26; Mark 10:23-27.
     

  6. Holding to Jesus' teachings - even those that offend most people; a continual devotion to them - John 8:30-32; John 6:60-71; Acts 19:9-10.
     

  7. Being a follower of Christ in the true sense of the word "Christian" - Acts 11:26.

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C. Living an "Extreme" Lifestyle:

    [See also the section below, about the extreme opposition a disciple may receive, from those who are not disciples.]
     

  1. Being a "harvest worker"; making other disciples - Matthew 9:37-10:1; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20.
     

  2. A love that results in action and fruit; love to others that makes itself known (is not hidden); good deeds even to the least of Jesus' disciples - John 13:34-35; John 15:1-17; Matthew 10:42; Acts 9:36.
     

  3. Sacrificially giving to God, each according to ability - Mark 12:43-44; Acts 11:29.
     

  4. Praying without giving up/quitting - Luke 18:1.
     

  5. Joy in persecution; faithful to God in the midst of hardships - Acts 13:49-52; Acts 14:21-22.

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D. Experiencing Extreme Opposition (From Those Who Are Not Disciples):

    [Non-disciples will often oppose disciples, because disciples are willing to do things such as those listed here.]
     

  1. Eating with "sinners"; no attitude of superiority (humility and love, instead) - Matthew 9:10-13; Luke 5:30-35.
     

  2. Not participating in symbolic rituals, when inappropriate; not exalting external rules above people (not "sacrificing" people for the sake of ceremonial rules); emphasizing the "heart" as being more important then the "externals" - Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:15-28; Luke 6:1, etc.
     

  3. Not enforcing man-made rules that have been exalted above Scripture; not allowing man-made rules to be an excuse for sin - Matthew 15:1-14; Mark 7:1-8.
     

  4. Being on guard against false teachers - Luke 12:1; Luke 20:45.

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Dennis Hinks © 1994