Christian Discipleship

By definition, discipleship is a follower, one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. A Christian disciple is a person who accepts and assist in the spreading of the good news of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is a process which enables a person to grow in Jesus Christ and equips them to overcome joyfully the pressures and trials of this present life. This process requires believers to constantly examine their thoughts, words and actions in accordance with the Word of God. We should always be ready to give testimony for the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15) and disciple others to walk in His way.According to Scripture, being a Christian discipleship involves personal growth characterized by the following:1. Putting Jesus first in all things (Mark 8:34-38).This requires a change in our lives and choices that may be difficult at times. We need and should be set apart from the world. Our focus needs to be on our Lord and pleasing Him in every area of our life. We must put off self-centeredness and put on Christ-centeredness.2. By following Jesus' teachings (John 8:31-32).We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God (1 Samuel 28:18) and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as he lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death (Philippians 3:6-8).3. By fruitfulness (John 15:5-8).While our job is not producing fruit but is to abide in Christ and the Holy Spirit produces the fruit, this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our life will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of these changes.4. By love for other disciples (John 13:34-35).We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God's family (1 John 3:10). Love is defined and elaborated on in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. In examining these verses, we see that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than ourselves and to look out for their interests (Philippians 2:3,4). If we go on to look at the next verse in Philippians (verse 5) this really sums up what we are to do when it comes to everything - "our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus". What a perfect example He is to us for everything we are to do in our Christian walk.5. Evangelism - Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18-20).We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level is in Christ, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don't really know enough or haven't been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God for them. They may not know a lot of bible verses or the "accepted" way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God of this world and that is exactly what we are to share.