Subject: True Disciples
by Rick Welborne
Proverbs 3:5-10 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
8 It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones.
9 Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.
John 21:15-19 (NLT)
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.” “Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.
16 Jesus repeated the question: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” Peter said, “you know I love you.” “Then take care of my sheep,” Jesus said.
17 A third time he asked him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Then feed my sheep.
18 “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.”
19 Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
--Three weeks ago we looked at the parable of the dead tree and hopefully, many of you were ministered to by Holy Spirit and the Word. Last week we were ministered to by the Grants…going thru the storm.
--Today I want to look at those who were closest to the Lord…those who ate with Him, traveled with Him, ministered with Him, and those who spent three years with Him.
--How we can relate to the disciples are those of us, who have been saved by Him, who have been baptized in Holy Spirit, who have served Him for 20, 30, 40 years or even more.
--The disciples were pretty much going on with their normal lives and one day Jesus shows up and changes everything. He calls them to be His disciples and they willingly follow.
--We too were living our lives separated from Jesus and His Kingdom…many of us were bound by habits, alcohol, drugs, inappropriate relationships but all of us bound by our sin and lost. We all needed Jesus.
--Can you imagine with the disciples, being called by this miracle worker Who walks around healing people and setting those free who were oppressed by the devil. It was cool and powerful!
--Just think of God empowering you with Holy Spirit to go out and heal people, seeing them set free from whatever bondage they were in…I remember the personal joy of being in His Kingdom and sharing with others.
--The disciples immediately began to think of the promises of the coming Messiah and what His Kingdom would look like, especially with them sitting at His right hand and His left.
--Images of Jesus sitting on His throne, Him ruling over the Romans who had oppressed them for so long, and them sitting beside Him in majesty and power…how cool would that be.
--Many of us may have come into God’s Kingdom so glad to be freed from sin and bondage and have an idea of coming glory in our lives. Maybe we came up in churches that convinced us everything would be well. Easy.
--There has been a false gospel preached that says once you receive Jesus…you would be healthy, wealthy, and free from the trials of this life…Can I say “It ain’t so!” Life happens to all of us…good and bad. Storms come!
--Today we will look at the concept or reality of being a true disciple. Many go from feast to famine because they misunderstand what being a disciple for Christ means. Let’s look at three concepts: out, in, and thru!
1. True disciples are brought “out” of all their problems.
--Really? Many people come into the Kingdom of God thinking that if I simply receive Jesus that all will be well…their bodies healed, their finances turned around, their family reconciled, and storms turned away.
--I think preachers are much to blame for this because we do not share the reality that Jesus will save you and write your name in the book of life but sometimes life may be tumultuous and simply difficult. So much pain.
--I think many people stop reading the chapter in the Bible that talks about the heroes of faith because the beginning sounds much better than the ending…Listen to the report.
Hebrews 11:33-39 (NLT)
33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.
36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons.
37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.
38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
33 By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.
35 Women received their loved ones back again from death. But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection.
36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons.
37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.
38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised.
--We see the disciples being disappointed where Jesus was leading them. Again, they thought that serving the Messiah would be glorious and even glamorous…can’t wait to show those Romans.
--They followed Jesus (not listening to Him – we are not reading the Book) He spoke of being crucified and rising on the third day but all they could see was Jesus delivering them out of all their problems. Ruling!
--The night Jesus was arrested, all these fair weather followers, deserted Him and went into hiding. Afraid!
--Where was the bold apostle Peter who was going to follow no matter what?
Matthew 26:33-35 (NCV)
33 Peter said, “Everyone else may stumble in their faith because of you, but I will not.“
34 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, tonight before the rooster crows you will say three times that you don’t know me.“
35 But Peter said, “I will never say that I don’t know you! I will even die with you! “ And all the other followers said the same thing.
33 Peter said, “Everyone else may stumble in their faith because of you, but I will not.“
34 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, tonight before the rooster crows you will say three times that you don’t know me.“
35 But Peter said, “I will never say that I don’t know you! I will even die with you! “ And all the other followers said the same thing.
--Even after Jesus’ resurrection and as He was about to ascend to heaven the disciples were asking…is this our time to come out of all these problems…is this Kingdom time?
Acts 1:6-8 (NKJV)
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"
7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
--Even the angel had to ask them, why do stand here gazing up into the heavens…get your heads out of the clouds and do what Jesus told you to do because He is coming back someday!
2. True disciples are helped “in” all their problems.
Romans 8:31-39 (NKJV)
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.
35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
36 As it is written: "For Your sake we are killed all day long; We are accounted as sheep for the slaughter."
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,
39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
--These things (31)…what things… tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword…death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing can separate us…I guess He helps “in” our problems.
--We want God to take us out of all of our problems and sometimes He does but most of the time He sustains us “in” all these things. Think about Jesus – He was crucified…”In” to your hand I commit my Spirit.
Andrew: Martyrdom by crucifixion.
Bartholomew (Often identified with Nathaniel in the New Testament): Martyrdom by being either beheaded or flayed alive and crucified, head downward.
James the Greater: Martyrdom by being beheaded or stabbed with a sword.
James the Lesser: Martyrdom by being thrown from a pinnacle of the Temple at Jerusalem, then stoned and beaten with clubs.
John: Died of old age after they tried killing him in boiling oil.
Jude (Often identified with Thaddeus in the New Testament): Martyrdom by being beaten to death with a club.
Judas: Suicide.
Matthew: Martyrdom by being burned, stoned, or beheaded.
Peter: Martyrdom by crucifixion at Rome with his head downwards.
Philip: Martyrdom.
Simon: Martyrdom by crucifixion or being sawn in half.
Thomas: Martyrdom by being stabbed with a spear.
--What we spoiled Americans forget is that this life is only a vapor (James) that appears for a little while and then vanishes away. This life is not all there is for us who love Jesus. We suffer in a storm without comfort!
--Jesus said, “In” this world you will have tribulation but be of good cheer, I have overcome this world. Jn 16.
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NIV)
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.
17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
--“In” our living Jesus is there, “in” our dying Jesus is there, “in” our suffering Jesus is there, “in” our loss of loved ones Jesus is there, “in” our lack Jesus is there, “in” our storm Jesus is there. “In” all our stuff He is there.
--Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Heb.12) and realize He is with us “in” all these things…Remember what Jesus does “in” you, is more important than what He does for you.
3. True disciples are brought thru all their problems.
I've had many tears and sorrows
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong
I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
'Cause if I never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've had questions for tomorrow
There've been times I didn't know right from wrong
But in every situation
God gave blessed consolation
That my trials only come to make me strong
I've been a lot of places
And I've seen so many faces
But there've been times I've felt so all alone
But in that lonely hour
In that precious, lonely hour
Jesus let me know I was His own
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
So I thank God for the mountains
And I thank Him for the valleys
I thank Him for the storms He's brought me through
'Cause if I never had a problem
I wouldn't know that He could solve them
I wouldn't know what faith in His Word could do
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to trust in Jesus
I've learned to trust in God
Through it all, through it all
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Yes, I've learned to depend upon His Word
I've learned to depend upon His Word
Proverbs 3:5-7 (NKJV)
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
--Trust Him and He will direct you through!
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