3
Nephi 5 vs 1 to 19
bofm365According to these verses, what is the role of a disciple
of Christ? What are some ways we can fulfill this role?
This
chapter is such a great study on true discipleship!
From Institute Manual
•Mormon described himself as a disciple of Christ. President
Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972) explained the nature of Mormon’s calling:
“While in every
instance the Nephite twelve are spoken of as disciples, the fact remains that
they had been endowed with divine authority to be special witnesses for Christ
among their own people. Therefore, they were virtually apostles to the Nephite
race, although their jurisdiction was, as revealed to Nephi, eventually to be
subject to the authority and jurisdiction of Peter and the twelve chosen in
Palestine” (Answers to Gospel Questions, comp. Joseph
Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. 1957-66, 1:122).
While Mormon’s personal
call was that of an Apostle, the term disciple can also have a more general
definition. A disciple is also “a follower of Jesus Christ who lives according
to Christ’s teachings (D&C 41:5)” (Guide to the Scriptures, “Disciple”).
Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles further
explained:
“The following has
been written about discipleship:
“‘The word disciple comes from the
Latin meaning a learner. A disciple of Christ is one who is learning to be like
Christ—learning to think, to feel, and to act as he does. To be a true
disciple, to fulfill that learning task, is the most demanding regimen known to
man. No other discipline compares … in either requirements or rewards.
It involves the total transformation of a person from the state of the natural
man to that of a saint, one who loves the Lord and serves with all of his
heart, might, mind, and strength’ (Chauncey C.
Riddle, ‘Becoming a Disciple,’ Ensign, Sept. 1974, 81)” (in Conference Report,
Oct. 2000, 77; or Ensign, Nov. 2000, 61).
In addition to speaking about discipleship, Mormon here may be
making a statement about his authority not just as a disciple but as an Apostle
of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Vs
1 – did not doubt in the least the words of the prophets
Vs
2 – watched for, recognized, and believed in signs given
Vs
3 – forsook all sins
Vs
3 – served God with all diligence 24/7
·
The difference between a believer and a
disciple? A believer believes but a
disciple also acts. We must do something
with our testimony!
·
@rhymeswithjello:. Are we always choosing to
serve God, and with "all diligence"? To me that idea entails
conscious thought and effort beyond going through the motions of reading
scriptures, saying prayers, etc. Those things are pretty simple and easy to
check off the list. What's harder is constantly making my words and actions
consistent with the Savior's teachings. To get there, I try to ask myself
questions throughout every day such as: How am I treating people? What's my
attitude like? How can I eliminate pride and gain more humility? How can I be a
better servant of the Lord and less of a servant of my own whims and pleasures?
To me, true discipleship involves taking a hard look at our thoughts and our
actions and trying with all our might to align them with the Savior
Vs
4—taught the wicked the gospel.
·
Exhibited justice unto change but showed great
mercy unto repentence. They also forgave
personally!
Vs
5-6 – purged wickedness
·
They removed the “robbers” (that could be anything that could ‘rob’ you
of happiness and eternal life)
Vs
8 – recognized the gifts from God that others would look over!
·
The tender mercies, gentle promptings, signs,
miracles, blessings.
·
Apparently they were great and marvelous to
some but not all!
·
Disciples are grateful and acknowledge God’s
hand in their lives.
Vs
10 – kept a record of these wonderful things
Vs
13 – they know who they are – disciples of Jesus Christ!
·
They take upon His name (proudly)
·
They know their purpose and live as He would
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