A disciple can be a follower of a certain doctrine, but a Christian disciple is the one that accepts and assists in the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Christian discipleship is critical to our lives if we are part of the Christian faith. It is a process in which we can grow and know more about the Lord Jesus Christ.
To put it simply, a disciple means a Christian. In Acts 11:26, it was stated, “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Everyone who believes in the name of Jesus becomes a disciple. It is not an option, and it is non-negotiable. Becoming a disciple of Christ is more than just a word. It is essential that we feel and act like true followers or believers of Christ. We need to make sure that we live a life that is Gospel-centered. And a Gospel-centered life is one that values discipleship.
Discipleship Makes Us Grow
The Bible commands us that “we grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).” As mentioned earlier, discipleship helps us grow and become more mature Christians. In order for our faith to grow and flourish, it is important that we are equipped with the word of God. What discipleship does is it teaches and encourages us to walk in step with the Truth of the Gospel of Christ.
Paul wrote in Titus 2:3-5 that “older women in the Church of God should train younger women to do what is good.” The instruction of the Lord is that we Christians need to relate to one another. We need to teach, train, and disciple one another. Discipleship is proof that we need each other. This chapter suggests that we need to be willing to be discipled and at the same time be available to disciple others.
Discipleship Unites Us All
Christians should know the importance of gathering together. Acts 2:44-47 tells us, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” We need to unite as fellow believers. It is critical that we seek discipleship since it is one way of inviting others into our lives.
Discipleship helps in promoting a prayerful life and at the same time helps in encouraging others (1 Thessalonians 5:11). Becoming a disciple of Christ means that you are willing to bear another’s burden (Galatians 6:2). 1 John 3:10 tells us that loving our brothers and sisters in Christ is evidence of our being a member of Christ’s family. The Bible also tells us that we need to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:3-4). This is how discipleship should work. And our perfect example is Jesus Christ.
Discipleship Means Making Disciples
Apart from gathering together with other saints, discipleship also means we are to share our faith with nonbelievers. It is important that we tell them about how Jesus Christ changed our lives. Share your testimony regarding how the Holy Spirit renewed your mind and how He removed your heart of stone and gave you a heart of flesh. It doesn’t matter whether you are new to the faith, Christians will always have something to offer. How amazing it is that God, in His holy and perfect will, used us human beings to spread the good news that is Jesus. Being a Christian means being a disciple, and being a disciple means helping others become disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
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