Published: 2023

Who is a true disciple?

John 8:31  – “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed.”

A disciple is simply a disciplined follower of the teachings and ways of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Other Disciples

Christians are not the only ones who make disciples, however we tend to be the ones who produce fewer or very weak disciples. Other religions like the muslims, hindus, buddhists, and other eastern religions also have their own disciples who have sworn their allegiance to what they believe in, they don’t only follow the teachings of their religious leaders but they also practice their ways and sometimes even lay down their very lives for what they believe in.

As children of God and followers of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must endeavor to follow after the ways of our Lord and also teach others to do so as well. This will help us to live more fruitful lives as believer’s as well as encourage those who don’t know the Lord to want to know him.

In the 21st century, and especially in the western world, it seems as if it is becoming more and more difficult to find true disciples; people that actually practice what they preach or what is preached to them, people now want to adapt their obedience and submission to God to their own personal lifestyle. However, if we are really going to inherit eternal life in Christ Jesus, we will need to re-focus our attention on some rudimentary virtues that we must posses to remain true disciples.

How True Disciples are made

The under listed qualities are expected to be found in the life of every true disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ, but if these qualities do not exist in you yet, you must make every effort to attain them.

A True Disciple must:

• Be born again – John 3:3
• Be baptized or seek to be baptized – Matt 3:13-17
• Have a deep understanding of the price that was paid for his/her redemption – Is 53:1-10; Matt 27:22-50
• Have an undying love for God – Matt 22:37
• Have genuine love for others especially fellow believers – Matt 22:39; 1 John 4:7-11
• Posses strong Faith in God – Mark 11:22b; Heb 11:6
• Be Committed to God’s work – Neh 4:6; John 9:4
• Be able to endure trials – 2 Tim 2:3-5
• Have a Prayer, Worship and Intercessory lifestyle – Luke 18:1; John 4:23-24; Eph 6:
• Have a Hope of Eternal Life – Tit 1:1-2; 1 John 5:11-13
• Be able to effectively communicate to non-believers, the total gospel message – 1 Pet 3:15
• Be a Disciple Maker (Nurture New Converts) – 2 Tim 2:1-2
• Be able to Lead by example – 1 Tim 4:12
• Have a Good Report amongst others – 1 Tim 3:7; Acts 22:12
• Be a Good Steward and Accountable – 1 Cor 4:1-2; Matt 18:23; Lk 16:2
• Understand the importance of a Retreat when burnout occurs – Mark 6:30-32; 45-46
• Live a life of Giving and Sacrifice – Lk 6:38; 1 Jn 3:16-17
• Live a Sexually pure life (Courtship & Marriage) – Heb 13:4
• Have Compassion for the Lost (Understand the value of a soul) – Luke 15
• Discover their ministry calling, and endeavor to operate in at least one Spiritual Gift – 1 Cor 12; Rom 12:4-8
• Manifest the Fruit of the Spirit – Gal 5:22-24
• Fellowship with other Believers – Heb 10:25
• Have a good understanding of the Word of God – 2 Tim 2:15
• Prayerfully get rid of bad Habits – Heb 12:1-2
• Be a good Time Manager – Eph 5:15-17
• Be submitted to Authority – Heb 13:17
• Have a servants heart – Phil 2:5b
• Have a teachable spirit, and be eager to learn – Acts 2:42
• Be Hardworking – Prov 22:29
• Learn how to balance Family, Work, Ministry and Personal Life
• Must have a balanced Well Being (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual/Emotional, Social) – 

A true disciple is a lethal weapon in the hand of God, and a great terror to the devil and his kingdom! Jeremiah 51:20 says: “Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee I will break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms”. We need not underestimate ourselves as the 10 spies did in the wilderness, when they brought an evil report to the whole congregation (Num 13:33).

God is counting on us to live as true disciples, and to be his representatives here on earth. The world must be able acknowledge that we have been with Jesus, by the things they see happening in and through our lives.

It is an honor to be called and chosen of God to serve in his Kingdom, however, we must remember that Jesus said in Matt 19:30 “But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first”. Therefore, we need to cherish the call to be a disciple, because “many are called, but few are chosen” – Matt 22:14.

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