Discipulado | Daniel Bosqued | 2017

Reflections on Discipleship

Understanding the Essence of Being a Disciple

• A disciple is defined as a follower who receives teachings from a master, aiming to imitate and become like them.

• The goal of discipleship is to resemble Jesus, which aligns with God's purpose for redemption and education according to Ellen White.

• Isaiah 14:13-14 illustrates Lucifer's desire to be like God, highlighting the difference between noble aspirations and sinful ambitions.

The Nature of Satan's Desire

• Satan’s rebellion stemmed from an inexplicable desire for power and status rather than true discipleship or character resemblance to Jesus.

• This obsession led Satan to organize a rebellion in heaven, taking a third of the angels with him, showcasing the dangers of desiring attributes without genuine faith.

The Distortion of Discipleship

• Genesis 3:4-5 reveals how Satan transmitted his distorted desire for god-like status to Eve, leading humanity into sin.

• There are two ways people can pursue discipleship: wanting to emulate God's character or seeking His power and status.

Misguided Aspirations in Discipleship

• Acts 8:9-11 recounts Simon the Magus, who sought power through false pretenses rather than authentic discipleship.

• Simon's desire for recognition reflects humanity's weakness towards adulation and status; he wanted the Holy Spirit’s power without understanding its true nature.

False Discipleship Examples

• Simon offered money for apostolic powers but lacked genuine connection with Jesus, indicating superficial motives behind his actions.

• In Acts 19:13, the seven sons of Sceva attempted exorcism using Jesus' name without knowing Him personally, illustrating misguided attempts at wielding spiritual authority.

Authenticity in Following Christ

• True discipleship requires knowing and loving Jesus rather than merely mimicking behaviors or seeking benefits associated with being His follower.

Peter's Restoration as a Model for Discipleship

• After denying Jesus, Peter needed restoration; this highlights that even those who falter can return if they genuinely love Christ (John 21).

The Core Question of Discipleship

• Ellen White emphasizes that love for Christ is essential; one cannot serve faithfully without it.

Personal Reflection on Motivation

• Individuals must examine their motivations for wanting to be disciples—whether it's service-oriented or self-serving desires such as admiration or salvation.

Intimacy with God as Key Element

• Genuine intimacy with God through prayer and scripture reading fosters authentic discipleship characterized by love and commitment.

Continuous Learning from Scripture

• Engaging deeply with texts like "The Desire of Ages" allows believers to understand Christ better and strive toward resembling Him authentically.

Unique Journey in Discipleship

• Each disciple has a unique path; comparisons among followers can lead to discontentment instead of focusing on personal growth in faith.

Following Christ Authentically

• Jesus instructing Peter not to rush ahead serves as a reminder that true following involves patience and reliance on Him.