Paradigm 21: Disciplehsip and Transformation

To recap the lessons of Paradigm 20 we covered 2 weeks ago:

• Success is fulfilling one's purpose.
• The purpose of a disciple is fruit bearing.
• Fruit bearing comprises inner transformation and outer multiplication.

In this chapter Edmund Chan emphasizes that the strategy of God is multiplication rather than addition. He quotes OT scripture to back up this point, then says that transformation must precede multiplication. Discipleship must not be head knowledge alone, but 'complete transformation'. Transformation of personal and public life is God's goal.

• What is the difference between spiritual addition and spiritual multiplication?

In the latter, teaching and modelling of life is imparted to others who impart to others also (2 Ti 2:2) - an exponential growth, rather than having one person teach and model

• Why must there by multiplication with transformation?

Both are inseparable parts of fruitfulness. Because we reproduce only after our own kind (Gal 6:7, Mt 7:17-18), we cannot make of others what we are not. We get what we give, we get out what we put in, and we reap what we sow. So only true disciples can make true disciples of Christ.


I don't doubt that Chan is correct, but I think his OT references are a promise of multiplication of physical descendants and are probably not good proof texts for the concept. It seems to me that a better passage i(n the NT) is the Parable of the Sower/Soils, found in all 3 synoptic Gospels (Mt 13:3-23  Lk 8:4-15, MK 4:2-20). Here, the seed is good (for it is the word of God),the sower has a relatively minor role, and the focus is on 4 different types of soils.This passage follows from our discussion about spiritual fruit-bearing 2 weeks ago, so we will ask ourselves what the qualities are of spiritual multiplication.

• The first soil (the 'path') tells us that those who hear (Mk 4:15) without understanding (Mt 13:19) are robbed by the devil of belief (Lk 13:12). Hearing without understanding can occur because only the Spirit enables us to trust savingly in the Gospel (1 Co 2:14)
• The second soil ('rocky ground') implies that joy with endurance through tribulation and persecution is necessary. They 'have no root' and cannot endure testing (c.f. Mt 10:22, 24:13). This typifies the individual who hears the good news of the gospel and does not grasp that the gospel is not only about positive aspects of experience (joy, peace, salvation) but comes also with suffering as Christ suffered. So when suffering comes, their idea of the Gospel is ruptured and they give up their faith.
• The third soil ('among thorns') tells us that we have to resist the 'cares of the world' and the 'deceitfulness of riches'. Mark adds in 'and the desires for other things' (Mk 4:19) Luke has this as 'the cares and riches and pleasures of life'. They do not necessarily deliberately rebel against God, but have spiritual life gradually choked out of them by legitimate things, so that their. fruit does not reach maturity. We spent time talking about the relationship between earthly pleasures and God. I said that earthly pleasures should not be set against spiritual pleasures. We recognize that God created all pleasures (1 Ti 4:4) and that all these pleasures are to be enjoyed in God. When we enjoy pleasures in God's presence, then all pleasures are legitimate. Augustine of Hippo said, “He loves Thee too little, who loves anything together with Thee, which he loves not for Thy sake.". 
• The fourth, good soil is when one hears and understands/accepts (Mt 13:19. 23; Mk 4:20) the word. They 'hold it fast in an honest and good heart' 'in patience' (Lk 13:15). Here the ideas of hearing, understanding and enduring come together. We hold something 'fast' because we do not want to lose it, or because someone/something else is trying to snatch it away. INstead of holding it in our hands, our organ of holding is the heart- a beautiful (Gk: kalos) heart - not holding it in anger, resentment, frustration or pride to God's word and ways.

How are we transformed?
Romans 12:1-2 presents the transformation of the mind as the opposite of conformation to the world (c.f. 'a debased mind' Ro 1:28).
In view of all God has done in saving us (Rom 1-11), we are to respond in complete surrender in holiness to God. 'Bodies' is a reference to Christians as whole persons.

Transformation starts with the mind - knowing spiritual truth as revealed by the Spirit. Knowing precedes being, and being precedes doing. We pray for openness to understanding (c.f. Lk 24:45) of truth.Our minds are to serve the Law of God (Ro 7:23-25) and set our mind on the Spirit (Ro 8:5-7). In that way we discern God's will in specific situations. Biblical wisdom is being able to apply God's truth to daily life. The greater the grasp of the truth, not only in the intellect, but in spiritual understanding, the greater this wisdom we are all called to have.