What is a disciple?
Faithful learning for living. (Jan 2024)
Learning
Knowledge and understanding for Godly wisdom.
Living
Lifestyle showing application of learning.
Thinking beyond our culture, context and personal experience is required, to see deliberately and broadly as God (El Roi) sees things. El Roi means, “The God who sees me.” Look right, look new.
At GMC School of Discipleship, I recently learned the word disciple comes from the Greek ‘mathetes’ (male) and ‘mathetria’ (female) and it’s in the NIV version of the Bible 29 times. To disciple, ‘mathēteúō’ is in the New Testament, 4 times. To be discipled, ‘manthano’ 25 times. Disciple is in the NIV Old Testament. Isaiah 19:11.
Root word ‘Math’ is the mental stamina to think something through. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (NIV) We need Christian Mindfulness.
Listen is an anagram of Silent. We do need to plan time to filter out considerable worldly noise to hear from God. We need to Enlist in God’s offer of partnership. More Anagrams, Acronyms, Alliteration.
I think the Pharisees knew scriptures well.
I don’t think many understood it or lived it.
Serious consequences. Mat 12:22-37.
As a teacher I knew the importance of both knowledge and understanding. So does scripture. Varied application and repetition helps move learning from short to long term memory.
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” Proverbs 2: 1-6. (NIV)
As a teacher I was very keen on Concept maps, also known as Mind maps. These spider diagrams include connecting phrases.
This may be a 2D simplification, representing 3D neural pathways created in the brain when learning.
This is just a picture. Different parts of the brain have different functions in reality.
I used concept maps to help assess both knowledge and understanding of my students when teaching. The above is a part finished, very rushed, example.
I also use them to help planning. Not just to prioritise my schedule, but to schedule my priorities.