Name of Assembly: United Apostolic Church

Type of service: Bible Study

Date: October 11, 2022

Topic: “THE DISCIPLE’S DIET”

Scripture Text: Hebrews 5:11-6:3

“Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious”- 1 Peter 2:1-3. (KJV) 

“So get rid of all evil behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech. 2 Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment, 3 now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness” - 1 Peter 2:1-3. (NLT) 

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. 2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able” - 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (KJV).   

“Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food, because you couldn't handle anything stronger. And you still aren't ready” - 1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (NLT).   

“Hebrews 5:11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 6:1-3 Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit” – Hebrews 5:11-6:3. 

“Hebrews 5:11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. 12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. 13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. 14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Hebrews 6:1-3 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding” – Hebrews 5:11-6:3. (NLT)    

 

PERSONAL NOTE 

One of my greatest desires is for us to become an effective ministry. An effective ministry is one that intentionally, deliberately, and consistently through the operation of the Holy Spirit facilities the transformation of lives, so that believers are constantly enabled to become more like Jesus Christ.   

When a church can consistently facilitate a personal transformation among the believers to whom it ministers, then it is operating in the realm of effectiveness. An effective ministry will earnestly strive to foster significant and continual changes in how people live. When we speak of an effective ministry, our focus must not merely be on increased attendance. We should be focusing primarily on the health of the members based on spiritual depth and maturity.

Our primary focus must be to have a holistic, church-based ministry in which people’s lives are revolutionized through the ministry of their church. Attendance statistics, program variety, or budgetary considerations are important, but these are not the metrics that Jesus Christ uses to assess His church. His analysis seems to focus on the intimacy of people’s knowledge of and love for Him; the ongoing radical transformation of their inner heart lives; the depth of their commitment to making their faith pure; and their love for the other members of the church and the unsaved.  

In Revelation chapter 2 we note the message that was given to the leader of Ephesus, “Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; 2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: 3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. 5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. 6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate. 7 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” 

Those of us who serve within the ministry of the United Apostolic Church and all other members must be acutely aware of how important it is for us to faithfully labor together with Jesus Christ; so that we eventually attain “the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).   

It is my earnest desire that United Apostolic Church, would be found faithful like the church in Philadelphia, “7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 10 Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” – Revelation 3:7-11. 

WHO IS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS CHRIST?

The word “disciple” or “disciples” appears 272 times in the King James Version of the Bible, while the word “believers” occurs only twice, and the word “Christian” or “Christians” appears only three times. This indicates that our Lord desires that those who identify themselves with Him should not be so much “believers” or “Christians”, but “disciples” and it indicates that the task of UAC is not so much to make “believers” or “Christians” but “disciples”.  

A disciple must, of course, be a believer; but according to the conditions of discipleship outlined by our Lord, not all believers in Jesus Christ are disciples of Jesus Christ. Listen to the conditions of discipleship, outlined by the Lord Jesus in Luke 14:25-33, “And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, 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, 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, and desireth conditions of peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”  

According to these conditions, not every individual who calls himself or herself a Christian is a disciple. When the lives of many Christians are put alongside the lifestyle that Jesus Christ outlined for His disciples and the lifestyle that He demonstrated Himself, there is a huge discrepancy. In our day one may be regarded as a Christian even if there are no or little signs of progress in genuine discipleship. It was not so in the early church. Then discipleship involved the kind of commitment referred to by Peter in Mark 10:28: “Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee.”  

The word “disciple” is the translation of the Greek word mathetes, math-ay-tes, which means “a learner, a pupil”. Our Lord imparted to that simple word a wealth of profound meaning. As it is used by Him it refers to “a learner or pupil who accepts the teaching of Christ, not only in an intellectual way but also in lifestyle.” This involves a complete acceptance of the views and practice of the teacher. In other words, it means learning with the purpose to obey fully what is learned until what is learned is incorporated into one’s lifestyle. This kind of discipleship involves a deliberate choice, a definite denial, and determined obedience.  

The disposition of our times is for instant gratification and short-term commitment, for quick answers to prayer and quick results with a minimum of effort and very little discomfort. However, there is no such thing as easy and instant discipleship. A walk of discipleship may indeed begin in a moment, but that first step must lengthen into a lifelong walk. There is no such thing as short-term discipleship. Jesus Christ calls for an extremely high level of commitment from those who desire to follow Him. Nowhere do we see Jesus, during His earthly ministry, complying with easy levels of commitment. A call to follow Jesus may involve radical changes in one’s life, career, and family.        

PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT

• Growth is the progressive increase in the size of a child or parts of a child.
• Development is the progressive acquisition of various skills (abilities) such as head support, speaking, learning, expressing feelings, and relating with other people. Growth and development go together but at different rates.
• Importance of assessing growth and development: The assessment of growth and development is very helpful in finding out the state of health and nutrition of a child. Continuous normal growth and development indicate a good state of health and nutrition in a child. Abnormal growth or growth failure is a symptom of a disease. Hence, the measurement of growth is an essential component of the child’s physical examination.         
• Spiritual growth is the process of becoming more mature in one's relationship with Jesus Christ. It begins the moment the believer receives initial salvation and should continue until the believer falls asleep in Christ.                 
• Spiritual maturity is expected of the believer. The apostle Peter says, "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen" (2 Peter 3:18).                 
• The word “mature” comes from the same root as the word “ripe.” It indicates something that has been completed or fully developed. In the Scripture, it is the same word Jesus used when He cried “It is finished” on the cross.      

What we Know About Spiritual Maturity 

1)          IT IS NOT AUTOMATIC      

• “28 Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29 And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30 As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” – St. John 8:28-32.      
• “25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, 26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” – St. Luke 14:25-27.      
• “17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” – 1 Cori. 6:17:7:1.  

2)          IT’S A PROCESS   

• “ 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love for everyone. 8 The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins” – 2 Peter 1:5-8. NLT  

3)          IT TAKES DISCIPLINE           

• “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly” - 1 Timothy 4:7 (NLT).          
• “Don’t waste time arguing over foolish ideas and silly myths and legends. Spend your time and energy in the exercise of keeping spiritually fit” - 1 Tim. 4:7 (TLB).          
• Mature believers are called disciples. I can’t be a disciple without being disciplined.           
• Physical fitness is not automatic – neither is spiritual fitness. Both take hard work!       
• The mark of a true disciple is “bearing my cross,” which means denying my desire to put God first in my life every day. “And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple” – St. Luke 14:25-27. “23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me” - St. Luke 9:23.          
• Growing OLD without growing UP is a tragedy! Naturally, babies should desire only milk, and we expect them to be limited in their ability and deficient in their maturity. But if these things are still happening years later there is a serious problem (this applies both physically and spiritually).           
• There is a time in every Christian life when we must graduate from MILK to MEAT (solid food). It is at this stage that we become more than just BELIEVERS – we take on the responsibility of becoming mature DISCIPLES.            
• Anything that refuses to grow, and change will eventually die. If we are not moving forward in your Christian life, we are backsliding. THERE ARE NO OPTIONS WHEN IT COMES TO DISCIPLESHIP! 

FROM MILK TO MEAT

• Milk is given to the child by the mother (the church)
• Meat is hunted and prepared by oneselfü Milk is comfort food (meet MY needs!)
• Meat is an energy or strength food (what can I do to HELP?)
• Milk is a predigested food (Moses was the “voice of God” to Aaron)
• Meat must be digested, so it takes more “work” by the individual
• Milk builds up the bones (the framework of spiritual life)
• Meat builds up the muscles (the activity of spiritual life)
• Milk is the truth of what Jesus did (salvation)
• Gospels and Acts
• We don’t throw out the milk once we start eating meat!
• Meat is the truth of what Jesus is doing (sanctification)
• Epistles, especially Hebrews
• Milk can enhance the meat, giving us more nourishmentü Nothing must die to produce milk!
• Milk, eggs, and bacon for breakfast – the cow and the chicken were involved, but the pig was the only one committed!ü Something must die to produce meat!
• The real mark of a carnal (fleshly, worldly) Christian is that they will not permit their old man to die!                                                                   

DISCIPLESHIP VS LEGALISM        

• What is legalism? The exact word “legalism” doesn’t appear anywhere in the Bible. "Legalism" is a term Christians use to describe adherence to a manmade system of rules and regulations one must follow to receive salvation, righteousness, or spiritual maturity. Legalism boils down to following a list of "to-dos" and avoiding a list of "don’t" to earn God's favor.        
• “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them” – Ephesians 2:8-9. Genuine salvation is entirely the work of God and will result in a life of good works. We are not saved by good works, but we are saved for good works. Those different prepositions make all the difference in the world! Good works are the evidence of salvation, not the cause of it. If there are no works or changes in life to follow salvation, then it should be questioned whether the person is truly saved.        
• DISCIPLESHIP IS NOT LEGALISM! We are not trying to earn anything from God by being disciplined. It is important to also note that “working OUT your salvation” is different from “working FOR your salvation.” Some people are attempting to contrast GRACE with EFFORT and then reasoned that “we are living under grace, so we don’t need to make an effort.” But grace and EFFORT are not opposites; grace and EARNING are opposites! Working FOR your salvation is heresy but working OUT your salvation is basic Christianity. “12 Dearest friends, when I was there with you, you were always so careful to follow my instructions. And now that I am away you must be even more careful to do the good things that result from being saved, obeying God with deep reverence, shrinking back from all that might displease him. 13 For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants” – Philippians 2:12-13 (TLB).        
• Several New Testament scriptures tell us that because God has ALREADY given us all things, we therefore must: 
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to do what leads to peace and mutual edification. “ Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another” - Romans 14:19.  
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to enter through the narrow door. “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” - Luke 13:24. 
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to keep the unity of the Spirit. “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” - Ephesians 4:3.  
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to live in peace with all men and be holy. “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” - Hebrews 12:14. 
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. “Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless” - 2 Peter 3:14. 
  • MAKE EVERY EFFORT to enter His rest. “Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief” - Hebrews 4:11. 
  • “3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, MAKE EVERY EFFORT to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins. Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall” - 2 Peter 1:3-10 (NIV)       

CONCLUSION

Wilbur Rees once wrote the following describing the average man’s view of God:“I would like to buy $3 worth of God please, not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don’t want enough of him to make me love a black man or pick beets with a migrant. I want ecstasy, not transformation; I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3 worth of God please.” 

Disturbingly familiar, isn’t it? We want to believe that there is a good and gracious God who loves and accepts all people but suggest that this same perfect Being might also be moral, Holy, righteous, and pure; or that He may ask something of us in return and suddenly our enthusiasm to know Him begins to wane. 

The call of God for each man and woman is to have a changed life. He is bidding us to come to him, to embrace Him – all of Him, and having been with Him to go forth from His presence and be an agent of change in the world. 

We change the world by being part of His church, His instrument for global transformation. His church is not a social club, a convenience store, or a spa, it is an army, a family and it is His Body reaching out to the world. We, the church is His only means for global transformation. We are His feet, His hands, His voice, His heart; to care for the lost, the broken, the rejected, and the weak. 

“Three dollars worth” of God may be comfortable, but it is not what we, the church, were made for!