GO YE THEREFORE
By John C. Carpenter
Matthew, also known as Levi, a Jewish tax collector called by Jesus to follow Him,
wrote, ...the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they
worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go
ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them
to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:16-20).
In
verse 18 above, the word power is translated from the Greek word exousia, which means authority, capacity, jurisdiction, power, priviledge,
right, and strength. In verse 19, the word go is translated from the Greek word poreuomai, which means to traverse, travel, depart,
go forth, or take a journey. In verse 19, the word teach is translated from the Greek word matheteuo, which means to become a pupil,
to disciple, enroll someone as a scholar, or to instruct. Also in verse 19, the word nations is translated from the Greek word ethnos,
which means a race, a tribe, a foreign non-Jewish one, heathen, or people. Also in verse 19, the word baptizing is translated from
the Greek word baptizo, which means to make whelmed or fully wet, a ceremonial ablution, or to subject to the ordinance of Christian
baptism. Because His heavenly Father had given Him the authority, jurisdiction, and right, Jesus commanded His disciples to travel
out into the world to teach and baptize all races and tribes. Specifically, God the Father had given him authority to execute judgment
also, because he is the Son of man (John 5:27). Biblical scholars refer to Christ sending His disciples into the world as the great
commission. According to the scriptures, every Christian is also given this commission, this command to go, to teach, disciple, and
baptize all peoples and races throughout the world.
CHRIST WAS TOLD TO GO
Jesus Christ was told to go. The scriptures instuct
us, Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for
fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto
them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you:as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:19-21). Jesus told His own disciples that He was sending them, just as His
Father in heaven had sent Him. We also read in John chapter 17, These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said,
Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he
should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God,
and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent (John 17:1-3). Paul taught the idea of God sending His Son: when the fulness of the time was
come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the
adoption of sons (Galatians 4:4-5).
The apostle John, one of Jesus' original twelve disciples also referred to Christ being sent:In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through
him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).The scriptues clearly teach us that God the Father sent Jesus to seek and save: the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which
was lost (Luke 19:10).
CHRIST TOLD HIS DISCIPLES TO GO
We also see that Jesus Christ chose, purposed, instructed, and sent
His own disciples unto the nations. As we saw in our subject verses, Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto
me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world (Matthew 28:18-20). The scriptures also instruct us, Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when
the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them,
Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw
the Lord. Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you (John 20:19-21). Clearly,
Jesus explained to His disciples that as His heavely Father had sent Him to the world, He was commanding them to go out into the world.
In
the book of Matthew, Jesus not only told His disciples to go unto the world, but gave them very specific instructions for their journey.
The scriptures enlighten us, These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into
any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The
kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely
give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor
yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and
there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it:
but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you (Matthew 10:5-13).
Scriptures also tell us, Now as he walked by the sea
of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And Jesus said unto them, Come
ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he
had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him (Mark 1:16-20).
Simon, and his brother Andrew, James, the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, were also told to go by Jesus. After His death and
resurrection, Jesus instructed His disciples, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. And when he had said
this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost (John 20:21-22).
PREACHERS ARE TOLD TO GO
Clearly,
God the Father, Christ His Son, and the Holy Spirit choose ministers according to God's will to go and preach and spread the word
of truth, the gospel message [not a reference to the scriptures], throughout the world. In Romans, we know that faith cometh by hearing
and hearing is the result of the moving and operation of the Holy Spirit. As Paul asked believers in Rome, how shall they preach,except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings
of good things! (Romans 10:15). Individuals come to faith in Christ because preachers and teachers are called and told to go by the
Holy Spirit. Referring to being sent by Christ to preach the gospel, John Mark wrote, After that he [Christ] appeared in another form
unto two of them [of His disciples], as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither
believed they them. Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness
of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned (Mark
16:12-16).
Christ's apostles in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach [the gospel message] Jesus
Christ (Acts 5:42). Paul also instructed Timothy to go and preach the gospel message of Christ and salvation through faith in Him:I charge therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;Preach the word [Greek, logos, a reference not to the bible or scriptures, but to the word of truth, the gospel message, and Christ;
see Ephesians 1:13 and Colossians 1:5]. For more on the word of truth, see TCH Mini-Study 36, Thy Word Is Truth, and TCH Article,
The Word Of Truth, The Gospel; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2
Timothy 4:1-2).
In Acts of the apostles we read, the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming
thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word [of
truth, the gospel message about salvation through faith in Christ] with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily,
whether those things were so. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred
up the people (Acts 17:10-13). Additionally, we see that Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the [gospel] word
of the Lord, with many others also (Acts 15:35). After Christ ascended into heaven, the eleven disciples went forth, and preached
every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word [the gospel message they were preaching] with signs [miracles, tokens,
and wonders as evidence of the truth of the gospel] following (Mark 16:20).
Finally, Paul, a disciple, referred to his own calling
to minister and preach the gospel of Christ when he wrote the church in Colossae, Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation
of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil [Greek, pleroo, to make replete, furnish, execute, verify, to make full, or to fully
preach] the word [Greek, logos, Christ and His gospel message] of God; even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations,
but now is made manifest to his saints: To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles;
which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present
every man perfect in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:25-28).
THE COSTS OF GOING
Jesus instructed eleven of His disciples, Go
ye therefore, and teach [Greek, matheteuo, to cause to become a pupil, to disciple, to enroll as a scholar, or instruct] all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matthew 28:19). If teaching means to disciple, what
are the biblical, behavioral, and life costs of being a disciple and discipling others?
First, as teachers and disciples, we
are to observe all things whatsoever I [Christ] have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world (Matthew
28:20). Because the commands Christ gave His disciples are extensive, we shall mention just a few important ones. Those who would
be disciples should repent of their worldly sins, expecially their rejection of Jesus and the fact that He is the Christ and Son of
God (Mat 4:17), are commanded to follow Jesus, and let Christ mold them into fishers of men (Mat 4:19), as well as to rejoice when
persecuted for the sake of righteousness (Mat 5:12). Disciples are also instructed to shine their light of the gospel message by displaying
their good works before men, to honor God's law by fulfilling it (Mat 7:17-19), and be reconciled to others before offering sacrifices
(Mat 5:24-25). Disciples are to love their neighbor as themselves (Mat 19:19), to not judge others but to instead forgive (Mat 7:1-5),
and to pray and seek God's kingdom first (Mat 6:33). Disciples are also instructed to be perfect [spiritually mature or complete in
labor, growth, mental and moral character] (Mat 5:48), to give generously without counting the cost (Mat 6:21), as well as observe
obediently all of Christ's commands (Mat 28:20).
Second, the disciple must deny himself, his own needs or desire, and love and
prioritize the person and will of Christ above all other things, including family, wife, husband, and friends; including all earthly
desires. Luke taught, If any man come to me, and hate not [Greek, miseo, detest, and by extension and context to love less] his father,
and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:26).
The disciple's priority must change from all about self to all about Christ.
To be worthy, the disciple must value Christ and
His will above all else in this world, including family and friends: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of
me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (Matthew 10:37).
Next, being a disciple requires ourcarrying of our own cross (Mat 16:24). Taking up our own cross means that we can expect to encounter suffering, persecution, and hardship.
The disciple of Christ must daily strive to endure such sufferings. As Jesus taught his own disciples, If any man will come after
me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will
lose his life for my sake shall find it (Matthew 16:25). Following Christ as one of His disciples requires us to lose our own lives
and will [symbolically, or possibly literally].
A disciple of Christ is also required to love other believers and disciples of
Christ. Look what Jesus taught: A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love
one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:34-35). The apostle and
disciple John taught, We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother
abideth in death (1 John 3:14). Later, John adds, this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ,
and love one another, as he gave us commandment (1 John 3:23).
To be a disciple also means that we must obediently, completely,
and immediately follow Jesus wherever he goes and wherever He leads us: Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon
called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I
will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him (Matthew 4:18-20).
In being a disciple of
Christ, we must also remember that some of the words and commandments of the Lord are hard to understand and accept, and that, therefore,
not all disciples shall continue to faithfully follow Christ to the end. We read, Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard
this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? (John 6:60), and that From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked
no more with him (John 6:66). Becoming and staying a disciple of Christ is a difficult life, which many turn away from.
As a
disciple, we can be assured that the world will not only resist us, but hate us; and hate us mightily. John warned, Marvel not, my
brethren, if the world hate you (1 John 3:13), whereas Jesus teaches us, If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it
hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of
the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:18-19). Believers will be hated simply because they are not of this world. Believers
are diferent, and will not be accepted by those who are worldly.
In our discipling, we must not only be gentle in our imparting
of the gospel to others whom we are also to love, but be willing and eager to give of ourselves personally. Paul specifically taught
the Thessalonian church, we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: So being affectionately desirous of you,
we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us (1 Thessalonians
2:7-8).
The disciple must also avoid looking back to the past. He or she must continue to move forward. Isaiah taught, Remember
ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old (Isaiah 43:18), while other scriptures remind us, No man, having put
his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God (Luke 9:62). Paul clearly taught the believers in Philippi,Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching
forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians
3:13-14). According to Christ, disciples who long for the past are not fit for the kingdom.
Also, the disciple must never forget
that he is in a war, and the battle is not worldly, but spiritual: the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God
to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of
God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience,
when your obedience is fulfilled (2 Corinthians 10:4-6). Paul also reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places (Ephesians
6:12).
Those who disciple must also expect to have to endure grief, especially undeserved grief. As Peter reminds us, For this
is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief [Greek, lupe, sadness, grievous circumstances, grudgingly, or with
heaviness or sorrow], suffering [Greek, pentho, to experience a painful impression, or be vexed] wrongfully [unjustly]. For what glory
is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it
patiently, this is acceptable with God. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example,
that ye should follow his steps (1 Peter 2:19-21).
The disciple must also always remember that any victories we may have in discipling
are not of our own strength and ability, but any victories come only from God. For example, Paul wrote the church in Corinth, thanks
to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always
abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:57-58). Later,
Paul added, thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us
in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish (2 Corinthians 2:14-15),
as well as, Paul also wrote to believers in Rome we are more than conquerors through him that loved us (Romans 8:37).
The disciple
must also strive to have diligence, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity, for
these things pertain to life and godliness. An eyewitness to Jesus' ministry, the apostle Peter wrote to those who have received a
faith as precious as ours, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through
the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that
by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this,
giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience;
and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you,
and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:3-8).
The
disciple should also know and consider the cost before volunteering to fight. Clearly, Jesus warns the multitudes around Him,and all
potential disciples, For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have
sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to
mock him,Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth
not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else,
while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of
you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:28-33). Up front, the disciple of Christ must be willing
to forsake all for the cause of Christ.
Another cost of discipling is that the disciple must also be willing to let go of all
worldly objects, including wealth and trust in God's provision. Jesus, again, warns, So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh
not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple (Luke 14:33).
Lastly, the disciple of the Lord must be willing to suffer as a
good soldier for Christ, realizing that he or she will experience opposition. Paul encouraged Timothy, the things that thou hast heard
of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness,
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who
hath chosen him to be a soldier (2 Timothy 2:2-4). Our focus must be on pleasing Christ, who has chosen us to be a faithful, determined
soldier. The costs of discipling are significant, but the reward is even better.
TOLD TO GO, AND THEN DO WHAT?
Christ commanded
His disciples Go ye therefore, and teach [Greek, matheteuo, to cause to become a pupil, to disciple, to cause to learn, to enroll
as a scholar, or to instruct].all nations. So, if we are to teach, disciple, and help others to learn, we can and should ask, what
it is that we are to disciple, teach, and do? Christ was told to go, Christ's disciples were told to go, and we are also told to go.
But once we have been commanded to go, and we decide to be obedient to the Lord and go, we must be wondering what are we to do when
we go? We need to know what is the purpose of our going, and what are we attempting to accomplish when we do go. What does discipling
really mean, and involve? Let us review a few answers to this question.
First, discipling means instructing others to repent
of their sins, especially any unbelief in Christ, and begin to believe the gospel message. John Mark, an early Christian associated
with both Peter and Paul, wrote, Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom
of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel (Mark 1:14-15). Paul
clarified the specifics of the gospel for the Corinthian church: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached
unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto
you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our
sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. And thathe was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part
remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all
he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:1-8). For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether
we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and
revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living (Romans 14:8-9). Preaching and teaching about the gospel is essential for
the disciple of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans
1:16). God the Father's free gift and offer of salvation is only available through believing the gospel of Christ.
Disciples
of Christ must also teach, and encourage, those they are discipling to have faith in God and Christ, for without faith it is impossible
to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews
11:6). We must not only believe that Christ is, but to seek Him, because He rewards those who diligently seek Him. Paul also taught
the elders in Ephesus, I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words
of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Those who disciple should also support the
weak and needy, realizing that it is more Godly and blessed to give than to receive.
The apostle Paul discipled Timothy, Paul's
dearly beloved son and fellow apostle in Christ, I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the
quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word [of truth the gospel message]; be instant [stand, be present] in
season [when opportunity presents itself], out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching
ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables (2 Timothy 4:1-4). When one disciples, he
or she, as Paul exhorted Timothy, should preach the gospel of Christ and His Kingdom, reprove and rebuke as necessary those being
discipled, exhort those who need encouragement, suffer with patience, and teach only sound doctrine. Paul taught Timothy, and all
servants and disciples of the Lord, how to be a vessel unto God's honour, sanctified, meet for the master's use, and prepared unto
every good work. He wrote, in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some
to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet
for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that
oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves
out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will (2 Timothy 2:20-26). The honorable disciple of the Lord must
avoid youthful lusts, follow righteousness, faith, charity, and peace, and avoid foolish questions. He or she must also be gentle
unto all men, eager to teach by communicating, patient, and in meekness instruct those who oppose themselves and God.
The disciple
must not only personally bear fruit, but must also teach others that God's will for them is to bear good fruit. From the beginning,
bearing fruit has been and is God's desire. His will for His creation is Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas,
and let fowl multiply in the earth (Genesis 1:22). Paul instructed the Colossian believers to walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing,being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10). Specifically, the believer in Christ
is to produce the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11). Next, the disciple must not only have hope within himself, but
teach others to have hope in God as well: For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth
out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: thathe that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope (1 Corinthians 9:9-10).
The
disciple must also teach those he disciples to love. Jesus taught His own disciples That ye love one another; as I have loved you,
that ye also love one another (John 13:34). Paul exhorted the Corinthian church, Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith,
and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Paul instructed the church in Rome, Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another (Romans
12:10), as well as the church in Thessalonica, as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are
taught of God to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The apostle spoke with plain words: By this shall all men know that ye are
my disciples, if ye have love one to another (John 13:35). Discipling apart from love is no discipling at all. The apostle Peter wrote
the church in Ephesus, Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not togive thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto
you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know
what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness
of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him
from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places (Ephesians 1:15-20). As did Paul, those who would disciple
should earnestly give thanks for those they are discipling, praying for them, and strive to give them the spirit of wisdom and revelation
in the knowledge of Christ. Disciples should also strive to explain the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance, the greatness
of his supernatural power which manifested wrought in Jesus Christ.
Similarly, John also taught those he discipled the connection
between eternal life and knowing God and Christ: this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ,
whom thou hast sent (John 17:3). Disciples of Christ should teach this, as well. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonian believers, we
read, For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the
living and true God; And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath
to come (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10). The disciple of Christ must also encourage those being discipled to turn to God from idols, to serve
the living and true God, and to watch for and wait for His Son to come from heaven, who hath delivered all believers from the wrath
of God to come.
Again, Paul never failed to teach those he discipled that Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for
it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church,
not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish [Greek, amomos, without fault or spot,
faultless, or unblameable] (Ephesians 5:25-27). Discipling involves teaching others that Christ loved the church [which is all believers],
gave Himself for it, sanctified and cleansed it, in order to present it to Himself holy and without blemish.
FAITH COMETH BY
HEARING
When ministers are told to go, and are sent by God the Father, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, there is an inevitable fruit,
and a great fruit at that: faith. For example, the apostle Paul wrote the church in Rome these words regarding being sent and the
fruit of faith: For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon
him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?
and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach,
except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings
of good things! But they have not all obeyed [hearkened to, be obedient to, respond to] the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath
believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God [Rom 10:12-17].
In verse 17 above, many
believe, in error, that the word refers to the scriptures, or bible. They interpret these scriptures to mean that faith is the result
of hearing the word, or bible [as they refer to it] preached. In truth, individuals do receive faith from reading and hearing the
bible preached, but in the context of our subject verses, this word is translated from the Greek word rhema and does not refer to
the bible, but to the operation of the Holy Spirit. As Paul teaches here, salvation is the result of calling upon the Lord, calling
upon the Lord is the result of believing, believing is the result of hearing, hearing is the result of preaching, and preachers preach
because they are sent by the word [Greek, Rhema, the movement, operation, and working of the Holy Spirit]. The bible does not send
men to preach – the Holy Spirit does. The result of the Holy Spirit sending men to preach is, of course, faith. God's teaching here
is clear - faith cometh by hearing the preaching of the gospel, and hearing followed by the development of faith is based upon the
movement, speaking, and workings of the Holy Spirit, who sends men to go and preach.
THE FRUIT OF GOING
Since the operation
and purposes of the Holy Spirit are behind ministers being told to go and preach the gospel message, the expected outcome is what
bible scholars refer to as the fruits of the Spirit. Writing to the church in Galatia, the apostle Paul clearly listed the fruits
of the operaton of the Holy Spirit: the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness,
temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we
live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another (Galatians
5:22-26).
As we have mentioned, another fruit of the working of the Holy Spirit is the development of faith, or belief. Scriptures
clearly connect the relationship between being told to go and the development of belief in others.
For example, the apostle Paul
was sent by the Holy Ghost (Acts 16:6-10), he preached (Acts l7:3), and some of them [who heard the preaching of Paul] believed (Acts
17:4). Phillip was sent by the angel of the Lord (Acts 8:26), he preached unto him Jesus (Acts 8:35) and the man of Ethiopia answered
and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37). The Holy Ghost said, separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work
whereunto I have called them (Acts 13:2). Barnabas and Saul were sent forth by the Holy Ghost (Acts 13:4), preached the Word of God [a
reference to the gospel message and not the bible] in the Synagogues of the Jews (Acts l3:5), and the deputy, when he saw whot was
done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine [teaching] of the Lord (Acts 13:12). As a final example, Paul and Barnabus were sent (Acts
l3:2), published [preached] the Word of God [the word of truth, the gospel message] (Acts 13:49), and a great multitude both of the
Jews and also of the Greeks believed (Acts 14:1). Clearly a biblical concept, hearing the preaching and teaching of the gospel message
results in belief and faith in God.
When apostles, prophets, evangelists, preachers, and teachers are sent by God the Father
through the operation of the Holy Spirit, good things will happen. Being told to go will produce good fruit – the fruit of the operation
and movement of God's Holy Spirit. If we truly desire to make a difference in the Kingdom of God, we should seek God and ask Him to
send us according to His will and purposes. Scriptures guarantee that we shall then bear good fruit, the fruits of the Spirit, and
the fruit of faith and salvation. Christ understood this concept when He said, Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded
you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. The question is, will we be obedient and go? In obedience, will
we go therefore, and bear much good fruit. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
“A Psalm of David. Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they
shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land,
and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way
unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy
judgment as the noonday”
(Psalms 37:1-6).
"Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him
that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Woe unto him that saith unto his father, What begettest thou?
or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come
concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my
hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded"
(Isaiah 45:9-12).
"Hereby perceive we
the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth
the love
of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed
and in truth"
(1 John 3:16-18).
