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Biblical Definition of Discipleship

Definition of discipleship according to Merriam-Webster: one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: such as:

a. Christianity: one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ’s followers according to the Gospel accounts

b. a convinced adherent of a school or individual

Definition of discipleship according to Jesus in John 8:31: “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.”

A *Christian* disciple follows Jesus Christ. A Christian disciple is someone who loves God with everything he has. (Matthew 22:37-38) A Christian disciple, by God’s grace, becomes more and more like Jesus through a lifetime of faith and obedience.

 Real Life

Definition of integrity according to Merriam-Webster: 1. firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values (incorruptibility), 2. an unimpaired condition (soundness), 3. the quality or state of being complete or undivided (completeness)

Have you ever met someone who says one thing and does another? “Don’t do as I do but do as I say”. He behaves differently than what he says he believes. It is a contradiction of behaving and believing. If one’s actions contradict one’s words, which is true? According to Jesus, our actions clearly speak to what we really believe. Therefore in following Him, we must hold to His teachings in our daily lives.

When we read the Gospels in the New Testament, we realize that those who followed Christ truly were His disciples. Because of their love for Him, many left their jobs, homes and security to walk with Him as He ministered to people throughout Palestine. They had the benefit of walking with Him in the flesh. How about us today, with Christ risen from the tomb and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, what are the characteristics of a true disciple of Jesus?

1. A true disciple of Jesus in one who worships God. If you are a new creation in Christ, you are someone who brings glory to God and honors Him.

2. A true disciple of Jesus is one who is confident in the power of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection to secure his salvation. He must know that he is a child of God and that Christ dwells within him.

3. A true disciple of Jesus is one who walks in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is responsible for everything that happens in the life of a believer, his new birth, daily walk, understanding of the Bible, prayer, witnessing and worshipping, etcetera. He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us, which enables us to live godly lives and be a witness for Christ.

4. A true disciple of Jesus is one who demonstrates love for God and our neighbors, fellow disciples and enemies. Jesus commands us to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbor as ourselves. (Matthew 22:37-40)

5. A true disciple of Jesus is one who knows how to read, study, memorize and meditate upon the Word of God and to store its truths in his heart. It is impossible to walk in the fullness God’s Holy Spirit without understanding God’s Word. We need the Holy Spirit’s help in order to understand and apply God’s Word.

6. A true disciple of Jesus is one who prays. Jesus models throughout the Bible that communicating with God the Father is one of the most important things in a Christ-one’s life. He shows that a true child of God speaks with his Father in heaven.

7. A true disciple of Jesus is one who obeys the commands of God in a lifestyle that honors Christ.

8. A true disciple of Jesus is one who trusts God and lives a life of faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please him”. (God)

9. A true disciple of Jesus is one who understands God’s grace. God loves us unconditionally, whether we obey Him or not. This is the opposite of legalism which urges us to try to obey God’s laws in our own wisdom, power and strength.

10. A true disciple of Jesus is one who witnesses for Christ as a way of life. If we love Jesus, we will tell others about Him testifying to what He has done in our life.

How do we measure up to the Biblical definition of discipleship? Here are questions for application:

1. What are some characteristics of a Biblically defined disciple that I see in my life?

2. What are some characteristics of a Biblically defined disciple that I struggle with? Have I asked for the Holy Spirit’s help to grow in this area/s?

Other verses to prayerfully consider:

Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”

John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Bible verses cited are from the English Standard Version.

Resources

Are We Abiding in Christ?

I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

All4Christ is based on our four core values. They are exultation, edification, equipping and evangelism. We were founded on these values and this is why we exist. They should also be the life and breath of all Christ-followers regardless of our traditions, denominational affiliation, background and nationality. 

Prayerfully consider this with me. Recently I read “Mission Drift” by Peter Greer and Chris Horst. They remind leaders of Christian nonprofit organizations, mission agencies, churches and charities to safeguard our founder’s mission. In short the reason our ministry was started. If we do not safeguard the values of the ministries we are tasked to lead we will drift in a different direction and act in ways that are not true to our founder’s original mission. Drift happens when small compromising decisions compound over time. Eventually our ministry is not what it was intended to be and do when it was founded. Drift happens slowly and subtly like a ship not being directed toward the crew’s desired destination.

What is my point? We as ministry leaders are stewards of the ministry entrusted to us by our predecessor. We are accountable to our Boards, donors, those we are called to serve and ultimately to Jesus Christ as to how faithfully we carried out our mission. The bottom line of all Christian leaders is our heart and character in Jesus Christ. Our skills, gifts and name are important but they are not the plumb line. Prayerfully consider this with me. We can be all *for* Christ but not all *in* Christ. There is a difference. Jesus tells his disciples  “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (ESV)

Brothers and sisters in Christ, are we remaining in Christ or are only for him? We can perform our job for which we are paid. But do we personally study God’s word and meditate on it? Do we pray? Are we in fellowship with a local church and accountable it? Friends let us be all in Christ and all out for him at the same time.

Jeff Anderson