Apostles are Followers of Christ First
Apostles are Followers of Christ First
By Ricardo Butler
Do you want to know who makes the best leaders? Followers. And the same is true for Apostles. Do you want to know who makes the best apostles of Christ? Disciples of Christ!
If you are called to be an apostle, then be prepared to learn how to be the best follower. One can never truly become an apostles without becoming a fully committed disciple of the Lord. This is one of the many signs of an apostle. They truly are followers of Christ.
But What IS a Disciple?
The definition of disciple defined by the Greek word shows disciple to mean:
? A learner, pupil, one who follows one's teaching
? Adherants (someone who believes and helps to spread the doctrine of another; a person who follows or supports a leader, cause, idea, etc.; follower) of Christ.
? Those who manifest that they abide in Jesus' Word
? Those who believed upon Jesus and confessed Him
? Imitators of their teachers.
These are the Greek definitions of the word disciple. But how does the Word of God DEFINE a disciple of Christ?
While there are many verses that mention disciple(s) or talk about the concept indirectly about what a disciple is, these verses below are my top favorite Scriptures that Biblically define what a disciple is.
1. A Disciple ABIDES IN and KEEPS GOD'S WORD, TRUTH, AND WISDOM!
"Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on Him, If you continue in My Word [the Word of God], THEN are you MY disciples indeed; And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32).
THIS is HOW JESUS HIMSELF KNOWS that you are HIS disciples! Putting God first, which is the first of the Great Commandments is the first sign of a true follower and potential apostle of Christ.
2. A Disciple LOVES AS CHRIST LOVES!
"A NEW commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; AS I HAVE LOVED YOU, that you also love one another. By THIS shall ALL MEN know that you are MY disciples, if you have love one to another." (John 13:34-35).
Second, love tells PEOPLE who Christ’s disciples are. Since we are talking in the context of apostleship, the fellowship and unity of apostles with one another as well as with the other elders or five fold ministers of the church sets the example for all others in the Body to follow. Once the Body sees you united with other apostles and church leaders then they will follow you. And once the Body follows, then the world (ALL MEN) shall know that the church is truly of God and that Christ is who He says He is!
Examine an important verse:
“He that says, I know Him, and keeps not His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.” (1st John 2:4).
Verse 5 speaks about people who claim to be followers of Christ—to “know Him”—but who neither keep the commandments nor have “truth” in them. The world is filled with professing Christians who claim to “know Jesus in their heart” but who have no interest whatsoever in understanding the true doctrines of the Bible. Now, focus carefully on Christ’s words:
“But whoso keeps His [Christ’s] word; in him [IN that person] verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in Him.” (1st John 2:5).
Real love cannot be perfected in those who are NOT keeping Christ’s Word—the truth. The true love of God is only perfected in people who ARE doing this! Remember John 8:31. God’s servants must “continue in” or “keep” God’s word.
The Greek word for “keep,” tereo, means “to watch or to guard (from loss or injury) by keeping the eye upon … to detain in custody.” Will you determine to keep the truths of God’s Word in your “custody”? Will you then be prepared to “guard” it from “loss or injury”? Are you becoming convicted about keeping your “eyes” continually upon it? If so, then you will later be “sanctified” by that Word of truth.
"Sanctify them through Thy [God's] Truth [Jesus is the TRUTH]: Thy [God's] Word [Jesus is the WORD] is Truth [Jesus is the TRUTH]." (John 17:17).
Only in this way can you first become and then remain Christ’s disciple! Remember! Truth is the umbrella that stands over love. Love springs from truth—not the other way around! It is no coincidence that Matthew 22:37-39 says, “love your neighbor as yourself,” after the verse says, “love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Certainly, none who reject God or His truth love Him. Therefore, genuine love for “neighbor” will also be absent.
3. A Disciple LOVES HIS ENEMIES!
"Ye [all of you DISCIPLE (see verse 1)] have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor [in the Law of Moses], and hate thine enemy [in a Psalm of David]. But I say unto you, LOVE YOUR ENEMIES, bless them [your enemies] that curse you, do good to them [your enemies] that hate you, and pray for them [your enemies] which despitefully use you, and [your enemies which] persecute you; that ye [all of you disciples] may be THE CHILDREN of your Father which is in heaven: for He [God loves His enemies by] maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and [God loves His enemies by] sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye [all of you disciples] love them [your friends, those like you, or those who are like-minded] which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye [all of you disciples] salute your brethren [your brothers and sisters in Christ--the Church] only, what do ye [all of you disciples] more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye [all of you disciples] therefore perfect [by loving your enemies], even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect [as He loves His enemies]." (Matthew 5:43-48).
True disciples of Christ love their enemies, therefore those who are being called to the apostolic ministry must love their enemies as well.
4. A Disciple BEARS MUCH FRUIT that GLORFIES GOD!
"Herein is [This is how] My Father [is] glorified, that ye [all of you] bear much fruit; so shall ye [all of you] be My disciples. Remember the Word that I said unto you, The servant [disciples] is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you [you disciples]; if they have kept My saying [teaching, doctrine (the future apostles’ doctrine)], they will keep yours [saying, teaching, doctrine] also." (John 15:8 & 20).
The primary ministry of a disciple and of course an apostle is to BE FRUITFUL and bear much fruit. The fruit of the Spirit is LOVE! And produce the fruit and character of love in the lives of others is another true sign of an apostle we will talk more about in another upcoming message.
5. A Disciple WILL BE PERSECUTED!
"Yea [Yes, Surely], and ALL that will [that desire to] live godly [devoutly, spiritual, holy, and set apart as a disciple] in Christ Jesus SHALL SUFFER PERSECUTION [afflictions]. But EVIL MEN AND SEDUCERS [Gk: wicked men and swindlers/impostors (fake Christians); Christian in name only and not fruit] SHALL WAX [grow] WORSE AND WORSE [or go from bad to worse], deceiving [those who follow them], and being deceived [by those who are blind guides over them]." (2nd Timothy 3:12-13).
God’s people must recognize and never forget that a real disciple's path is not easy or pain-free, especially if you are called to be an apostle. However, if our ways please Him, God will continually give blessings and growth. This becomes a sign to us of His happiness and pleasure with us. When blessings, fruit, growth, and suffering persecution are continually lacking, God is not pleased! We know—either way. This is another sign of an apostle!
6. A Disciple COUNTS THE COSTS AND PUTS GOD BEFORE ALL!
"If any man come to me, and hate not [Gk: 'love less in comparison'] his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren [brothers], and sisters, YEA, AND HIS OWN LIFE ALSO, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. And whosoever DOTH NOT BEAR HIS CROSS, AND COME AFTER ME, CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE.
“For which of you, intending to build a tower [builds a house, ministry, business, family, apostolic center, or a church], 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 [he sends an apostolic team], and desireth conditions of peace.
“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that FORSAKETH NOT ALL THAT HE HAT, HE CANNOT BE MY DISCIPLE. Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear." (Luke 26-35).
This not only applies to disciples, this will continually DAILY apply to you if you are called to be an apostle. This is one of those verses I need to constantly be reminded up. If you are called to be an apostle then Jesus Christ must be the HEAD of all things and hold the highest place of honor.
The apostle needs to always remember, practice, and proclaim that Jesus is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things He might have the preeminence. That is an apostolic MUST and mandate.
7. A Disciple simply FOLLOWS JESUS everywhere He goes!
"And when He was entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him." (Matthew 8:23).
Jesus modeled discipleship, especially when He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do: for what things soever He [the Father] doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise." (John 5:19).
The disciples followed Jesus into the ship. Why? Because Jesus got into the ship! It's pretty simple. If you are called to be an apostle, you must demonstrate that you are truly a disciple. You confession must truly be, "I do only what I see Christ doing."
This point is very important for you if you are called to be an apostle. Because ultimately as Jesus leads, you follow, and then the church will follow you. So you must make sure you are keeping your eyes focused and fixed on Jesus. I have mentored a lot of apostles and they come to me saying they are called to do x-y-z and when no where in the written Word has Jesus done such a thing.
Now on the flip side, there were things that the apostles of Acts did that Jesus didn't do. So do we do what Jesus did or what Paul and Peter did that Jesus never asked them to do? This seemed to be a problem even during Bible times. Remember this verse?
"For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the [church that means in the] house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas [the Apostle Peter]; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye [all of you] baptized in the name of Paul?" (1st Corinthians 1:11-13).
People were divided behind certain apostolic leaders to the point that there were some who didn't follow the apostles Paul, Apollos, or Peter! They proclaimed that they only followed Jesus! Do you know Christians like that today? "I only follow Jesus!" They read only the red letter parts of the Bible because those are the Words of Christ. Forget the fact that Jesus didn't pen any part of the Bible and the red letters as best were the writers quoting Jesus! Even more, forget the TRUTH that Jesus IS the Word of God and the entire Bible is RED LETTER spiritually and Scripturally speaking!
Paul didn't even answer or deal with this issue of picking sides with leaders until two whole chapter later. He said,
"For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by [Christ] whom ye [ALL of you] believed, even as the Lord [Christ Himself] gave [Paul, Apollos, Peter, and other leaders (see Eph. 4:11-12)] to every man? I have planted [that's one role], Apollos watered [this is another role]; but God gave the increase [This is God's role]. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth ARE ONE: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we [Paul, Peter, Apollos, others leaders, and even Jesus] are laborers together WITH God: ye [all of you members of the Church Body] are God's husbandry, ye [all of you members of the Church Body] are God's building. According to the [apostolic] grace [gift] of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation [that's one role], and another buildeth thereon [this is another role]. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon [and yet there are may more roles]. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ [THIS is Jesus' role!]." (1st Corinthians 3:3-11).
While we all are followers of Christ, Jesus has also given us others to follow who have counted the cost AND PAID A HEAVY PRICE to be called APOSTLES. And it is because of this, the apostle Paul can boldly say, "Be ye [ALL OF YOU] followers [Gk: 'IMITATORS'] of me, EVEN AS I ALSO AM [a FOLLOWER, IMITATOR, DISCIPLE] OF CHRIST. Brethren, BE FOLLOWER together OF ME, and MARK THEM [other leaders, especially apostolic leaders like Peter, Apollos, James, John] which walk so [walk the same] as ye [ALL OF YOU] have US for an ensample [FOR AN EXAMPLE, PATTERN TO FOLLOW, BLUEPRINT TO MODEL AFTER]." (1st Corinthians 11:1 & Philippians 3:17).
This means that those things that Paul and Peter did that Jesus did not do we can also do because they follow Christ and confess that they only DO what they see Jesus doing!
8. A Disciple goes through the FULL PROCESS OF DISCIPLESHIP!
The Scriptures says when Jesus called the disciples to be apostles it says:
"And He goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto Him whom He would [desired, willed, wanted]: and they came unto Him. And He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach." (Mark 3:13-14).
The prcoess or order of discipleship is ...
? Evangelism (called unto Him)
? Fellowship (came unto Him)
? Discipleship (be with Him)
? Ministry (He might send them forth)
This process is the same today and even when we are looking for potential apostles it doesn't change.
"Then 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 [ALL OF YOU] 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 always, even unto the end of the world. Amen." (Matthew 28:16-20).
Do you see the process?
? Evangelism (Go ye therefore, and teach all nations)
? Fellowship (baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost)
? Discipleship (teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded)
? Ministry (I AM with you always, even unto the end)
There is NO SUCH THING as an apostle not actively engages in evangelizing the world, fellowshipping with other church leaders and believers, discipling new leaders, and had a personal ministry from Christ to the world.
? I know apostles who do not witness.
? I know apostles who do not fellowship with ALL of the Body. They only fellowship with the "like-minded." Jesus already said about doing this, "For if ye [all of you disciples] love them [your friends, those like you, or those who are like-minded] which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?"
? I know apostles who are not discipling the next generation of leaders. They are just having conferences but not mentoring a small group of trailblazers to carry the baton.
? I know apostles who ONLY do ministry and none of the above. The apostles ministry is not to do ministry but to equip others to do the ministry. The apostles job is to work himself out of a job.
9. A Disciples DOES THE WILL OF THE FATHER!
"While He [Jesus] yet [still] talked to the people, behold, His [natural] mother and his [natural] brethren stood without [outside], desiring to speak with Him. Then one said unto him, Behold, Thy mother and Thy brethren stand without [outside], desiring to speak with Thee. But He answered and said unto him that told Him, Who is My mother? and who are My brethren? And He stretched forth His hand TOWARDS HIS DISCIPLES, and said, Behold [Pay attention and look at …] My mother [the Church (the 12 disciples together as one made up the church)] and My brethren [the brothers and sisters (the 12 individually are the children of God)]! For whosoever shall DO THE WILL OF MY FATHER which is in heaven, the same IS My brother, and sister, and mother." (Matthew 12:46-50).
A disciple does the will of the God and teachers others to do likewise. When we all do the will of God together we become a spiritual family that takes after our Father and rubs off on each other. The family of God has a strong family trait like any other natural family has. This is a discernment issue. We must "discern the Lord's Body" and know who IS and who IS NOT doing the Will of the Father. The Holy Spirit will never contradict the will of the Father. He will guide us into God's eternal plans and purposes for our lives on earth.
10. A Disciple is a HEARER AND DOER OF THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS!
"Beware of false prophets [and false apostles], which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye [ALL of you] shall know them [discern if they are the Lord's Body] by their fruits. Do men gather grapes [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE] of thorns [of works of the flesh], or figs [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE] of thistles [works of the flesh]? Even so every good tree [true apostle] bringeth forth good fruit [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE, POWER, AND SOUND MIND (THE WISDOM OF GOD)]; but a corrupt tree [a false apostle] bringeth forth evil fruit [works of the flesh]. A good tree [a true apostle] CANNOT bring forth evil fruit [works of the flesh], neither can a corrupt tree [a false apostle] bring forth good fruit [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE]. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE] is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits [fruit of the Spirit--LOVE or works of the flesh] ye [ALL of you] shall know them [discern if they are the Lord's Body].
“Not every one [not every one in the church] that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that DOETH THE WILL OF MY FATHER [Love God with your all, love others as self, love others as Christ, love your enemies, as well as be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, subdue evil, and have Kingdom dominion on earth as it is …] which is in heaven. Many [false apostles, wolves dressed in sheep's clothing thinking they can fool the Lord] will say to Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? And in Thy name have cast out devils? And in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I NEVER knew you ['For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face (with JESUS): now I KNOW in part; but then shall I know (FULLY KNOW HIM--LOVE) even as also I am known (KNOWN FULLY BY HIM--LOVE).' (1 Cor. 13:12) & 'But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image (THE IMAGE OF LOVE) from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.' (2 Cor. 3:18)]: depart from Me, ye [ALL OF YOU] that work iniquity [work the works of the flesh].
“Therefore [for THIS reason] whosoever heareth these sayings [spiritual teachings, spiritual doctrines, spiritual truth, spiritual wisdom] of Mine, AND DOETH THEM, I will liken him [the true apostle] unto a WISE [A WISE MASTER BUILDER] man, which built his house upon a rock [ON THE FOUNDATION OF JESUS CHRIST]: and the rain descended, and the floods [floods of ungodly men] came, and the winds [doctrines of demons] blew, and beat upon that house [THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD--THE BODY OF CHRIST]; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock [ON THE FOUNDATION OF JESUS CHRIST]. And every one that heareth these sayings of Mine, and doeth them NOT, shall be likened unto a foolish man [a false apostle], which built his house upon the sand [carnal doctrines of men, demons, and other human philosophies]: and the rain descended, and the floods [floods of ungodly men] came, and the winds blew [doctrines of demons], and beat upon that house; and it [MYSTERY BABYLON HAS FALLEN, has …] fell: and GREAT was the fall of it." (Matthew 7:15-27).
So when you are looking for a person who might be called to be an apostle, he or she MUST fit the description of ALL of these verses, and possibly much, much more. Again, I just listed my top favorite 10 and most valuable Scriptures that give me the best definition.
Plus, when I am making disciples who are called to function in the apostolic ministry, I am looking for these top 10 things in their lives.
If you or another leader you know is hitting the wall on how to successfully fulfill your Leadership responsibility within the family, army, & government of God with the measure of the grace that God has given you, I can help you!
I'm opening up a new Five Fold Leadership Mentoring service called Architectural Patterns and Designs for Personal Development and Growth TO ONLY 12 PEOPLE!
This training is designed for those called to the Five Fold Ministry by offering spiritual mentorship that will help you learn how to develop your calling and leadership. I explain that God has a Kingdom mandate as well as building blueprints given to you so that you build God's people--His Church according to the pattern shown you upon the Mount of Zion.
5 Things you WILL Learn:
1. How to identify which one of the five fold ministry gifts that God could be potentially calling you to so that you begin to know what your true function is within the Body of Christ.
2. How to operate in a leadership style that bests fits the way you work best with others.
3. Only what you need to be taught at the level of maturity that you are on so that you can actually walk and grow step by step into the leader God's and His people need you to be.
4. Understand the vision and purpose of building a team so that you all will develop together as a corporate government to effectively mobilize God's foundational human resources--your leadership team--whether in church, business, or as a non-profit cause.
5. How to harvest and position inheritors of God into their royal and priestly ministrial functions so that they are fully prepared for Kingdom Conquest within their home, city, community, region, nation, and ultimately globally.
If you or another leader you know is hitting the wall on how to successfully fulfill your Leadership responsibility within the family, army, & government of God with the measure of the grace that God has given you, I can help you!
Again, I can ONLY mentor 12 people, so the best way for me to help you is to let me know some of the challenges you are struggling with taking this QUICK 10 question survey @ https://ricardoequips.wordpress.com/survey
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So Continue to Feed {Foundational Extraordinary Eternal Dimensions} the Seed {Strategic End-time Edifying Depths} and Nurture the Nature {HIS}, for by Divine Enlightenment you are BE-coming what you already ARE! You are that NOW, as your spirit is in the ascendancy … Apostolic Blessings and do know that you are highly FLAVORED of the Lord!
If you have any questions, need prayer, or if I can help you in any way, feel free to inbox me or write me.
May the blessings of the KINGDOM of the Father come upon you and your family through the Seed of the Word planted grow up 30fold, 60fold, 100fold, and even a double portion, which would be 200fold in Jesus’ name by the power of the Spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ WHO IS THE SAVIOR OF THE WHOLE WORLD! Amen!
Thanks for the connection! What are you wrestling with? What can I pray about for you? If you have any questions, or if I can help you in any way, feel free to write.
Love you and Christ bless!
Ricardo 'Rease' Butler
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SERVANT & Apostolic Founder & CEO of Ricardo Equips Apostolic Leaders (R.E.A.L.), LLC @ https://ricardoequips.wordpress.com/freebook
"Ricardo Equips is passionate about helping and equipping apostolic leaders & ministers such as yourself to equip more five fold ministry leaders and spiritual parents to rule well in the home, ministry, marketplace, and local community!"
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