Discipleship lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It is a lifelong process of following Christ, growing in faith, and being transformed into His image. There is a profound meaning of discipleship that is driven by the timeless wisdom of scripture. Let’s delve into the essence of discipleship and discover its significance in our lives, including the fulfillment of the Great Commandment and the call to make disciples through the Great Commission.
The goal of a kingdom disciple is to have a transformed life and to replicate God’s kingdom values in the lives of others.
Tony Evans
Understanding Discipleship
Discipleship is not merely an additional component of Christianity; it is the core of our faith. It involves surrendering our lives to Jesus Christ and becoming His devoted followers. In Matthew 16:24 (NIV), Jesus sets the standard for discipleship, saying, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” This verse highlights the selflessness, sacrifice, and commitment required of a disciple.
The Call to Transformation
Discipleship goes beyond intellectual assent and demands a transformative journey. In Romans 12:2 (NIV), the apostle Paul urges believers, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This renewal occurs as we immerse ourselves in God’s Word, allowing it to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. This sentiment is echoed by emphasizing that discipleship involves a complete reorientation of our lives to align with the values and principles of God’s kingdom.
Intimacy with God and the Great Commandment
Discipleship is a personal relationship with our Creator. In Matthew 22:37-39 (NIV), Jesus affirms the Great Commandment, saying, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'” Discipleship entails loving God with our whole being (heart, soul, and mind) and extending that love to others (through service). As disciples, our spiritual growth and fruitfulness stem from our intimate connection with Jesus Christ.
The Fruit of Discipleship
Discipleship is characterized by a visible transformation in our lives, resulting in the production of spiritual fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) describes this fruit: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” As we submit to the work of the Holy Spirit within us, these virtues become evident in our attitudes, relationships, and actions. Discipleship empowers us to love God and our neighbors in tangible ways, fulfilling the Great Commandment.
The Great Commission and Disciple-Making
Discipleship is inseparable from the mission of spreading the Gospel. In Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV), Jesus instructs His disciples, “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.” True discipleship encompasses both being discipled and making other disciples. We are called to reproduce the transformative process in the lives of those we encounter, sharing the love and teachings of Christ.
In Summary
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of transformation, requiring surrender, intimacy with God, active obedience, the fulfillment of the Great Commandment, and the call to make disciples. As we embrace the essence of discipleship, we become catalysts for God’s kingdom, reflecting His character and sharing His love with others. By following Jesus and making disciples, we participate in the beautiful work of God, bringing His redemptive power to every corner of the world. May we wholeheartedly embrace discipleship and impact lives for His glory.
