DISCIPLESHIP
Discipleship means being a
learner under the guidance of a teacher. In Christianity, it refers to how a
person matures in Christ—how Christ is formed in them—and how His teachings are
reflected in their daily actions and thoughts that shape their life. Discipleship
is not simply church attendance, Bible study, or the memorization and
repetition of Scripture. Many people have attended church their entire lives
yet have never truly been discipled.
The Process
of Discipleship
As a Christian, you need to
be equipped to always be ready to give a testimony for the hope that is within
you (1 Peter 3:15) and to disciple others to walk in the way of Christ.
According to Scripture, being a Christian disciple involves personal growth
characterized by the following:
1.
Putting the Teachings of
Jesus First (Mark 8:34–38)
A disciple of Christ must be set apart from the world. Our focus should shift
toward our Lord, seeking to please Him in every area of life. We must abandon
self-centeredness and embrace Christ-centeredness.
2.
Following Jesus’ Teachings
(John 8:31–32)
We are called to be obedient followers and doers of the Word. Obedience is the
ultimate test of faith (1 Samuel 15:22), and Jesus is the perfect example—He
lived in complete obedience to the Father, even to the point of death
(Philippians 2:6–8). When we abide in Christ, the Holy Spirit produces fruit in
our lives because of our obedience.
3.
Bearing Spiritual Fruit
(John 15:4–5)
Abiding in Christ leads to the production of spiritual fruit, which is the
evidence of our discipleship. This fruit is not something we manufacture
ourselves; it is the outcome of a life lived in obedience to God.
4.
Loving Other Disciples
(John 13:34–35)
Love for other believers is evidence that we belong to God's family (1 John
3:10). Love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13:1–13, is not just an emotion—it
is action. We must actively care for and serve others, thinking more highly of
them than of ourselves (Philippians 2:3–4). Philippians 2:5 sums it up:
"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus." He is our
perfect example in all aspects of life.
5.
Evangelism – Making
Disciples of Others (Matthew 28:18–20)
We are called to share our faith and tell others about the transformative power
of Jesus Christ. Regardless of our spiritual maturity, we have something
valuable to offer. Too often we believe the lie that we’re not knowledgeable or
experienced enough to make a difference. But that’s not true! Some of the most
passionate witnesses are new believers who, despite limited knowledge, are
eager to share their experience of God’s love. What matters most is a genuine
encounter with the living Christ—that’s what we are called to share.
The Purpose of Discipleship
Discipleship is the most
fundamental way to learn and live out the truth of the Gospel. This is because
Jesus Christ is the ultimate embodiment of the “Eternal Gospel.” Through
Him, we learn how to live in alignment with God’s purpose, and through
discipleship, we pass that truth on to others.