Growing in Discipleship

Recently I read about a young man in the Army who during Operation Desert Storm was called to go to Iraq, when our nation declared war on Saddam Hussein.

However, the young man didn’t want to go. He explained that he hadn’t joined the army to go war. He joined because of the benefits: the pay, the college tuition, the insurance, and hopefully some travel. He just didn’t want to travel to Iraq and fight.

Obviously there was something wrong with his thinking. One of the functions of the military is to be prepared for fighting wars. It exists to protect our national interests, not the individual’s interest in obtaining perks and benefits.

Sadly, as one writer put it some “believers sign up for the benefits. They expect Jesus to ‘be there’ for them, but they don’t expect to “be there’ for Him.”

Becoming a Christian is about discipleship. While all of our posts on “Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth” involve facets of discipleship, it is important to specifically consider the concept itself.

The word “disciple” is found over 270 times in the New Testament. It is used to refer to one who is a learner, a pupil, and a follower of Jesus Christ. It has been said that “A student learns what his teacher knows, but a disciple becomes what his master is.” As Bonhoeffer wrote, “Christianity without discipleship is always Christianity without Christ.

Ken Hemphill was right when he wrote, “Discipleship is an ongoing process, not a quick fix.” It is not something that is achieved in a simple 12 step course. Or by reading the latest religious bestseller. Or even by attending church every Sunday.

Discipleship is a lifetime journey. It is being a continual learner. It is giving up our selfish desires. Reaching up to seek greater goals. And growing up to imbibe the character of Christ in our daily walk.

Consider these scriptural thoughts about Discipleship.

#1 Discipleship involves training.

Being discipled implies the expending of time, effort, and energy. Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher” (Lk 6:40). Training takes place in Bible classes, workshops, seminars, men’s leadership classes, marriage retreats, youth weekends, special themed meetings, personal study, and much more.

#2 Discipleship requires humility.

Jesus said, “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master” (Matt. 10:24). Jesus reminded his disciples that he did not come to earth to be served, but to serve and minister to others (Matt. 20:27-28). In the same way, He calls us to humbly serve the needs of others.

#3 Discipleship issues itself in love for others.

Following Jesus’ demonstration of humility and service in washing the disciples’ feet He said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn. 13:35).

How are we to love? Jesus said, “as I have loved you” (Jn. 13:34). And how did He love? His loved us selflessly, sacrificially, understandingly and forgivingly. “The height of our love for God will never exceed the depth of our love for one another,” observed Patrick Morley.

#4 Discipleship naturally calls for total commitment to Christ.

While I don’t agree with all of his theology, Rick Warren correctly observed, “Nothing shapes your life more than the commitments you choose to make. Your commitments can develop you or they can destroy you, either way they will define you.”

• Are you committed to following the commandments of Christ?
• Are you committed to Him more than material possessions and earthly treasures?
• Are you committed to Him above family ties?
• Are you committed to Him when facing trials, temptations, and trouble?
• Are you committed to Him even more than life itself?

#5 Discipleship results in bearing fruit

In John 15 Jesus compared discipleship to be a branch connected to the vine. To bear fruit we must “remain” in Him. Then he said, “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples (Jn. 15:8).

What are you producing? What fruit are you bearing? What visible evidence is there in your life that you’re a disciple of Christ?

“Sowing Seeds for Spiritual Growth” is impossible apart from dedicated, devoted discipleship.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman