- disciple (Greek)
- a learner (from a root math, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor or discipline); In contrast to didaskalos, a teacher; hence it denotes one who follows or conforms to another’s teaching.
- disciple (Greek)
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- a learner i.e. pupil;
- one who follows another’s teaching;
- more than a pupil, also an adherent to the teaching and life of the teacher, hence spoken of as imitators.
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.
If you set out to do just about anything, you need a purpose. That purpose may be expressed or unexpressed. That purpose may be well thought through, or it may be a result of some whim or impulse of the moment. However, when that purpose will make a change in the lifestyle, eternal existence, spiritual rewards, etc. of yourself and others, that purpose had better be based on a good foundation, well thought through and true to the total teaching of the Word of God.
Purpose and goals are very similar. Both have many overlapping areas. Yet, they are very different in use, motive and accomplishment. In the English language, purpose is the ultimate goal that one strives to reach. Individual goals are the directives or accomplishments that move one on to fulfillment of the purpose or the ultimate goal. As a general rule, there should be a single purpose with many goals leading to the accomplishment of that purpose.
The difference in importance of a purpose over goals could be debated. Even though each may take on different intensity or significance as the spiritual race is planned and run, the two distinct but similar aspects of purpose and goals must work in harmony, if either is to have real value or substance.
The Biblical purpose of life cannot be fulfilled in one gigantic effort. That Biblical purpose is attained in many incremental steps or goals. However, the purpose will not be any more than pie in the sky by and by, unless a person has, or is striving for and reaching those incremental goals.
Our Bible translators didn't do us a favor when they translated the Greek words to English with purpose and goals. The English words they chose to represent the Greek words are almost reversed in meaning from the original.
As a general rule, when you find the word goal in your English translation, the original Greek word will have a very similar meaning to our English definition of purpose. Likewise, when you find the word purpose in your English translation, the original Greek word will have a very similar meaning to our English definition of goal. There is even more bad news! Therefore, I qualified all this with "as a general rule" with good reason. The translators do not always use the same English word for the same Greek word, and often they don't use either English word, but an entirely different word. Don't ask me why! You'll need to ask the translators.
The nice thing about the text of Scripture is that the context will usually keep you on track, even when human translators don't. I will try to point out some of these areas from time to time, and you can see what I mean. The Holy Spirit used several different Greek words and phrases to teach the subject of Biblical purpose and goals. Plus, in our normal conversation, we often interchange these words. With all those language road-blocks, it is difficult to teach the subject of Biblical goals and purpose. I will attempt do so anyway, and I will try to make it clear enough so that we can go away with a reasonable understanding of the two, and an application of goals and purpose to our present subject of holiness in discipleship.
In teaching this subject, I will try to use the English word of purpose to mean the ultimate mission or achievement. I will try to use the English word goal or goals as the incremental achievements that move one towards the ultimate goal or purpose. I said, "I'll try", but with the meanings of each so close to the other, and our general misuse of these words, I may slip up from time to time. However, if we keep our eye on the context of both what I say and the Scripture from which I draw what I say, I think we can keep our heads above water. At least I'm going to try.
Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended [had not completed the purpose]; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things [to the incremental goals]which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal [in the Greek, the ultimate goal or purpose] for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, [incremental step or goal. This is growth] let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Not only is this a classic passage on the subject of Spiritual goals and purpose, it also demonstrates the misuse of the word goal, and shows how the Holy Spirit uses other words and phrases to bring out His intended teaching of what we call Biblical goals and purpose. Let me show you a few more verses with the use and misuse of the word purpose. This is not an effort to downgrade the translators, but to alert us to the facts, so we will not be mislead in our thinking and actions.
Acts 27:12-13 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there. 13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, putting out to sea, they sailed close by Crete.
As you read the context of Acts 27, you will see that the ultimate purpose for this voyage was to arrive in Rome. They had been moving along in their voyage, reaching several of the incremental goals along the way to their ultimate purpose, that of arriving in Rome. In the passage before us, they were wanting to reach another of these incremental goals by wintering in a better harbor. So, when the wind blew from the south they thought they could set sail and reach the next stop on the way to the ultimate goal or purpose of getting to Rome. Therefore, the English word purpose used here would not indicate the ultimate achievement, but an accomplished or incremental step along the way to that ultimate achievement.
Ephesians 1:11 in whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,
Ephesians 3:9-11 and to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; 10 to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11 according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
These two passages give us a contrast in the use of the English word purpose when compared to the passage in Acts. Some might contend that the purpose of Ephesians 1:11 could be speaking of some part of God's ultimate purpose. In that case, it would be incremental. Be that as it may, the use of the word purpose in Ephesians 3:11 and modified by the word eternal would, without question, establish the fact that it is referring to God's ultimate purpose, though God's ultimate purpose may not be spelled out within this verse. All that just so we will be alert to the fact that there are some things or goals that the Believer is to reach for so that in the process of reaching these incremental steps, the ultimate purpose of God for mankind can be achieved.
Now back to our passage:
Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended [Had not completed the purpose]; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things [to the incremental goals] which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal [in the Greek, the ultimate goal or purpose] for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, [incremental step or goal. This is growth] let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Paul, as he approached the end of his life, said that he still had not reached the ultimate purpose of God for his life. In light of that fact, Paul said he did several things, all of which are important. For now, let's focus on just one of those things that demonstrate our subject of goals and purpose.
Paul says he continued to reach forward to things or incremental goals that were ahead of him. Besides this important task of achieving those incremental goals, there was even a greater purpose in what he was doing. By reaching forward to the things (plural) that were ahead of him, Paul was moving on to the ultimate goal or purpose of God in Christ Jesus.
By keeping his eyes and concentration on the ultimate call or purpose of God, and not looking back, it kept Paul from taking a wrong turn in this race. Then Paul applies these truths to each and every Believer. He also tells us that how a person responds to this teaching will demonstrate their spiritual maturity.
In the process of Believers reaching for and attempting to achieve this ultimate purpose of God, they are to live or walk at the level of spiritual growth they have already attained. In other words, they are to walk according the goal and rule of the incremental achievement, but keep on walking, don't look back! It is absolutely necessary that every Believer walk at the Spiritual level they have attained. Believers should not attempt to walk according to the degree of Spiritual maturity that some other Believer has reached. That is called hypocrisy, and it stops Spiritual growth right in its tracks, and starts that imitating Believer on a fast slide to carnality in Legalism or License.
It is equally important that Believers do not look back to where they were. We are not to look back in the sense of longing for or being taken with an earlier stage of spiritual growth. We usually walk in the direction we're looking. If we are looking back, we will soon be walking in that direction, or at least by looking in that direction, it will cause us to turn from or be diverted from the path leading to the next goal. This truth was pointed out by the account of the saints of faith registered in Hebrews 11.
Hebrews 11:13-16 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. 15 And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. 16 But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
These saints of faith saw the promise of a homeland afar off, and they walked in the direction they were looking. If they had turned their looking, thinking and longing back to where they had been, they would have lost ground and returned to where they were looking. But they didn't look back! Their desire was forward.
Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, and He has prepared for them what they were looking for. Based on your conduct, could it be recorded that God is not ashamed to be called your God?
Back to Philippians 3 for one more thought. Look again a v.16
Philippians 3:13-16 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended [Had not completed the purpose]; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things [to the incremental goals] which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal [in the Greek, the ultimate goal or purpose] for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, [incremental step or goal. This is growth] let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind.
Some Believers are at one level of growth and others are at another. We aren't plaster saints, and we don't all fit in the same physical, emotional and psychological mold, but all Believers are to be growing saints changing for the better, in that they are to be fashioned like Christ in their conduct and attitude.
That means that each Believer in the Body of Christ is at a different level in this race or spiritual growth, and that's Ok. It's not Ok for a Believer to stay at that level. If you are at the same level of Spiritual growth this year as your were last year, you're in real spiritual trouble. It's not Ok for any of us, as Believer, to stay at the level of growth we have now attained. We are to walk according to the spiritual level that we have already attained, and by so doing we will be moving or growing into the next level.
Sad to say, some Believers have not moved ahead in this spiritual race for years. One of the reasons for this stagnation of Spiritual growth is that some Believers have slipped into one, or a combination of the four basic false religions.[legalism, license, liberalism, ascetiscm]
Another reason some Believers have stopped growing, and even reversed their Spiritual growth is that they have little to no understanding of what Spiritual growth means or how to go about growing Spiritually. Some have equated Spiritual growth with working in the church, and what they accomplish by that service. Others have equated Spiritual growth with how much money they give. Still others equate Spiritual growth by the worldly things they don't do, and the religious way they talk. There are some who equate Spirituality by how much Biblical information they know, or think they know.
All of those things can be evidences of the growing process, but none of these are Spiritual growth, nor do these things produce Spiritual growth. anything humans can do by their own strength is not Spiritual growth. However, when Believers have Spiritual growth, that Spiritual growth will be demonstrated through physical evidences.
2 Corinthians 4:1-7 Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart. 2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us.
In this passage, the Holy Spirit is addressing the subject of the light of gospel that was in the face of Jesus Christ. It was the glory of God v.6. This same light has been placed within the life of Believers, and by God's power of creation can be made to shine out through the lives of Believers in the same manner it shone in the countenance of Christ. That may not be emotionally titillating, and it may not satisfy the human curiosity as to who the Anti-Christ will be, but let me tell you, that's deep Spiritual truth. To understand the depth of this truth, our lives must be in tune to Holy Spirit, Who is the only One who can teach the deep things of God.
Job 11:7 Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
1 Corinthians 2:10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.
If out lives are not in tune with the Holy Spirit, with sin confessed and removed from our lives, then these deep things of God cannot be understood. Believers with known and deliberate sin in their lives will not understand these deep things, but these deep things of God will seem foolish or trivial to that Believer.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Therefore, may I encourage you to pause right now, and make sure your relationship with Christ is what it should be, and that you are walking in the Spirit. If both are not true in your life, you will be wasting your time trying to understand this deep Spiritual truth of the glorious gospel of Christ shining through you to a lost world. Instead, you will think that these truths are insignificant or shallow. Remember, Paul, said the way we respond to this teaching will demonstrate our spiritual maturity! Let me show you just a little of what the Holy Spirit said about the Spiritual depth of this subject
Ephesians 6:17-19 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints-- 19 and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,
Paul's, writings have a lot to say about this mystery. This mystery is referred to by several titles. Here, it's called the mystery of the gospel. It's not a mystery because God wanted to hide it from us, but because it was not know in other ages. Some of the reasons it was not known, was that more of God's Eternal Plan had to be accomplished before they would have the needed supporting information to understand. Plus, the Old Testament saints did not receive the Holy Spirit as their indwelling teacher.
1 Corinthians 2:4-8 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
We can't detail this right now, but please notice that this wisdom is seen in Believers as a demonstration of the Spirit and of power. It is the mystery that was in God even before the ages of time began, and it is for our glory. That would be another subject of great depth to look at someday.
Colossians 1:24-27 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Let's see, the glory of this mystery that was hidden in God from before the ages, is Christ in the Believer, the hope of glory, that sounds a little bit like 2 Corinthians 4 in which the glory of God that was in the face of Jesus Christ has been put into Believers, who are called earthen vessels in that passage. This mystery was in God even before He created the worlds and the ages began. Part of this mystery is seen by the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus while He was on this earth. That same glory of God has been placed within each Believer, and we by God's power are to allow that glory to shine through our lives and conduct.
Folks, we are studying the Spiritual mystery of all Spiritual mysteries. These subjects are at the very heart of the Gospel. It is one reason, and maybe the reason God created the worlds. It is the reason Christ came to the earth. It is the reason God will reclaim the earth from Satan's grip and set up His kingdom. What we are studying now is the reason for a lot of other things in the Bible, also. The Biblical material we are studying is important, and it is some of the deepest of the deep things of God. Of course, Satan would just love for Believers to think that the process, by which the holiness of God is demonstrated in the conduct of the Believer, to be non-essential and shallow spiritually. In that way, Believers won't have to be concerned about sin in their lives, and holiness in their conduct.
1 Timothy 3:8-11 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be proved; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.
1 Timothy 3:14-4:1 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
When a Believer takes these things lightly, it's a serious matter. When a Believer discredits this gospel to other Believers, it's more than serious. May God help us to see the importance of these things, and then by God's grace may we apply them to our everyday life.
Ephesians 5:6-7 Let no one deceive you with empty words [saying it's Ok to do the things of the world], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 10 proving what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ecclesiastes 12:10-14 The Preacher sought to find acceptable words; and what was written was upright--words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads, and the words of scholars are like well-driven nails, given by one Shepherd. 12 And further, my son, be admonished by these. Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
Job 28:28 And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.'