Page 23 - In His Image

Why the need for disciples..
Disciples are ones who are honored by Christ, because they have chosen to follow

Him. They understand that to follow Him we must imitate Him. A disciple is an
imitator of Christ Jesus... one who does what He does, for the same reasons,
desiring the same results.

Four
Luke 14:33 "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple."
If one cannot give up all earthly desires, all those things that the world defines as
precious and dear, one cannot be a disciple of Christ. One must have the ability, by
yielding to the Spirit of God that indwells him, to walk in Philippians 4:19, "And my God
shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” An interesting
and telling exegesis of this verse is that we are to love our husbands and wives,
brothers and sisters, but not so much that they hinder us from following, obeying
and serving Christ. If we are to be called a disciple, then this important and defining
concept must be operative in our lives and ministries. Matthew 6:33 clearly defines
priorities, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these

things shall be added to you." A disciple understands this priority and allows it to
dictate his choices, desires and actions.

Why the need for disciples... Disciples are ones who forsake their desires for those
of the King and His kingdom, and do it with joy and gladness.

Five
Matthew 12:49-50 "And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said 'Here are My
mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and
sister and mother."'
His followers are even closer to Him than His natural family and closest relatives.
His disciples took the place of His earthly family. They had believed in Him (John
2:11). Now by the blood of the cross, even gentiles are brought close and made
"fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19)
Disciples are members of God's family. In the Greek, "member" is translated
sumpolites, a fellow citizen. We are "fellow citizens" of the kingdom of God. As
members of God's kingdom, disciples are entitled to the rights and privileges of the
Kingdom. What earthly kingdom has a constitution and set of bylaws penned by

In His Image 15