Disciple 3 (English)
January 27, 2022 2022-06-02 15:32Disciple 3 (English)
Disciple 3 (English)
What are the values of the kingdom?
The Romans used the word culture when they spoke about cultivating their fields. The philosopher Cicero introduced culture as ‘cultivating your mind’. In both cases, it is about planting something that bears fruit. Nowadays ‘culture’ has a much more meaning of a people’s view of life and way of life.
Likewise, Jesus “planted” the culture of the kingdom of God in his disciples. In Disciple 3 we will learn how Jesus lived the culture of the kingdom and how the disciples learned from him and then passed this on to the new churches that came into being.
Because of what the disciples passed on, people knew what the values of the kingdom were and how to become part of the kingdom. As Jesus lived and taught these important principles, the thinking of those who followed him changed. This way of thinking helped them make choices in their lives, which allowed the kingdom of God to grow in their own lives and in the lives of their followers. Thus arose a culture of the kingdom of God.
We recommend that you take Disciple 3 after completing ‘Follow 1, 2 and 3’ and ‘Disciple 1 and 2’. These lessons consist of a self-study, a video and assignments to apply the principle in your own life.
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Introduction
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Principle 31 - Poor in spirit will see the Kingdom
Humility looks to the Giver of power and might. Humility trusts in the One who sends and wants to remain dependent upon the One who sends, in order to live from His power and might. With this power we are then able to serve the people.
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Principle 32 - Mourners will be comforted
The culture of the Kingdom is a culture of comfort; looking out for the weak in society, but also looking after the people around us who need comforting. The Holy Spirit is the Comforter. He lives in us and wants to give comfort to others through us.
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Principle 33 - The meek will inherit the earth
Just as Jesus, the meek reach the end of their own ability but are then able to look to the Father for all they need. They do not resolve their problems in their own strength. This leads to them inheriting the earth.
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Principle 34 - Hunger for righteousness
Giving people what is due to them. In the Kingdom this means punishment, protection or care. It can mean bringing correction. The needs of widows, orphans, strangers (immigrants) and the poor are important to the King. Doing what is right is linked to faithfulness and humility.
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Principle 35 - The merciful receive mercy
Jesus teaches the disciples that God is merciful. He has compassion on those in need. Jesus makes it very clear in the story of the Good Samaritan that compassion is not only meant for your friends and family but especially for those in need. You will be shown mercy, when you are merciful like God is.
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Principle 36 - The pure in heart will see God
Jesus went ahead of us in becoming perfect. He now lives in us and so does His perfection. We have not achieved this ourselves, but Him in us. A perfect heart can trust, is transparent and broken for God.
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Principle 37 - Peacemakers, Children of God
Jesus is our Prince of Peace. He forgives, that brings peace. He also helps us to restore bad relationships. He wants us to be peacemakers.
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Principle 38 - Persecuted because of righteousness
Joy is not the absence of problems and difficulties but the presence of Jesus in those problems and difficulties. He is the one who gives us power, peace and joy.
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Principle 39 - Salt and Light
Jesus tells His disciples that they are salt and light. By being light and salt the seed of God’s word bears fruit.
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Principle 40 - Divine relationships brings out the best in you
God is love, He wants to be the connected with his love in all our relationships. God gives us relationships to bring out the best in ourselves. We are given to others to bring out the best in them.
