This week we will cover the question: “What is discipleship?” Stay tuned, though. Because next week we will cover the subsequent question: “What is discipling?”
To discuss these matters of discipleship and discipling biblically, I believe the best place to begin this two-part series is in the words of Jesus.
As Matthew records in his gospel, just before the Lord Jesus ascends into heaven, he gives one last command to his disciples — what we have called, the great commission. This is the church’s inaugural charge. And, by the command of Jesus, it is this: “Go and make disciples…” (Matt 28:19) The Christian life is about being a disciple and making disciples.
Now, I believe it will be most helpful to define some terms. What is a disciple? A disciple is a life-long follower and student of someone. Thus, a disciple of Jesus is one who loves and follows Jesus, not only as their Savior but also as their teacher and Lord (i.e. master).
Discipleship, then, is living as a disciple. Is this you? Are you a life-long follower and student of Jesus in both your private and public life? If you say you are, can others tell? Keep these questions in mind.
Here is my formal definition of Christian discipleship: a disciple is one who actively and joyfully lives the Christian life, both in private and in public in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit according to the commandments of God all for God’s glory.
To become a disciple is, therefore, not a spiritual promotion. Discipleship is a gift, but not from man. (Eph 5:8) Neither is discipleship a hierarchical status in the Christians community. This a false ecclesiology. One must remember their spiritual heritage at this point. All true Christians are disciples of Christ because they were made so. (1 Peter 1:3) It is not upon their own merit that they were made so (Rom 7:18), as if it was something that they did to themselves. No, it is the transforming power of God’s election that does so to them. (Rom 8:30)
So, if being a disciple of Jesus is a gift from God given through regeneration (i.e. salvation) what does discipleship mean after our new birth? In other words, now that we have been saved by Jesus, filled with the holy Spirit, and desire a relationship with Jesus to follow him, what must we do? Thanks be to God we do not have to wonder! Jesus gives a direct answer: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
We must be careful at this point, though. When we begin to talk about how to live our lives in discipleship, many who claim the name of Christ are prone to utilitarianism (the philosophy that the action which causes the greatest happiness is the best) and pragmatism (the philosophy that if something works it must be true).
To this I will say, notice again what Jesus says in John 14:15, “if you love me, [then] you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15) Our ideas must always be held captive by the living Word. We must know what our Bible says, for if we believe or act contrary to what the Word of God teaches and commands, we are not loving Him. And if this is the true state of our hearts, that we do not love Him, we are not His disciples.
Jesus is good. His word is good. His plans are good. His love is true. And His will is for you to know him as Savior and Lord. But, sometimes, discipleship is hard. In this body of death with minds and hearts still prone to sin by the fall, sometimes following Jesus and believing what He has said is the hardest thing you will ever do. Do you trust Jesus? Do you trust that He is a good shepherd? Then why weigh His word by our faulty sin ridden measurements? Forsake all that is worldly and follow Him who calls. This is what it means to be a Christian. This is discipleship.
