Apprentice and Master When we consider the words "teacher " and "student" we usually think of intellectual book-learning. Sometimes, the words "teacher" (or "master") and "disciple" elicit the same thoughts. The word "apprentice" usually brings to mind physical learning as well as "book" learning. Following Christ does involve "book" (as in "Bible") knowledge, and without it we would not know Jesus or have the hope of salvation. However, people who have been saved by Christ are expected to bear fruit, and grow in spiritual graces. The graces listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 include knowledge, but also moral excellence, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. We are to have all of these graces and increase in them.
"For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our lord Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 1:8 NASB
All of these graces, besides knowledge, require more than book knowledge. Being apprentices of Christ means that we are supposed to grow in spiritual and life skills. All of us are meant to grow, not just newcomers to the faith. Even the Apostle Paul did not regard himself as having "made it" (Philippians 3:12-14). Experienced carpenters sometimes bend over nails.
Becoming an Apprentice
Being an apprentice of Christ is not just belonging to a club with a "be nice and charitable to everybody" theme. (Although learning kindness and charity are part of the program). Many who do not follow Christ are kind and charitable. The heart of Christianity is about God reaching out to mankind in Christ to bring us forgiveness and eternal life. Christians in the city of Corinth were becoming confused about the reality of the resurrection of the dead and the hope of eternal life. The apostle Paul reminded them about the center of the good news (gospel) that initially saved them, and continues to hold them in good stead with God as they continue in faithfulness:
"Now I make known to you, brethren, the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, in which also you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast the word which I preached to you, unless you believed in vain.
For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. For I am the least of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." 1 Corithians 15 :1-9 NASB
Apprenticing with Christ begins with believing that Jesus died for our sins, and was raised from the dead on the third day. According to this passage, this faith is based upon the Scriptures, and upon the testimony of the people who saw the risen Christ. We won't follow Christ unless we are convinced of who He is and what He did for us. In Acts 2:22-23, the apostle Peter reminded his audience of the things they had seen concerning Jesus' ministry. He then testified to His resurrection and ascension into heaven in verses 24-36. He reinforced his testimony by quoting Old Testament scriptures that predicted his claims. Those who believed Peter's testimony asked what should they do, and Peter replied:
"Peter said to them, "Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit..." " Acts 2:38 NASB
At that time 3000 people were baptized and began their apprenticeship with Christ. They continued on learning more about what Jesus taught, and practiced the faith that they had. (Acts 2:38-47)
Apprenticeship, or discipleship, involves developing a faith in Christ that motivates a change in the way we think about our life's direction (repentance), making a commitment to follow Jesus in baptism (and receiving forgiveness), and continuing on in living out our newly chosen direction in life. Our living out our faith is a matter of continued learning, practice and growth. It is my goal to provide materials which will help develop faith in those who are seeking and enhance the faith and improve the fruitfulness of those following Christ.
Comments or questions: jack@apprenticingwithchrist.com