27 Juiy 2025
BECOMING TRUE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST
(Biblical & Spiritual Exhortations: BSE 22)
In the Great Commission, the Lord commanded us to “make disciples”. To do that one must be a disciple first. Unfortunately, many Christians are mere believers but not disciples. That is why there are so many nominal Christians in the Church and they do not make any impact on the Society where God has placed them. That means they are not living in the will of God, for what God commands is His will. Jesus gave the warning, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord, shall enter the Kingdom of God, but only the one who does the will of My Father Who is in Heaven” (Matt.7:21). Is this the reason why Jesus tells us that only a remnant will be saved? (Matt.7:13-14).
How do we show that we are true disciples of Christ?
1. Willingness to Surrender Completely to Christ: “Whoever wants to be My disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). This is making Jesus Lord in our life and be faithfulness unto death. To “deny self” is to give up our life and all rights to ourselves and surrender them to Jesus. The cross speaks of suffering and death.
2. Obeying and Walking in His Word: “To the Jews who believed Him, Jesus said, ‘If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free” (Jn 8:31-32). The NIV says “Hold on to My Word”. His Word is Life and Spirit (Jn 6:63); that is why Jesus said, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matt.4:4).
3. Being Fruitful in Christian Living: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so that you will be My disciples” (Jn 15:8). We are first to bear the Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal.5:22-23), which makes us live like Jesus. Then we are to bear the Fruit of Evangelism, as our Lord said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should GO and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain” (Jn 15:16).
4. By Loving As Christ Loves: “A new Commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (Jn 13:34-35). This is the outward hallmark of a true Christian disciple. The lyrics of a song we used to sing goes something like this: “They are looking at your walk; not listening to your talk. They are looking at our actions every day”. The Bible tells us that there are three great virtues: “Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is Love” (1 Cor.13:13). When we love one another, people see Christ in us.
A disciple is not born but made; that is why we are commanded to “make disciples”. The way to do this to be an example to others and help them to become disciples through prayer, teaching and mentoring. It takes vision, love and discipline to make disciples of new believers or young Christians. May God help to obey Christ’s Command.
Click HERE to return to Biblical & Spiritual Exhortations Series
Click HERE to return to Articles Main Menu