Discipleship

What is Discipleship?
Discipleship is the process of following Jesus Christ and becoming more like Him in every aspect of our lives. It is a journey of transformation, marked by continuous growth in faith, obedience, and love. Discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge; it is about embodying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, allowing His character to be formed in us.

The term “disciple” comes from the Greek word “mathētēs,” which means a learner or a student. However, in the context of the New Testament, it signifies much more than a mere pupil. A disciple is someone who actively follows and imitates their teacher, embracing their way of life and values. In the Christian context, this means following Jesus Christ and striving to live according to His teachings and example.

Biblical Foundation of Discipleship

The concept of discipleship is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church. Jesus’ invitation to His first disciples captures the essence of discipleship: “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” (Matthew 4:19, NLT). This call was not just an invitation to observe His life but a summons to actively participate in His mission and to be transformed by His example.
Jesus’ method of discipleship was centered on close personal relationships. He selected twelve men to be His disciples, to live with Him, learn from Him, and continue His work after His departure. This relational model is evident throughout the Gospels, where we see Jesus teaching, correcting, encouraging, and empowering His disciples.
Key Elements of Discipleship
1. Following Jesus
• At its core, discipleship is about following Jesus. He said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NLT). This call to follow involves self-denial, bearing one’s cross, and committing to a life of obedience to Christ.

2. Learning from Jesus
• Discipleship involves learning from Jesus, both through His teachings and His example. Jesus instructed His disciples, “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:29, NLT). Learning from Jesus requires humility and a willingness to be taught and transformed by Him.

3. Imitating Jesus
• The ultimate goal of discipleship is to become like Jesus. The apostle Paul captures this when he says, “And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, NLT). As disciples, we strive to reflect the character, love, and holiness of Jesus in our lives.

4. Living in Community
• Discipleship is not a solitary journey. Jesus established a community of disciples, teaching them to love and serve one another.
The early church continued this model, as seen in Acts 2:42, “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Community provides accountability, encouragement, and support essential for spiritual growth.

5. Obeying Jesus
• Obedience is a critical aspect of discipleship. Jesus said, “If you love me, obey my commandments” (John 14:15, NLT). True discipleship involves a commitment to obeying Jesus’ teachings, even when it is challenging or counter-cultural.

6. Bearing Fruit
• Discipleship should result in a transformed life that bears fruit for God’s kingdom. Jesus taught, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8, NLT). The fruits of discipleship include personal holiness, love, joy, peace, and leading others to Christ.

7. Making Disciples
• Jesus commissioned His followers, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.
And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20, NLT). This Great Commission underscores the responsibility of every disciple to reproduce and mentor others in the faith, perpetuating the cycle of discipleship.

The Transformational Journey of Discipleship
Discipleship is fundamentally transformational, involving a radical change in identity, purpose, and lifestyle. This transformation is initiated by the Holy Spirit and is marked by continuous growth and maturity in Christ.

1. Identity in Christ Discipleship begins with a new identity in Christ. When we come to faith in Jesus, we are born again and become new creations. Paul writes, “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our old self, with its sinful nature, is crucified with Christ, and we are given a new nature, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24).

2. Purpose in Christ Our purpose as disciples is to glorify God and fulfill His will on earth. Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8). As we grow in discipleship, our lives should increasingly reflect God’s glory through our actions, character, and witness to others.
3. Lifestyle of Obedience Discipleship entails a lifestyle of obedience to God’s Word and His Spirit. Jesus emphasized, “If you remain faithful to my teachings, you are really my disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Abiding in Christ involves a continuous, intimate relationship with Him, where we seek to know and do His will in every area of our lives.

The Cost of Discipleship

Following Jesus comes with a cost. Jesus was explicit about the demands of discipleship, warning that it requires self-denial, sacrifice, and total allegiance to Him.

1. Self-Denial Jesus said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Self-denial means putting aside our own desires, ambitions, and comforts to pursue God’s will.

2. Sacrifice Discipleship often involves significant sacrifice. Jesus told His disciples, “So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own” (Luke 14:33). This may mean giving up material possessions, relationships, or even our very lives for the sake of the gospel.

3. Allegiance to Christ Our loyalty to Jesus must surpass all other commitments. He declared, “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine” (Matthew 10:37). True discipleship requires that Jesus be the supreme priority in our lives.

The Rewards of Discipleship
While the cost of discipleship is high, the rewards are immeasurable. Jesus promised abundant life to those who follow Him: “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10).

1. Intimacy with God Discipleship leads to a deep, intimate relationship with God. Jesus assured, “All who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come and make our home with each of them” (John 14:23). As we walk in obedience and fellowship with God, we experience His presence and love in profound ways.

2. Eternal Life The ultimate reward of discipleship is eternal life. Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life” (John 6:47). This eternal life begins now, as we live in communion with God, and continues forever in His glorious presence.

3. Fruitfulness and Fulfillment Discipleship results in a fruitful life that glorifies God and brings fulfillment. Jesus said, “When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father” (John 15:8). As we abide in Christ and follow His lead, our lives bear the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, and more—leading to a sense of purpose and satisfaction.

Conclusion
The journey of discipleship, though marked with challenges, offers profound rewards and the promise of a life deeply connected to God. Embracing this path involves significant transformation and commitment but leads to true fulfillment and eternal joy in Christ.

Understanding discipleship is essential for every believer. It is a call to follow Jesus, learn from Him, imitate His example, and live a life of obedience and sacrifice. While the cost is high, the rewards are infinitely greater. As we embark on this journey of discipleship, may we be empowered by the Holy Spirit, grounded in God’s Word, and committed to making disciples of all nations, fulfilling the Great Commission and preparing for the endtime revival.

Key Elements of Discipleship

1. Following Jesus
   • Discipleship fundamentally involves following Jesus in every aspect of life, including self-denial, bearing personal sacrifices, and living a life directed by His teachings.
2. Learning from Jesus
   • This entails absorbing His teachings and embodying His humble and gentle spirit, which involves more than just understanding His words; it demands a transformation influenced by His life and actions.
3. Imitating Jesus
   • The aim of discipleship is to mirror Jesus’ character, actions, and love, aspiring to reflect His holiness and righteousness in personal conduct.
4. Living in Community
   • Discipleship is practiced within a community of believers, where members support, encourage, and hold each other accountable, enhancing their spiritual growth through collective worship and service.
5. Obeying Jesus
   • True discipleship requires obedience to Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing the importance of aligning one’s actions with His commands, which shows genuine love and commitment to Him.
6. Bearing Fruit
   • A disciple’s life should manifest the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace, demonstrating growth and contributing positively to the kingdom of God.
7. Making Disciples
   • Disciples are called to replicate by mentoring others, spreading Jesus’ teachings, and expanding the community of believers globally as part of the Great Commission.

The Transformational Journey of Discipleship

1. Identity in Christ
   • Becoming a disciple starts with a new identity in Christ, shifting from old ways to a new life that strives to emulate God in righteousness and holiness.
2. Purpose in Christ
   • Disciples are purposed to glorify God and fulfill His will, which includes showing God’s glory through their lives and actions.
3. Lifestyle of Obedience
   • The disciple’s life is characterized by a steadfast adherence to God’s teachings and an ongoing relationship with Jesus, where His teachings continuously guide their decisions and lifestyle.

The Cost of Discipleship

1. Self-Denial
   • Following Jesus requires putting aside personal desires and ambitions to fully pursue God’s will.
2. Sacrifice
   • Disciples may need to forsake possessions, relationships, or personal comforts for the sake of their faith and mission.
3. Allegiance to Christ
   • Loyalty to Jesus should surpass all other relationships and commitments, with Jesus being the foremost priority in a disciple’s life.

The Rewards of Discipleship

1. Intimacy with God
   • Discipleship fosters a deep, personal relationship with God, filled with His love and presence.
2. Eternal Life
   • The ultimate promise for disciples is eternal life, beginning in the present with a life in communion with God and extending into eternity.
3. Fruitfulness and Fulfillment
   • A disciple’s life becomes fruitful, bringing fulfillment and purpose as they live out their faith actively, impacting others and glorifying God.

Each of these elements and stages builds upon the others, forming a comprehensive framework for understanding and living out discipleship in a Christian context.

10 questions that can be derived from the text on discipleship for deeper reflection or discussion:

1. What does it mean to truly follow Jesus in daily life?
2. How can a disciple cultivate a humble and teachable spirit similar to that of Jesus?
3. In what ways should a disciple seek to imitate Jesus’ character and actions?
4. Why is community important in the journey of discipleship, and how does it contribute to spiritual growth?
5. What are some practical ways to demonstrate obedience to Jesus’ commandments in contemporary settings?
6. How can a disciple assess whether they are truly bearing spiritual fruit?
7. What strategies can be effective in making disciples in today’s globalized and digital world?
8. How does a new identity in Christ change a person’s values and priorities?
9. What are the challenges of maintaining a lifestyle of obedience, and how can they be overcome?
10. What are the tangible rewards of discipleship in the life of a believer, and how do they manifest?