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DISCIPLESHIP: Cross Bearing & Chastening Proves Our Sonship. Jesus commanded His disciples across the centuries with what may be called the heartbeat of true Christianity. Today we begin our 2nd lesson as Christ’s disciples. Lesson Two is cross-bearing. What more fitting time to examine the cross and its implications upon Christ’s children then at the Table where we remember He gave Himself for us on a Cross of wood.
All true disciples are Christians. All true Christians are disciples, but not all Christians act like disciples. You see salvation begins the walk of Christ in us and assures the completion of that walk in Heaven. But living out that high calling to be Christ’s disciples is a life long series of Spirit prompted choices. The key is the reality of cross-bearing. When Jesus said that those who follow Him as disciples are to take up their cross and follow Him, what did He mean? The meaning we will find defines the very essence of true Christianity.
How important is cross-bearing? Think back to Christ’s final words we call the Great Commission. Jesus told His disciples and us who follow to teach His disciples (converts to Christ) all things He commanded. So Christ commanded cross-bearing. What happens if we donāt?
Hebrews 12:6-9 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.ā 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons.9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live?
See the way God works?
-Saved, obeying, abounding or
-Saved, disobeying, chastening or
-Unsaved, disobeying, no chastening, illegitimate.
Without what Jesus commands we might end up with grace without judgment, love without justice, salvation without obedience, and triumph without suffering.