The Disciple: A Calling to Be Christlike

God's Word for Today

by John R.W. Stott, Tim Chester (Contributor)

If Christ is our Lord, then we are his servants, and if he is our teacher, then we are his pupils.

Following Christ is a multi-faceted responsibility. We should remember:

* Every true disciple is a listener
* We are both rational and emotional
* We can discern God's call and will

Love is the first fruit of the Spirit, a core ingredient of discipleship.

Genres: Christian

112 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2019

About the author

John R. W. Stott is known worldwide as a preacher, evangelist, and communicator of Scripture. For many years he served as rector of All Souls Church in London, where he carried out an effective urban pastoral ministry. A leader among evangelicals in Britain, the United States and around the world, Stott was a principal framer of the landmark Lausanne Covenant (1974). His many books, including Why I Am a Christian and The Cross of Christ, have sold millions of copies around the world and in dozens of languages. Whether in the West or in the Two-Thirds World, a hallmark of Stott's ministry has been expository preaching that addresses the hearts and minds of contemporary men and women. Stott was honored by Time magazine in 2005 as one of the "100 Most Influential People in the World."

Reviews

[Brayden Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice, small Sabbath read. Stott produces a short and simple book revealing what it means to live the Christian life (to be a disciple of Christ). Enjoyable and reflective of my own walk with Jesus.

[Rob Messenger · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite of the five small volumes that make up this series...the chapter on 'guidance, vocation, and ministry' should be especially helpful to 'new' Christians l believe.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Does the Christian discipleship have a place in the mind and life of the contemporary Christian? This is the question John Stott seeks to answer in The Contemporary Christian. Originally published as a book, it has been divided into new and updated volumes by InterVarsity Press.

An “Already” Past

John Stott’s The Disciple is a less-than 100-page primer on how the Contemporary Christian relates to making disciples today. Stott takes four chapters to look at the disciple in several dimensions. First, he looks at the listening ear as our most important bodily organ. Second, he reminds us that the mind and emotions must be linked to the whole of our personality. Third, he tackles the difficult topics of discerning the will of God and how to heed God’s call in our lives. Finally, he looks at love as the primary fruit in Christian discipleship.

I especially appreciate his point in Chapter 3 that all Christians without exception are called to ministry. Of course, he is referring to Christian service in the world. While the pastoral ministry is a specific vocation, the lordship of Jesus means that we must be in the service of God and human beings no matter our calling. He exhorts us to discern our gifting to determine the particular ministry to which Christ has called us.

A “Not-Yet” Future

Stott concludes by giving us three examples of the tension between the ‘now’ and the ‘not yet’ paradigm in relation to discipleship. First, he looks at the intellectual sphere, or the question of revelation. Second, he examines the moral sphere, or the question of holiness. Third, he looks at the physical sphere, or the question of healing. Fourth, he studies the ecclesiastical sphere, or the question of church discipline. Fifth, he looks at the social sphere, or the question of progress.

Tim Chester did an excellent job of adding reflection questions to the end of each chapter. His questions are often personal and would be perfect for personal journaling or a small group discussion. For instance, he asks regarding the importance of listening: Think of an issue on which you disagree with another Christan. What lies behind what they are saying? What are they anxious to safeguard? What is the common ground you share?

God’s Word for Today

After reading this book, I am convicted to not see my faith as merely an intellectual exercise, but as a holistic life that demands my mind and emotions. I am reminded that every Christian is continually discovering what it means to live for Christ. And I am encouraged to do the same.

I was provided a complimentary copy of The Disciple: God’s Word for Today in exchange for an honest review.

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent little book by Stott. As usual his writing has a way of elucidating difficult or weighty concepts. I found the sections on calling and discipleship to be very helpful. There are also nicely compiled study guide questions and it would be a great short book study book for 6 lessons. Overall the book is very much worth a read and can be bought at print cost brand new from Truth For Life.

It didn't get 5 stars from me for two reasons. One, it was a little choppy in it's flow of ideas since it was post-edited. Two, there were some sentences that could have been taken to be in favor of making the Bible "relevant" and/or promoting "social justice." Stott almost immediately clarifies his position on these things in a good way, but it makes me wonder why he needed to mention them in the first place in such a generous way.

Overall very good.

[Thomas Creedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really nicely edited and produced little book - refreshing and updating some chapters from 'The Contemporary Christian' for a new readership.

Full review to come on my blog.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good grief Stott is a good writer. A lovely bite-sized chunk of two or three reflections on discipleship. Challenging and oh so rich.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless classic. Very helpful chapter on guidance and God’s calling