The Story of Jesus Requirements to His Disciples (Lesson 47)
Introduction:
1. To grow in the knowledge of Christ as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18, we must search the Scriptures (John 5:39). 2. In His teaching Jesus gave a number of requirements to His disciples. 3. In this lesson we are examining six specific requirements recorded in Luke and John.
Discussion:
I. THREE REQUIREMENTS FOR JESUS' DISCIPLES RECORDED IN LUKE
A. (Luke 14:26) Jesus requires His disciples to "hate" certain people. 1. To properly understand this requirement we must realize that the Bible: a. sometimes uses the word "hate" in the sense of despising someone (Genesis 27:41) b. also uses the word "hate" in a comparative sense (Genesis 29:30-31). 2. From Matthew 10:37 we learn that Jesus requires His disciples to love Him more than anyone else, including those closest to us. B. (Luke 14:27) Jesus requires His disciples to bear our crosses and to come after Him. 1. "Bearing one's cross" refers to any burden that must be endured on behalf of Christ. 2. In addition to denying self, each disciple must bear his cross "daily" (Luke 9:23). 3. The Lord will bless those who make sacrifices on His behalf (Luke 18:29-30). C. (Luke 14:33) Jesus requires His disciples to "forsake" [renounce] all. 1. Jesus requires His disciples to give up whatever interferes with serving Him. 2. The rich young ruler failed to comply with this requirement (Luke 18:18-23). 3. Paul succeeded in complying with this requirement (Philippians 3:7-8).
II. THREE REQUIREMENTS FOR JESUS' DISCIPLES RECORDED IN JOHN
A. (John 8:31-32) Jesus requires His disciples to "continue" [abide] in His Word. 1. Failure to abide in the Lord's Word is a serious offense (2 John 9a). 2. A special blessing is available to those who abide in the Lord's Word (2 John 9b). B. (John 13:34-35) Jesus requires His disciples to love each other. 1. Jesus' example is to be imitated. 2. His love is described in John 15:12-13; I John 3:16. C. (John 15:8) Jesus requires His disciples to bear much fruit. 1. Bearing fruit is essential (John 15:2). 2. Bearing fruit includes activities such as doing good works (Colossians 1:10), developing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and leading others to Christ (Romans 1:13). 3. Bearing fruit is a lifelong responsibility (Psalm 92:14a).
