Just because we read our Bibles, witness, pray, tithe and regularly attend a church does not qualify us as being disciples. Just because we do the basic commands and expectations of being a Christian does not make us a disciple. This first study from the book should show us that one of the first traits of being a disciple is learning how to be a pupil, a student, a learner of the Word. Being a good denominational student and knowing and walking out its creed and code of faith also does not qualify one for being a disciple.
What we will see in this book on brokenness and discipleship is that being a disciple is not the things done outwardly, but what we allow God to do to our heart inwardly.
There are four Greek words for disciple.
- The first is “mathetes” pronounced math-ay-tes. It means one who is a learner such as a pupil. It is the most used word in the Bible for a disciple, being used 249 times in the 256 verses.
- The second word which is only used four times is “matheteuo” pronounced math-ayt-yoo-o. It means to become a pupil or disciple or to enroll as a learner or student. It also means to instruct or teach the one enrolled.
- The third word which is only used once is “materia” pronounced math-ay-tree-ah. It means a female pupil or disciple.
- The fourth word which is only used once is “summathetes” pronounced soom-math-ay-tace. It is a compound word and means a co-learner of Christianity or fellow disciple.