Discipleship

[dwh]

This is a genuine question. I'd like to ask that we have an in depth study of this. This is something I have struggled with, and would like some help. I guess it's more for the Christians on the forum, but I ask that if anyone has advice in this they share it. Thanks

What does it mean to be, not just a Christian, but a disciple of Jesus?

What verses in the Bible talk about this?

I have found that if I keep my eyes toward God then I tend to do better than if I let my attention get pulled away to other things. I have also found this to be very difficult. How do you keep your eyes toward God, toward the life you should live?

Thanks again,
Dave

[Rick]

Good topic.

A great illustration of keeping your eyes on Jesus is given by Peter. The Disciples were out on the Sea of Galilee in a storm and saw Jesus walking on the water, Peter got out of the boat and also walked on the water......

...."But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God." [Matthew 14:30-33]

As long as Peter kept his eyes on the Lord, he was walking on the water. The instance he took his eyes off of Jesus and began to notice the wind and waves, he began to sink.

[dwh]

Thank you Rick, absolutely incredible example, straight from the Bible. Exactly the way I feel.

When I turn my eyes from God even for an instant, I start to sink.

With everything going on in the world today how do you keep your eyes on God 24/7.

[Rick]

;D

If it weren't so painful, I might have LOL'd at the thought of me keeping my eyes on Jesus 24/7.

My experience is exactly the same as your's and Peter's: When I take my eyes off of Jesus, I begin to sink immediately.

Lately, first thing when I wake up or when tempted to sin, I imagine myself putting on the armor of God from Ephesians 6. *

Reading the Bible and prayer is our mainline of defence.

edited to add:

Another thing that we have to remember is that we can't do it on our own steam; we have to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit to resist the temptations of the world. Paul the Apostle couldn't do it. Romans Chapters 6, 7 and 8 talk about the process of discipleship (especially Romans 7:14-8:2).

My brother-in-law always says "When the devil comes knocking at the door, ask Jesus to answer it."

[bookwormom]

Here is a psalm for you and as soon as I remember the number I will let you know.
Every morning first thing,
Lead me Lord, lead me in your righteousness, make thy way plain before my face . for it is thou Lord, thou Lord only that makest me dwell in safety.

[bookwormom]

PS, I think that is supposed to be plane, like in straight, clear, easy to recognize