July 30 | Disciples Are Always Disciples
2 Peter 1:12, “So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.”
Some people in the church wrongly believe that when the discipleship program ends that means discipleship ends. Not only that, but even some pastors believe that once they graduate Bible college or achieve success in the ministry they no longer need further training or accountability. However, Peter taught the exact opposite. In today’s passage he wrote to remind his disciples of the things he had already taught them. It didn’t matter how much his disciples knew or how successful they were, Peter was committed to reminding them of the basic things of God because he didn’t want them to forget them and rely upon the flesh.
On one hand, we as disciples should always be growing and be able to eat steak and not just suckle milk from a bottle. On the other hand, we shouldn’t act in pride and wrongly think we don’t need to be re-taught the Word of God and held accountable.
I can attest to being an avid student of the Word of God. As a pastor, I spend hours a day in private study of God’s Word. I have earned a Master’s Degree in Religious Education from a renowned seminary and have taught Biblical Studies on a college level. At the same time, I am also very much aware of my limitations and tendency to forget what I have already learned. I have to constantly go back over things to keep them fresh in my mind. Plus, I, like every other disciple, need to stay in accountable relationships with other pastors and leaders so that I don’t become self-deceived and led astray by the sinful desires of the flesh.
Each one of us has our own God-given strengths and fleshly weaknesses, thus God helps us to grow when we’re in relationship with each other. My personal strengths are boldness and consistency. Other leaders may have the strength of compassion and pastoral care. When we spend time together we can disciple one another and help each other grow in our walk with God. Warren Wiersbe wrote, “Nothing paralyzes our lives like the attitude that things can never change. We need to remind ourselves that God can change things. Outlook determines outcome. If we see only the problems, we will be defeated; but if we see the possibilities in the problems, we can have victory.”
I want to encourage you for the rest of your life to be in discipleship-based relationships with other disciples. Stay accountable, learn from others, be willing to change and always be open to godly correction. King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 9:8-9, “8 Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you; rebuke the wise and they will love you. 9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.” If you do these things you will be safeguarded against a lukewarm heart and an ineffective faith.
Reflection
Are you willing to be a life long disciple of Christ?
Action
- Repent if you have taken being Jesus’ disciple too lightly.
- Prayerfully consider the practical ways you can remain a disciple for the rest of your life, for example accountability, on-going classes, etc.
- Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to send you dedicated disciples to grow with.