Text: Galatians 6: 16, 17

By:            Bro. George A. Tajomavwo

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Bible Reference – Gal 6: 16, 17 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy upon the Israel of God. From henceforth, let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus

Introduction

Signs

• Signs are marks, symbols or identify.
• People use different signs to show who they are.
• Facial expression, marks in the face show our culture
• Our dressing shows culture and type of persons we are
• A golden chain with a cross as pedant may indicate faith

Disciple

• Somebody who believes in and follows the teachings of a leader
• A person who believes and follows the doctrine of Christ
• Willingness to spread those doctrine

A True Disciple

• A true disciple shows true marks or character of Christian faith.
• It is the marks of a practising Christian, true Christianity
• Many will come in my name Matt 24: 5, Mark 13: 6
• The signs of true disciples are much deeper inside the Christian
• Not all Christians are True Disciples Matt 7: 21

• Not all Christians are true disciples
• Not all that say to me Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom
• Wearing of white uniforms does not make disciples
• Special priestly titles or dresses do not prove discipleship
• Carrying a large bible may be pretentious
• Speaking repeatedly at the pulpit is not enough

Christians Must Know the Signs

• The signs of true disciple are not known by all
• We tell others to become Christians
• We must understand the signs
• John the Baptist knew Christ. John 1: 29
• If we do not know the signs, we cannot to tell others
• The Samaritan woman knew Christ will come John 4: 25, 29 

Signs of a True Disciple 

1. Character and   Integrity

• Quality of mind and action.
• Integrity is high moral principle, honesty, reliability
• Your word as your bond.
• People of character and integrity are admired.
• If a Christian does not have character, he is worthless
• In all things showing yourself a pattern of good works

2. Study and Knowledge

• In doctrine showing un-corruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech that cannot be condemned…Tit 2: 7, 8
• A strong desire to know the Lord. 2 Tim 2: 15
• Hungers and thirsts to know the word of God
• A keen desire to study, read and meditate on the word daily
• If you meditate on it, your thought will be with God
• You will not like to miss bible classes or church services
• Paul said to the Colossians: Let the word dwell in you richly in all wisdom. Col 3: 16;
• Till I come, give attention to reading, exhortation, to doctrine 1 Tim 4: 12, 13, Heb 4: 12

3. Obedience to the Word

• Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth will make you free. John 8: 31
• 1 John 2: 3 Now by this we know that we know him if we keep his commandments. 4. He who says, “I know him and does not keep his commandment, is a lair, and the truth is not in him 1 John 2: 3, 4, 5
• He who keeps his word, truly, the love of God is perfected in him.   1 John 2: 5

4. Works to Avoid Sin

• Sin is tempting, attractive and deceitful.
• The devil offers us several justifications to commit sin.
• He tells us that others are doing it, etc
• No fellowship with works of darkness Eph 5: 10, 11
• Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound. Rom 6: 1, 2;

5. Discipline and Self-Denial.

If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanses us from all sins. 1 John 1: 6 – 7

• Disciples of Christ might experience some discomfort.
• Sometimes, we find ourselves in difficult conditions.
• Parents may want to initiate you into their religion, cults or societies.
• Friends will encourage you to drink, smoke, commit fornication and join cults. 1 Cor 15: 33, Luke 14: 25, 26
• True disciples must say no to things that will compromise. Walk by the same rule Phil 3: 166.

6. True and Sincere Love Matt 22: 37 – 39

• If anyone will come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me Matt 25: 16

• God showed, Christ showed love
• The Apostles showed love
• Love is the hallmark of Christian faith
• We often try to love those who love us
• A great test of love is love for those that hate us
• Christ says we should love our enemies Matt 5: 43 – 447.

7. Willingness to Forgive Rom 12: 17 – 20

• You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemies. 44. But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matt 5: 43 – 48.
• The Christian relates with several people
• Conflict is inevitable in human relations
• It is inevitable if you have your own thought
• Live in peace with all men. Rom 12: 18, Heb 12: 14
• If we have disagreement, we must be willing to forgive.
• Love covers all things 1 Cor 13: 4-7. Luke 23: 34.8.

8. Humility

• Behold how good and how pleasant for brethren to dwell together in unity Psalm 133: 1. Humility is one of the most taught bible conduct. 1 Pet 5: 6,7; Col 3: 12
• Blessed are the meek, they shall inherit the earth. Matt 5: 5
• For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted Luke 14: 11  

9. Able to Cope with Challenges

• Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. Casting all your care upon him for he care for you. 1 Pet 5: 6,7
• Therefore as Gods chosen people, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3: 12
• Challenges are common features of life.
• Challenges include ill-health, loss of job,
• The scriptures did not promise problem free life.
• Inability to cope with challenges may lead to stress and sinful act
• We must brace up to challenges. Prov 24: 10

10. Life of Contentment

• And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast
• Contentment is satisfaction with what we have
• It is an attitude of mind.
• You work hard to improve your condition
• You admire what others have and might use others as bench mark
• But you do not envy others.
• You are satisfied because God is in control.

Conclusion

• But Godliness with contentment is great gain for we brought nothing into the world and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we should be content. 1 Tim 5: 6 – 8; Luke 12: 15
• Christianity makes meaning if we understand its true identify.
• It makes no point to be a Christian and do not know what it is about.
• We grope in the dark without knowing the marks of disciple. 1 Cor 9: 26, 27
• Knowledge demands responsibility, Christian conduct.
• The grace of God has appeared to all men

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Tit 2: 11 – 13

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy upon the Israel of God. From henceforth, let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus

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