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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!
C. Living an "Extreme" Lifestyle
D. Experiencing Extreme Opposition (From Those Who Are Not Disciples)
Teachings from the Sermon on the Mount - Matthew 5:1-2. [See also parallel passages in Luke, etc.]
Who is/isn't blessed - Matthew 5:3-12, Luke 6:20-26.
Being visible (as a disciple) and having an influence on others - Matthew 5:13-16./P>
Obeying the law in an undistorted manner, and from the heart - Matthew 5:17-20, 48. [See Matthew 5:21-48 for specific examples.]/P>
Having religious activities that please God (rather than people) - Matthew 6:1. [See Matthew 6:2-18 for specific examples.]
A radical shift in focus - Matthew 6:19-24.
A radical shift in trust - Matthew 6:25-34.
Dealing with one's own sins before dealing with other's sins; restraint both in "uninformed judging," and restraint in judging those who prove themselves unworthy of it (v. 6) - Matthew 7:1-6.
Expecting God to take care of your needs; ready to help others with their needs - Matthew 7:7-12.
Complete devotion to "the way of life" - Matthew 7:13-14.
Complete vigilance against false teachers and fruitlessness - Matthew 7:15-23.
All of one's life built upon the foundation of Christ's words -
Matthew 7:24-27.
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.
"No rest" in following Jesus - Matthew 8:19-22.
Carrying one's cross/counting the cost - Mark 8:34-38. [See also Luke
14:26-35, below.]
Greater devotion to Jesus, than to self/family/spouse - Luke 14:26-35.
Considering Jesus as one's closest relative (and demonstrating it by
one's actions) - Matthew 12:46-50.
Greater devotion to God than to riches/possessions - Matthew
19:23-26; Mark 10:23-27.
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.
Being a follower of Christ in the true sense of the word "Christian" - Acts 11:26.
[See also the section below, about the extreme opposition a disciple
may receive, from those who are not disciples.]
Being a "harvest worker"; making other disciples -
Matthew 9:37-10:1; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20.
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.
Sacrificially giving to God, each according to ability - Mark
12:43-44; Acts 11:29.
Praying without giving up/quitting - Luke 18:1.
Joy in persecution; faithful to God in the midst of hardships - Acts 13:49-52; Acts 14:21-22.
[Non-disciples will often oppose disciples, because disciples
are willing to do things such as those listed here.]
Eating with "sinners"; no attitude of superiority (humility
and love, instead) - Matthew 9:10-13; Luke 5:30-35.
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.
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.
Being on guard against false teachers - Luke 12:1; Luke 20:45.
Dennis Hinks © 1994