The concept of discipleship is at the core of Christian belief, emphasizing the importance of following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and spreading His teachings. As Christians, it is essential to understand what discipleship entails according to the Bible, as it serves as a guide for living a life aligned with God’s will. Let us explore some key verses that shed light on what discipleship means:
Matthew 28:19-20
**“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”**
Luke 14:27
**“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”**
Discipleship involves not only believing in Jesus but also actively following His teachings, spreading His message, and being willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the Gospel. It requires a commitment to live a life that reflects the teachings of Jesus and to lead others towards Him through your actions and words. The “What Is Discipleship According To The Bible” sheds light on the transformative power of discipleship in shaping individuals into true followers of Christ.
Understanding the Foundation of Discipleship in the Bible
Discipleship is a central theme in the Bible, with countless stories and teachings that emphasize the importance of following Jesus and living out His teachings. The foundation of discipleship involves surrendering to God, following His commands, and spreading the Gospel to others. Let’s explore some key Bible stories and verses that help us understand the foundational principles of discipleship.
1. Surrendering to God
One crucial aspect of discipleship is surrendering our will to God and allowing Him to lead our lives. This concept is illustrated in the story of Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22.
Genesis 22:1-2
“After these things God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ He said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.’”
2. Following His Commands
Discipleship involves following the commands of Jesus and living a life that reflects His teachings. This is highlighted in the story of the Rich Young Ruler in Mark 10.
Mark 10:21
“Jesus, looking at him, loved him and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’”
3. Spreading the Gospel
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to spread the Good News of salvation to others and make more disciples. This is demonstrated in the Great Commission in Matthew 28.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
4. Counting the Cost
Being a disciple of Jesus requires sacrifice and a willingness to count the cost of following Him. This is emphasized in the story of the Cost of Discipleship in Luke 14.
Luke 14:27
“Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.”
5. Abiding in His Word
To truly be disciples of Jesus, we must abide in His Word and let it guide our thoughts and actions. This principle is highlighted in the story of the True Vine in John 15.
John 15:7
“If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
These Bible stories and verses provide a foundation for understanding what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. By surrendering to God, following His commands, spreading the Gospel, counting the cost, and abiding in His Word, we can live out our calling as true disciples of Christ.
Key Characteristics of a Disciple According to Scripture
1. Commitment to Follow Jesus
Discipleship begins with a firm commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. In Luke 9:23, Jesus said, “
Luke 9:23
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” This verse emphasizes the importance of self-denial and carrying one’s cross as part of the disciple’s journey.
2. Love for God and Others
A disciple is known for their love for God and others. In John 13:35, Jesus says, “
John 13:35
By this all people will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” This highlights the significance of love as a key characteristic of a true disciple.
3. Obedience to God’s Word
Being a disciple means obeying God’s Word and following His commandments. In John 8:31, Jesus said, “
John 8:31
If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” This verse underscores the importance of staying grounded in the teachings of Jesus.
4. Bearing Fruit
A disciple is expected to bear fruit through their actions, attitudes, and character. In John 15:8, Jesus says, “
John 15:8
By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.” This verse stresses the importance of living a fruitful life as a follower of Christ.
5. Willingness to Sacrifice
True discipleship involves a willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the Kingdom. In Mark 8:34, Jesus said, “
Mark 8:34
If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” This verse reiterates the idea of self-denial and a readiness to carry one’s cross for the sake of Christ.
6. Discipling Others
As disciples, we are called to make disciples of others as well. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, “
Matthew 28:19-20
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” This passage highlights the responsibility we have to share the Good News and disciple others.
Practical Applications of Discipleship in Modern Day Living
Discipleship is not just a concept from Biblical times, but rather a timeless practice that can be applied to our lives today. By studying the stories of Jesus and his disciples, we can gain valuable insights on how to live as modern-day disciples. Let’s explore some practical applications of discipleship in our everyday lives:
1. Relationship Building
One of the key aspects of discipleship is building relationships with others. Jesus himself spent time with his disciples, getting to know them and investing in their lives. In the same way, we can prioritize building meaningful relationships with those around us.
Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
2. Serving Others
Another important aspect of discipleship is serving others. Jesus led by example, showing his disciples how to serve selflessly. We can follow his lead by looking for opportunities to serve those in need in our communities.
Mark 10:45 (NIV)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
3. Sharing the Gospel
As disciples, we are called to share the good news of Jesus with others. Just as Jesus sent out his disciples to spread the message, we too can share our faith with those around us, both in word and deed.
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
4. Practicing Humility
Humility is a key trait of a disciple. Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as a demonstration of humility and servanthood. We too can practice humility in our interactions with others, putting their needs above our own.
Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV)
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
5. Seeking God’s Will
Ultimately, discipleship involves seeking and following God’s will for our lives. Just as Jesus prayed for God’s guidance, we can also seek God’s will through prayer, Scripture, and wise counsel.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
| Aspect of Discipleship | Biblical Example |
| Relationship Building | Jesus spending time with his disciples |
| Serving Others | Jesus serving selflessly |
| Sharing the Gospel | Disciples spreading the good news |
| Practicing Humility | Jesus washing his disciples’ feet |
| Seeking God’s Will | Jesus seeking God’s will through prayer |
The Significance of Discipleship in Building a Stronger Relationship with God
Discipleship plays a vital role in building a stronger relationship with God. Through following the teachings of Jesus Christ and emulating His example, believers can grow in their faith and draw closer to God. Let us explore the significance of discipleship using Bible stories and verses.
1. Learning from the Great Commission
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make more disciples, emphasizes the importance of sharing the message of salvation and teaching others to follow Christ.
2. The Example of Jesus and His Disciples
Luke 6:40 – “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher.”
The relationship between Jesus and His disciples serves as a model for how we should aim to grow in our relationship with God. Just as the disciples learned from Jesus and followed His teachings, we too should strive to emulate Christ in our lives.
3. The Parable of the Sower
Matthew 13:23 – “As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”
The Parable of the Sower highlights the importance of being receptive to God’s Word and allowing it to take root in our lives. Through discipleship, believers can nurture their faith and bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.
4. The Call to Deny Oneself
Luke 9:23 – “And he said to all, ‘If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'”
Following Jesus requires self-denial and a willingness to surrender our own desires in order to follow Him wholeheartedly. Through discipleship, believers can cultivate a deeper relationship with God by putting Him first in their lives.
5. The Fellowship of Believers
Acts 2:42 – “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Part of discipleship involves gathering with other believers, studying God’s Word together, and supporting one another in faith. Building relationships within the Christian community strengthens our walk with God and encourages spiritual growth.
In conclusion, discipleship is essential for building a stronger relationship with God. By studying the teachings of Jesus, following His example, and connecting with other believers, we can deepen our faith and draw closer to the Lord. May we continue to grow as disciples of Christ, spreading His message of love and salvation to all nations.
In conclusion, discipleship in the Bible is more than just following a set of rules or laws. It is about developing a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds, and then sharing that transformation with others. As we strive to live out this calling, may we be encouraged by the example of the early disciples and be inspired to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, spreading His love and truth to all those around us. May we embrace the challenge of discipleship wholeheartedly, knowing that in doing so, we are not only fulfilling our purpose, but also experiencing the abundant life that God intends for us. Let us continue to grow in faith, love, and obedience, as we journey together on the path of discipleship.