The Disciple's Advantage
The Disciple's Advantage:
Living in God's Superior Position
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman
In a world that often feels hostile to our faith, it's easy to feel discouraged. We are opposed by a deeply entrenched spiritual enemy. We are in a battle. It can be exhausting and sometimes we forget that the battle belongs to the Lord. We are not fighting for victory but from victory. Jesus has already won the war. We are simply occupying the territory He has given us. This is our advantage.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)
Disciple Vs Christian
At Christian Fellowship, we choose to use the word Disciple, rather than Christian. The reason is simple: many people say that they are Christian, while never cultivating a real relationship with their supposed savior. A disciple, however, actively follows and embodies those teachings in their daily life. This involves a deeper commitment, one that's rooted in obedience, love, and a willingness to lay down one's own desires for the sake of others. Discipleship is a call to action rather than a simple seat at the table.
The Oxford definition of a disciple as "a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher" underscores the essence of true Christianity: to actively follow and abide in Christ's teachings, moving beyond a mere label. In John 16, Jesus offers his disciples a vital advantage for the trials ahead. To access this advantage, we must understand his teachings, particularly his final in-person instructions in John 13-17. This pivotal passage prepares them for his departure and the expansion of his kingdom.
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman
In a world that often feels hostile to our faith, it's easy to feel discouraged. We are opposed by a deeply entrenched spiritual enemy. We are in a battle. It can be exhausting and sometimes we forget that the battle belongs to the Lord. We are not fighting for victory but from victory. Jesus has already won the war. We are simply occupying the territory He has given us. This is our advantage.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NKJV)
Disciple Vs Christian
At Christian Fellowship, we choose to use the word Disciple, rather than Christian. The reason is simple: many people say that they are Christian, while never cultivating a real relationship with their supposed savior. A disciple, however, actively follows and embodies those teachings in their daily life. This involves a deeper commitment, one that's rooted in obedience, love, and a willingness to lay down one's own desires for the sake of others. Discipleship is a call to action rather than a simple seat at the table.
The Oxford definition of a disciple as "a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher" underscores the essence of true Christianity: to actively follow and abide in Christ's teachings, moving beyond a mere label. In John 16, Jesus offers his disciples a vital advantage for the trials ahead. To access this advantage, we must understand his teachings, particularly his final in-person instructions in John 13-17. This pivotal passage prepares them for his departure and the expansion of his kingdom.
What Jesus Taught His Disciples
A New Command: Love
Love, in its truest form, is more than just a word or an emotion; it's a deliberate, selfless act. Jesus, in John 13:34, introduced a new commandment that encapsulates this: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34 (NKJV)
This love isn't conditional or fleeting. It's about putting the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did when He washed His disciples' feet. This act, a task usually reserved for the lowliest of servants, was a powerful demonstration of humility and sacrificial love. It's a love that doesn't just speak but acts, a love that lays down its own comforts and preferences for the sake of others. This is the kind of love that Jesus calls us to, a love that reflects His own, and a love that truly makes a difference in the world around us.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
The promise of the Holy Spirit is a gift, a presence that bridges the gap between Jesus's physical departure and our reunion with Him in glory. Essentially, the Holy Spirit is His continued spiritual presence of teaching, comfort, and strength in the physical absence of Jesus. In John 14:26, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper, a term that conveys comfort, support, and aid. This Spirit is not just a passive force but an active presence that dwells within believers, becoming a constant companion. The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted: to teach, reminding us of Jesus's words and deepening our understanding of them; to guide us through life's complexities, offering wisdom and direction; to comfort us in times of sorrow and uncertainty, providing solace and strength; and to be the ultimate source of truth, illuminating the path of righteousness. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering believers an inexhaustible source of guidance, comfort, and truth in their daily walk with Christ.
Abiding in Christ
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." John 8:31 (NKJV)
To "abide" extends beyond superficial agreement; it signifies a deep, abiding commitment to Jesus's words, allowing them to shape our very being. This is where the transformative power of discipleship begins. It's about living in accordance with His teachings, demonstrating love in action, embracing obedience, and bearing the fruit of a life transformed by agape love. In essence, remaining in His word is remaining in Him. This is how we prove we are His disciples.
This concept resonates deeply with the imagery of the vine and branches in John 15. While John 8:31 focuses on the initial commitment to Jesus' teachings, John 15 highlights the continuous, vital connection necessary for sustained fruitfulness. Just as branches draw life from the vine, we, as disciples, draw our spiritual sustenance from Jesus. To truly remain in Him, we must remain in His word, allowing it to permeate our thoughts, actions, and desires. This abiding relationship, fostered through consistent engagement with His teachings, ensures that we not only bear fruit but also demonstrate to the world that we are indeed His disciples, living reflections of His love and truth.
The World's Hatred and the Spirit's Testimony
In the face of a world that will turn against us, mirroring the very hatred directed at Jesus, we find solace and strength in His promise. Though the world may reject us, the Holy Spirit, the very essence of divine truth, will bear witness to Jesus within us. And in that powerful testimony, we become witnesses ourselves, radiating the love and grace of Christ, even amidst opposition. This is not a call to fear, but a call to courageous faith, knowing that the Spirit's unwavering presence empowers us to shine as beacons of truth in a world shrouded in darkness.
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18 (NKJV)
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 15:26-27 (NKJV)
Our Advantage
The disciple's advantage, as revealed in Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit, is a transformative reality that empowers believers to live from a position of victory, not for it.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7 (NKJV)
This Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is our constant helper, our comforter, and our guide, equipping us to navigate life's challenges with unwavering strength. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, illuminating God's truth and exposing unbelief. This Spirit not only empowers us to witness to Jesus's righteousness but also works within us to reflect that righteousness, bringing glory to God and deepening our understanding of His Word. In essence, the disciple's advantage is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live in a superior condition, secure in God's love and purpose, no matter the circumstances we face.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
A Confident Hope
As we live out our calling as disciples, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit will continue the work of Jesus in and through us. We have a helper, a teacher, an advocate, and a guide who will never leave us or forsake us. We have the advantage of being on the winning side, and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
Love, in its truest form, is more than just a word or an emotion; it's a deliberate, selfless act. Jesus, in John 13:34, introduced a new commandment that encapsulates this: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. John 13:34 (NKJV)
This love isn't conditional or fleeting. It's about putting the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did when He washed His disciples' feet. This act, a task usually reserved for the lowliest of servants, was a powerful demonstration of humility and sacrificial love. It's a love that doesn't just speak but acts, a love that lays down its own comforts and preferences for the sake of others. This is the kind of love that Jesus calls us to, a love that reflects His own, and a love that truly makes a difference in the world around us.
The Promise of the Holy Spirit
The promise of the Holy Spirit is a gift, a presence that bridges the gap between Jesus's physical departure and our reunion with Him in glory. Essentially, the Holy Spirit is His continued spiritual presence of teaching, comfort, and strength in the physical absence of Jesus. In John 14:26, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit as the Helper, a term that conveys comfort, support, and aid. This Spirit is not just a passive force but an active presence that dwells within believers, becoming a constant companion. The Holy Spirit's role is multifaceted: to teach, reminding us of Jesus's words and deepening our understanding of them; to guide us through life's complexities, offering wisdom and direction; to comfort us in times of sorrow and uncertainty, providing solace and strength; and to be the ultimate source of truth, illuminating the path of righteousness. This promise is a cornerstone of Christian faith, offering believers an inexhaustible source of guidance, comfort, and truth in their daily walk with Christ.
Abiding in Christ
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed." John 8:31 (NKJV)
To "abide" extends beyond superficial agreement; it signifies a deep, abiding commitment to Jesus's words, allowing them to shape our very being. This is where the transformative power of discipleship begins. It's about living in accordance with His teachings, demonstrating love in action, embracing obedience, and bearing the fruit of a life transformed by agape love. In essence, remaining in His word is remaining in Him. This is how we prove we are His disciples.
This concept resonates deeply with the imagery of the vine and branches in John 15. While John 8:31 focuses on the initial commitment to Jesus' teachings, John 15 highlights the continuous, vital connection necessary for sustained fruitfulness. Just as branches draw life from the vine, we, as disciples, draw our spiritual sustenance from Jesus. To truly remain in Him, we must remain in His word, allowing it to permeate our thoughts, actions, and desires. This abiding relationship, fostered through consistent engagement with His teachings, ensures that we not only bear fruit but also demonstrate to the world that we are indeed His disciples, living reflections of His love and truth.
The World's Hatred and the Spirit's Testimony
In the face of a world that will turn against us, mirroring the very hatred directed at Jesus, we find solace and strength in His promise. Though the world may reject us, the Holy Spirit, the very essence of divine truth, will bear witness to Jesus within us. And in that powerful testimony, we become witnesses ourselves, radiating the love and grace of Christ, even amidst opposition. This is not a call to fear, but a call to courageous faith, knowing that the Spirit's unwavering presence empowers us to shine as beacons of truth in a world shrouded in darkness.
If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. John 15:18 (NKJV)
But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning. John 15:26-27 (NKJV)
Our Advantage
The disciple's advantage, as revealed in Jesus's promise of the Holy Spirit, is a transformative reality that empowers believers to live from a position of victory, not for it.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. John 16:7 (NKJV)
This Advocate, the Holy Spirit, is our constant helper, our comforter, and our guide, equipping us to navigate life's challenges with unwavering strength. He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment, illuminating God's truth and exposing unbelief. This Spirit not only empowers us to witness to Jesus's righteousness but also works within us to reflect that righteousness, bringing glory to God and deepening our understanding of His Word. In essence, the disciple's advantage is the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to live in a superior condition, secure in God's love and purpose, no matter the circumstances we face.
But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 (NKJV)
A Confident Hope
As we live out our calling as disciples, we can be confident that the Holy Spirit will continue the work of Jesus in and through us. We have a helper, a teacher, an advocate, and a guide who will never leave us or forsake us. We have the advantage of being on the winning side, and nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33 (NKJV)
Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:37 (NKJV)
Watch the Full Sermon
Discussion Questions
- What is the difference between being a “Christian” and being a disciple of Christ? (John 13:12-17, Luke 9:23-25)
- Love is the foundation of true discipleship and evidence of Christ in us.How does loving others require laying down your own will and desires? (John 15:13)
- Why did Jesus say it was to the disciples’ advantage that He go away? (John 16:7)
- Reflect on Acts 1:8 — How does the Holy Spirit empower us to be witnesses of Christ? Share a time when you felt the Spirit’s guidance or strength.
- Discipleship often brings persecution, but the Holy Spirit equips us to stand firm in faith. How can we prepare for and respond to opposition in a way that honors God? (1 Peter 3:15-17)
- Our hope is anchored in Christ’s return and the peace He gives through the Holy Spirit. How does the promise of Christ’s return give us hope and perspective in difficult times? (John 14:1-3)
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