This study was first taught on October 28, 2009

Topic: The Marks of a True Disciple (2)

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Background
Last week we saw that one of the major marks of a true disciple is that he or she is always where the Master is, and when He calls or sends, the true disciple heeds. We thus concluded that true discipleship has costs attached that must be considered not with a view to avoiding being with the Master or being sent by Him. Rather, the need to count the cost of discipleship is to enable the disciple be determined to press forward in the things of the kingdom of God, whatever the cost.

Tonight, we will be considering the second mark of a true disciple, which has to do with the real essence of who a disciple is. May the Holy Spirit teach us what we need to know about true discipleship, in Jesus� name, Amen.

Scripture Text(s)
Matthew 5:1-2

The second mark of a true disciple derives from the second verse of our scripture text: �And He opened His mouth and taught them �� Thus, a true disciple is one who is taught by the Master. There is a need to differentiate between teaching and preaching; as well as what is required for a true disciple who must be taught by the Master.
Matthew 4:17; Isaiah 28:9-16; Hebrews 5:12-14; Acts 19:9-10; Matthew 9:35; Acts 28:31; James 1:21; Luke 10:38-42; 8:35; John 8:31-32; Matthew 13:10-17; James 1:21-25; Proverbs 13:13; Matthew 7:24-27.

Conclusion
Besides yielding to the call of the Master, the true disciple must be yielded to the teachings of the Master. There is a difference between preaching and teaching, though both must be practiced in the church of God. Preaching is proclaiming, heralding, spreading, or publishing the good news about the kingdom of God, and is useful in bringing people into the kingdom of God. Teaching, on the other hand, involves giving instruction and training those who have been brought into the kingdom of God (through preaching), the things of righteousness. Teaching is intense and focused on building up the young believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, the things of God. It is a process and involves devoting time and energies in learning spiritual truth. Teaching is what brings the young believer to the place of spiritual maturity.

The disciple is expected to be deeper in the things of God than the multitude, and so the Master devotes time and energy with His disciples, and expects him or her to reciprocate the commitment. He or she must therefore have a teachable heart, and must not just hear the word of God, but must also put it to practice in his or her everyday life. Indeed, the disciples are the ones who are called Christians (Acts 11:26).

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