Gospel Centered Discipleship (II)

Chapter 2: The Goal of Discipleship: Fighting for Image

As a disciple, we are always fighting and striving for a goal, to fight the good fight (1 Timothy 6:12). Being a disciple of Christ isn't easy at all and I've definitely learnt that over the years. Denying oneself and taking up the cross requires you to fight your own self, your plans, your desires, and your emotions. I find it extremely difficult to fight when even you aren't on your side. But what are we fighting for? Biblical fighting calls for a fight for a noble cause, for instance, justice. Is that something we are fighting for? The questions we should ask ourselves are what we should be fighting for, and what we're actually fighting for. We usually end up fighting for the wrong things, things that don't last and are temporary; beauty, satisfaction etc... Fighting for some sort of image, whether a successful image, or a beautiful image, but is it the right image?

"the problem is that we believe the lie that says that obtaining those images will actually make us happy."

Sometimes we can go very far with those lies and images we strive for, sacrifice time, effort, and money.

Christianity is all about image. We know that we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), but we often taint that image with our own desires and wants. But God is gracious and loving and allows us to be renewed by turning back to Him. As disciples, we are to be constantly seeking Christ in all that we do. Gospel centred discipleship is more than just a concept or idea, its a lifestyle and a mindset.

"a disciple of Jesus is a person who so looks at Jesus that he or she actually begins to reflect his beauty in everyday life."

I can confess and admit that I dont look to Jesus that often, but you can easily tell when one does; you can practically seek Christ leaking or bursting through them. This is only done through the gospel and we ultimately become transformed. Seeking Christ isn't an easy task either, it requires hard work, and a lot of self effort and discipline. "If we are to enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Jesus, we must put effort into the noble fight of faith" says Dodson.

"grace is opposed to earning, not to effort" - J.P. Moreland

In the greek version of the bible, the word "agonizo" is used instead of "fight"; it comes from the word "agonize". Our fight for our faith will be a struggle. When you see a boxing match of some sort, it's never pretty, there's always pain, weakness, blood, sweat, and tears, and in the same manner, our fight ain't going to be dandy either. 

"true faith struggles to pry our hands off our old life and keep them on our eternal life."

I agree with Dodson's word of choice here, "to pry". I know exactly what that feels like. Our old life of sin and indulgence feels great and is difficult to get our hands off of, to the point where we really need to pry to flee from it. Seeking the truth and what is eternal will bring true joy in our lives. I've been going through a dry period in my life lately being back from university, and I can definitely feel the toll of it especially when I feel like giving up and not fighting. When we give up, we give into Satan.

"it is the heartwarming, mind-renewing truth that the image of the glory of God in the complexion of Jesus is all we need to be truly satisfied, complete and accepted."

verse of the day: 1 Timothy 6:12

¹² Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.