I feel a couple explanations are necessary before we continue.
The difference between those who are disciples and those who “just believe” is in initial commitment. As we discuss these things, there are some important aspects to keep in context.
First, just because some “just believes” doesn’t mean they will never become a disciple. Of course, teaching doctrine that justifies that state as actual Christianity places even further deception upon a person that must be dealt with, but God can even reveal Himself through that. Plenty of people that I know, myself included, would have agreed with most basic Christian doctrine for years before being convicted to the point of actual and full commitment by the Spirit of God. I’m not saying that’s a necessary process, only that someone who “just believes” isn’t hopeless and should never be treated with condemnation or a sense of final judgment, even if they think they’re saved when they may not be. Love believes, hopes, and endures “all things.”
In general, it is helpful to realize every person is an individual worthy of a certain degree of respect and consideration. That doesn’t mean you need to compromise the message or the gospel that calls people to take up their cross and follow, but even our “enemies” are worthy of kindness. While this series will get pretty clear and harsh at times, my goal will always be to encourage people forward to change and repentance, which is ultimately loving others, not to define or demonize an individual based on the state they are currently in.
Second, full commitment, while necessary, isn’t a guarantee for immediate maturity or righteousness. There is still much to learn, and no one has ever fully “attained” while a disciple of Christ on earth. The twelve, men who left everything and even said, “come, let’s go die with Him,” were constantly saying stupid stuff and lacking understanding of the Kingdom being revealed to them. The filling of the Holy Spirit definitely helped, but Peter still had to be challenged by Paul, and men still had to grow into eldership and different stages of maturity: “I write to you children, young men, and fathers” – 1 John.
In other words, you mind isn’t immediately “renewed.” You are transformed by the “renewing of your mind” and there is plenty in the New Testament to testify to us that even people who have left everything to follow Him must go through that process of maturity and becoming more like Christ.
We’ll get into it early next week, so here we go …
Peace.