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Are You One of His Disciples?

December 3rd, 2006

(Traits of Nominal Discipleship)

“You also are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”

(John 18:17, ESV)

Nominal – 1. being such in name only (see Rom. 2:17-29; 1 Pet. 4:16; compare—
“I’m Church of Christ”)

The story of Peter denying Christ has been told often and taught much. The purpose of this article is to analyze what makes faith nominal—that is, what a denial of Christian discipleship looks like.

1. Instead of closeness to Jesus—maintenance of a distance.

2. Instead of unquestionable commitment—commitment in question.

3. Instead of personally focused faith—distracted personal faith.

4. Instead of affirmations of faith—denials of faith.

5. Instead of religious participation—religious spectator orientation.

6. Instead of decisions for Christ—decisions against Christ.

7. Instead of conflict resolution—flight during conflict.

Nominal Christian discipleship will always be around. But, when the majority of members succumb to this kind of malaise—the local church is in jeopardy. Make every effort to hold high the name of Christ (1 Peter 4:16). Peter had a come-back, as we read in 1 and 2 Peter. May our lives, too, repudiate nominal behavior. Are you one of his disciples?

– Robert M. Housby

Categories: Bible, disciple, John, New Testament Tags: