4 Misunderstandings About Following Jesus

Christ's final instructions were to make disciples (Matthew 28:18-20). 

Unfortunately, the modern Church is often better at making converts than disciples. 

Converts believe and commit to Christ. Disciples learn what Scripture teaches and become true followers of Jesus.

Without discipleship, we typically have one or all of these misunderstandings:

1. Misunderstandings about Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4)

We create a Jesus in our image because we don't know what the Bible teaches about Him. 

2. Misunderstanding about genuine faith (Hebrews 5:11-14)

We learn the basics and think that's all it takes to walk in faith.

3. Misunderstandings about culture (Romans 12:2) 

We have no discernment and let our culture shape our faith instead of letting our faith impact our culture. 

4. Misunderstandings about sin (Romans 8:12-14) 

We follow the current trend to blame-shift our sins on environment, parents, or circumstances. 

Why not pray through this list and ask God to reveal any misunderstandings you might have.

I'll take a deeper look at each of these areas this week  on 1-Minute Bible Love Notes. 

Bible Study 

1. Read Paul's rebuke below and think of some modern ways people change the character of Jesus to suit their lifestyle.

2 Corinthians 11:4: if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. 

2. Do you think most Christians are eating solid food or are they content with the "milk" of the Gospel? What about you? 

Hebrews 5:11-14: We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.  

3. Do you think most Christians are seeking to transform their minds? Are you? 

Romans 12:2: Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

4. Do you think most Christians take the Romans 8:12-14 obligation seriously? Do you? 

Romans 8:12-14: Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. 14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
copyright 2016, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com & BibleLoveNotes.com