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The Word of God declares, “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (II Cor. 3:18).
God made us in His image (Gen. 1:26-27) and this image is marred by our sin.  Christians are redeemed by the blood of Christ and undergo a new birth making them new creatures (Rom. 6:3-4).  This new life in Christ is characterized by imitation of His character and obedience to His teachings.  We behold His glory and bear His image as we become like Him.
Open Face
When Moses spoke with God on Mt. Sinai, He spoke with God without a vail and his countenance was affected by the glory of the LORD and his face did shine.  He spoke with God face to face and his countenance was transformed.  We approach Jesus with an “open face.”  Beholding the glory of the Lord, we are changed into the image of Christ.
The Glory of the Lord
Jesus’ glory is the glory of deity enveloped in humanity (Col. 2:9).  The glory of His nature, His character, His wisdom, His power, His sacrifice, and His redemptive work. It is the sum total of all that Jesus is and that He revealed to the world.  In particular, it is His deity, His humility, His obedience to the Father, His love, grace, and mercy, His perfect life and his authoritative teaching. Disciples of Jesus Christ follow His teaching and imitate His character.  This transformation begins at conversion and continues throughout life.
Our Glory
The word beholding indicates much more than a passing glance.  It is a stedfast stare.  A constant gaze.  Our glory is a reflection of His glory.  This is accomplished through His redemptive work and our imitation of Him and obedience to His teachings.  This produces our salvation and sanctification.  Our personal identity is derived not from exertion of self, but by self-denial that is intentional so that Christ can live in us (Gal. 2:20).  God works in us to accomplish His purposes for His pleasure (Phil. 2:13).
From Glory to Glory
The transformation begins from His glory to our glory.  It continues as we advance in progress toward becoming like Him.  It is step by step (incremental).  It is sometimes painful (difficult and challenging).  But, it is always progressive (spiritual growth toward perfection).  The process involves His Word in us and His life modeled by us through our love for Him and our faith in Him.  In this way, His Spirit works in us to produce fruit.  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal. 5:22-23).  Character development is connected to discipleship.
The Christian life is a beautiful life reflecting the beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ in all of His communicable perfections.  It is a transformed life–transformed by the beauty of the Lord.  As we begin a new year, may each of resolve to be more like Jesus.  This begins by becoming a disciple of Jesus through obedience to the gospel (Mark 16:16 and Acts 2:38).  It continues as we deny self and permit the beauty of Jesus to be seen in us.

The Fall of the year brings a new season for football.  People are excited to see their favorite team play and compete to be number one.  Teams are formed through a selection process involving potential players and coaches.  The best players are actively recruited by coaches.  Why?  Coaches want to win and they know that they can win if they have the best players on their team.  The best players generally choose teams with winning records.  How many really good football players do you know who want to play for losing teams?  How many good players want to be losers?  I don’t know of any.
Broaden the concept to include the “game of life.”  How many people do you know who strive to be unsuccessful in life?  If someone said, “My goal in life is to fail at everything I do,” we would be shocked.  Yet, many people have spiritual aims that will lead them to fail spiritually.  They have teamed up with satan to be on the losing team.
Satan has been:  judged, defeated, brought to ruin, and resigned to the lake of fire.  If you join up with him, you will lose your soul and be eternally separated from God.
Satan Has Been Judged
God knows that satan is real and has revealed such in His Holy Word (Gen. 3, Job 1, Matt. 4 (Jesus’ own encounter with satan).  In John 16:7-1, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to His disciples.  The Holy Spirit would: (1) Be involved in a teaching ministry, John 14:26); (2) Be involved in a reminding ministry, John 16:26; (3) Be involved in a testifying ministry, John 14:26; (4) Be involved in a convicting ministry, John 16:8; (5) Be involved in a convincing ministry, John 16:8,10; and (6) Be involved in a judging ministry, John 16:11.  “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will. not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.  And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”  Satan is the prince of this world.  He is the master deceiver.  But, the truth revealed by the Holy Spirit will counter every lie and provide the means of setting people free from the servitude to sin (John 8:32).   Truth provides the righteous standard for all judgment by God.  The Word of God is truth (John 17:17). Judgment is God’s justice administered to each person and is based upon their words and works and how they compare to His righteous standard.  The judgment of God against satan is utter condemnation.
Satan Has Been Defeated
Jesus declared in John 12:31, “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” When Jesus died upon the cross, He provided the means of removing the sting of death which is sin.  He provides for atonement for sin thereby making it possible for sin to be forgiven.  This effectively overcomes the power of sin (Heb. 2:14).  Jesus destroys him who had the power of death.  Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after His crucifixion.  He conquers both sin and death.  He destroys him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.  Satan cannot win over the power of God.  Christians are more than conquerors through Him that loved us (Rom. 8:37).  With God on our side, we cannot lose.
Satan Has Been Brought To Ruin
In I John 3:8, we read, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”  Those who sin join satan’s team.  However, satan’s works have been brought to ruin.  His works, such as temptations through lies, have been exposed through the example, teaching and the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus.  Those who name the name of Christ and depart from iniquity enter into oneness with Christ and will succeed in obtaining the crown of righteousness.
Satan Has Been Resigned to the Lake of Fire
In Rev. 20:10, the sacred text says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”  The lake of fire and brimstone is another description for hell.  Satan’s destiny is an eternal hell.  In Rev. 20:15 we find out the fate of those who team up with satan, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”  Those who team up with satan will be punished eternally along with him.  Why would anyone team up with satan only to join a losing team and be utterly damned to an eternal hell?  Don’t join a losing team!

In Luke 9:57-62, Jesus encounters three would-be disciples.  Jesus successfully called individuals to follow Him.  That is how He selected the twelve apostles.  However, there were others who wanted to follow Jesus, but were not willing to pay the costs of discipleship.  Jesus was not shy about preparing people for discipleship. While everyone is invited by the Lord to follow Him, not everyone will answer the call.  Discipleship is most rewarding, but, it is also very demanding.  If you are looking for a convenient religion, Christianity is not the one for you.  Yet, it is the only one where you will find salvation (Acts 4:12).  Jesus clearly taught that there were two ways that people travel.  The broad way that leads to destruction and the narrow way that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14).  Obviously, we choose which pathway we follow.  But, there is only one that leads to everlasting life.
Three Would-Be Disciples
In Luke 9:57-58, we are introduced to a would-be disciple that states, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest.”  This person seems willing and eager to follow Jesus.  Yet, he/she seems to have a shallow understanding of the cost.  Jesus’ reply was that the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.  Jesus seems to be saying, “don’t underestimate the degree of self-sacrifice involved in discipleship.  When following Jesus we must understand the nature of the pursuit.  We do not serve Him for material gain.  Nor do we serve Him for immediate gratification.  We do not follow Him for what we can get out of it as much as for what we can contribute to the kingdom.  Disciples of Jesus are involved in selfless service for a heavenly reward!
The second would-be disciple says, “Suffer me first to go and bury my father.”  Jewish people took burying their dead very seriously.  It was important and was to be done expeditiously.  Burial was a way of showing respect to the deceased and honoring them.  It was a family duty.  Jesus said, “Let the dead bury the dead.”  Let the spiritually dead bury the physically dead. “But go thou and preach the kingdom of God.”  Preaching the kingdom of God was more important.  Disciples of Jesus must get their priorities right.  Spiritual service in the kingdom of God must not be supplanted by activities that are less important.  In Matt. 6:33, Jesus affirmed that we must seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
The third would-be disciple said, “I will follow thee, but let me go first and bid them farewell which are at my home.”  Most will admit that family ties are important.  Jesus said to this person, “No man having put his hand to the plow and looking back is fit for the kingdom of God.”  The would-be disciple made the mistake of saying that he/she would follow Jesus, but….” “I will, but” introduces a qualification.  If one qualification is permitted, then, why not a dozen, a hundred, or even a thousand?  This view diminishes the level of commitment involved in discipleship and weakens the kingdom.  Think about this, what if everyone in the kingdom of God had the same level of commitment that I have, what would the kingdom of God look like?  A diminished commitment will affect fruitfulness and productivity.  It diminishes perseverance and endurance.  When the Christian life gets difficult, it is easier to abandon it altogether.  Jesus warned about this very thing in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:20-21).  The stoney ground represented a human heart where the seed does not develop strong roots and when persecution arises, the person falls away.  Paul gives an example of such diminished commitment in Demas who he states had “forsaken me having loved this present world” (II Tim. 4:10).  Disciples of Jesus must not be quitters!
What Can We Conclude About Discipleship?
First, look for spiritual not material gain.  Second, the kingdom of God must come first.  Third, persevere unto the end.  Be strong in your commitment to the Lord.  Never quit.  The commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ must be absolute and never qualified.  There are no excuses for failing to be what God wants us to be.  If we do fail, we must correct this sin in our life and renew our commitment to Christ.  “Follow me” is personal.  The relationship that is created through redemption is secured on His terms not ours.  We must be willing to follow Him wherever He leads without reservations.  The kingdom of God and His righteousness must come first above all else.  We must be finishers not quitters.  Disciples obey Jesus and follow His example in all things.
Are you a would-be disciple of Jesus?  If so, count the cost of following Him.  Also, count the cost of not following Him (John 8:24).  Then, decide.  Once, you commit to following Him, don’t look back!

The greatest sermon ever delivered was given by Jesus Christ and recorded in Matthew 5-7.  The sermon is often designated, “The Sermon on the Mount.”  In this sermon, Jesus reveals the identifying traits of true discipleship.  A study of this sermon will help anyone differentiate between the authentic disciple of Jesus who possesses integrity and the hypocrite who makes claims to be a follower of Jesus, but whose heart is far from Him.  Please consider some of the qualities that belong to that authentic disciple who walks with integrity as given in Matthew 5.
Godly Character Counts in Discipleship
In Matt. 5:1-12, Jesus lists eight beatitudes.  Each of these beatitudes reflects part of the godly character that must be evident in the life of a disciple.  They are:  the poor in spirit (humble), those that mourn (godly sorrow), the meek (inner strength), those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (a passion for right living and to be like Christ), the merciful (lovingkindness), the pure in heart (free from the admixture of evil), the peacemakers (seek oneness with God and man), and the persecuted (willingness to suffer for righteousness sake).  Those who possess this righteous character are truly blessed.  The word blessed indicates that they stand in the grace of God and will receive the rewards that are associated with each beatitude. The word describes the spiritual standing in Christ that brings all spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:3).
Salt and Light
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted?  It is therefore good for nothing, but  to be cast out, and to be trodden under the foot of men” (Matt. 5:13).  Salt retains its value only if it maintains its distinctive character.  Jesus desires that His followers maintain righteousness as a distinctive aspect of discipleship.  Faithfulness in pursuing and displaying Christlikeness is a mark of discipleship.  “Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matt. 5:14).  Jesus’ disciples must “burn as lamps lit from His fire” (He is the light of the world, John 8:12).  Light pierces the darkness and makes sight possible.  The world lies in sin and ignorance.  Enlightenment comes through truth taught and practiced.  Light must not be hidden.  Let your light shine!  Through moral purity, moral integrity and good works our lives exert a positive influence in the world.  When we act like Christ, God is glorified (Matt. 5:16).
Obedience to the Commands of Christ
A disciple of Jesus Christ is not a disciple of Moses.  Jesus came to fulfill the law and to establish a new covenant that would permit all people to have access to God’s redemptive power. The prophet Jeremiah prophesied of this transition to a new covenant in Jeremiah 31:31-34.  The new covenant was necessary because the old covenant (the Mosaical Law) was not faultless (Heb. 8:8).  The old covenant was weak because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin (Heb. 10:3-4).  The blood of Christ does provide complete atonement for sin (Heb. 9:14-15) even for the sins under the first testament.  The New Testament is a universal law that gives access to God for all people through Jesus Christ (Matt. 28:18-20; John 14:6).  Later, in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus emphasizes that His commandments must be obeyed (Matt. 7:24-27).  A true disciple of Jesus Christ respects His authority and heeds His commands.
Six Areas of Focus in Righteous Living
The righteousness of Jesus’ followers must exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees (Matt. 5:20).  Righteousness is conduct approved by God and in harmony with His Word.  Jesus lists six areas of concern and contrasts His teaching with that of the Mosaical Law.  The first is murder (Matt. 5:21-26).  Murder is the premeditated killing of a human life. Murder is often preceded by uncontrolled anger.  Such anger was present in Cain when he killed his brother Abel in the first recorded murder in the Bible (Gen. 4:6-12).  Jesus teaches that we must seek reconciliation with our brother before anger gets the best of us.  Anger can be an obstacle to worship.  Anger can backfire on us and lead to self-destruction.  Second, Jesus addresses adultery (Matt. 5:27-30).  Jesus commands His disciples to walk in sexual purity.  Sexual purity involves both the mind and the body.  Remember, Jesus had taught in the Beatitudes that the pure in heart shall see God.  Third, Jesus mentions divorce (Matt. 5:31-32).  Jesus sanctioned the sanctity of marriage against powerful cultural forces in His day.  Jesus prohibited indiscriminate divorce (divorce for any and every cause) and allowed divorce only for fornication.  Jesus taught that entering into a marriage after unjustified divorce constitutes adultery.  Fourth, Jesus addresses oaths (Matt. 5:33-37).  Oaths are often attempts to mask deception.  Oaths are irreverent and blasphemous.  Oaths are unnecessary for those who are completely honest.  An honest person cannot improve on the veracity of their speech by an oath.  Fifth, Jesus teaches against retaliation (Matt. 5:38-42).  An “eye for an eye and tooth for a tooth” was given in order to protect the rights of persons and property by an equitable judicial settlement.  The Lord’s way involves non-retaliation in personal relations.  Christians do not render vengeance through acts of violence.  Nor do they render vengeance through withholding acts of kindness (absence of love).  Finally, Jesus teaches about the detrimental aspect of hate (Matt. 5:43-48).  Hate is malicious and unjustifiable feelings toward others including one’s enemies.  Loving others is essential to God’s Will. Loving others demonstrates God’s character in practical ways by doing good.  Loving others is important to being wholly consecrated to God.
A true disciple of Jesus Christ disciplines his/her life according to the teachings of Jesus and conforms to those instructions.  A true disciple of Jesus Christ exhibits Christlikeness.  A true disciple of Jesus Christ pursues, both in knowledge and conduct, all of the commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Anything less is hypocrisy.

“For whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth…” (Heb. 12:6).  Parents who love their children discipline them for their greater good.  Discipline takes on many different forms:  suffering for righteousness sake, verbal reproof, rewards, punishments–including corporal punishment.  Our Heavenly Father loves His children and disciplines them.  Love and correction go together.  Heb. 12:5-6 is a quotation from Proverbs 3:11-12.  In the Old Testament passage, the sage or wise man addresses his son.  No particular individual is addressed.  The wise man teaches his son to accept graciously God’s discipline of his life.  God disciplines out of love.  Love seeks the highest good of another.  The goal of God’s discipline is holiness or the fruit of righteousness.  In the New Testament passage, God’s love is emphasized as His motive for discipline.  The goal is the same, i.e. to produce holiness or the fruits of righteousness.  This noble purpose is one reason why God’s discipline of the Christians’ life must not be despised.
Discipleship Entails Discipline
Discipleship denotes a spiritual relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord.  Through obedience to the gospel, we have entered into spiritual oneness with Christ and our goal is to be like Him.  Discipline involves:  training in righteousness, education, punishments, and rewards.  Christians must be in subjection to God under all circumstances of life (Heb. 12:9; Heb. 12:1-3).  We set our eyes on Jesus and attempt to follow in His steps.
Chastening Must Be Endured
To “endure” chastening means that we “abide under” or “bear up courageously.”  We must exhibit spiritual strength and toughness in the face of chastening which for the present is not joyous.  The opposite of bearing up is to be faint, be weary, show hands that hang down or feeble knees (Heb. 12:3, 12).  Just as Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered, so we learn obedience by the things which we suffer (Heb. 5:8-9).
Love and Correction
God’s chastening is a sign of His love and spiritual relationship to Him.  Christians belong to Christ because they have been redeemed by His blood (I Cor. 6:19-20).  Those who do not sustain this vital spiritual connection are not subject to God’s chastening.  They are bastards and not sons (Heb. 12:8).  God is continually seeking the highest good of His children.  Chastening encourages their spiritual growth and advancement in Christlikeness.  Two objects are in view:  holiness (Heb. 12:10) and the fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11).  Spiritual life flourishes under God’s discipline and produces fruitfulness and spiritual maturity.
In the absence of discipline, evil goes unchecked, sin is normalized, false doctrines are normalized and God is mocked because of a Christian’s hypocrisy.  Discipline that is corrective recognizes God’s righteous standard which proceeds from His own holiness.  The goal of the Christian life is Christlikeness and through discipline God seeks to preserve relationship with us so that we can be with Him forever in heavenly realms. Consequently, we must not despise God’s chastening of our lives, but we must give Him the respect, reverence, and love that rightfully belongs to Him.