We are familiar with the twelve disciples of Christ. His Great Commission to them was to make disciples of all the nations (Matthew 28:19 NKJV). The question becomes, what is a disciple of Christ? This article will supply a complete answer to that question.
What is a Disciple?
A disciple accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. In the case of Christianity, a disciple accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, assists in spreading the gospel and teachings of Jesus, and creates more disciples.
What is a Disciple of Christ?
What distinguishes a disciple of Christ from others? It boils down to who is teaching us, Christ or the world—our culture. What has the most influence on our lives? Many of us presume that we are disciples of Christ. But are we really?
We must be cognizant of the spirit of presumption. Rev 3:15-17 reads:
15. I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
17. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
This passage is regarding the Laodicean church. The church had become lukewarm and, therefore, distasteful and obnoxious. The professing followers didn’t stand for anything; indifference led to idleness. The church had become hardened and self-satisfied by neglecting to do anything for Christ, destroying itself. The church of today is suffering from this condition.
There is nothing more repulsive than a halfhearted, nominal Christian who is self-sufficient.
Many Christians presume that they are disciples, being self-sufficient in the process. Therefore, we must be on guard against presumptuousness.
We are a people who believe that we are clothed, but we are naked (Revelation 3:17).
Because of sin, we have been separated from our Creator. We have a sinful nature and thus a propensity to engage in actions contrary to God (Gal. 5:18?). As a result, we are born on death row. Until we receive Christ, we are on death row.
Because of our sinful nature, we are battling with a false security in ourselves. Therefore, we must examine ourselves and be in a constant state of self-examination and introspection to get to a point of spiritual awareness. Lamentations 3:40 reads, “Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.” [cf. 2 Cor. 13:5]
A Radical Imitator of Christ
Matthew 10:34-39—Discipleship is the pursuit of accepting and embracing division. We are not inclined to practice self-denial. However, discipleship calls us to a life of self-denial. Two words for radical are central and extreme. We are to be central and extreme imitators of Christ.
Luke 6:40 reads, “A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” NKJV We are to be similar or like Christ. Our sole purpose is to be like our teacher in a radical way. Not scarcely wear Him, but be like Him.
1 John 2:6 reads: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” NKJV—Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did—not wear him but live…be like Him. If we don’t plan to live as Christ, we should not call ourselves Christian. We should strive to live as Jesus lived. This walk, this way of life, is a daily walk.
True worship is not a destination but a lifestyle that hinges upon living like Christ in spirit and truth.
1 John 3:2 reads, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” NKJV—When Christ appears, we will be like Him.
Christ’s call to discipleship has always been radical. He called us to:
o Repent of our sins [Matthew 4:17]
o Deny ourselves [Matthew 16:24]
o Take up our cross [Matthew 16:24]
o Love our enemies [Matthew 5:44]
o Pray for those who persecute us [Luke 16:27]
o To be willing to forsake all family ties and earthly relationships, hating our fathers, mothers, sisters, and brothers, even our own lives, eat His flesh and drink His blood. Jesus was a radical rabbi. [Luke 14:26, John 6:53]
The five fundamental and extreme calls to discipleship that upset the natural order within ourselves and the lives of others around us and turn the whole world upside down are:
o A relentless commitment to learning—A radical way of learning.
o A readiness to live in a way that is foreign from the norm—A radical way of living.
o A stubborn devotion to love God and others—A radical way of loving and serving.
o A persistent determination to follow instructions obediently even if it means going against one’s desires or interests—A radical way of submitting.
Is Informed by His Word
John 8:31 reads. “Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” NKJV—If we don’t abide by His Word, we are not considered disciples. We can supplement to the Word of God but never substitute it. It is through the Word that we become acquainted with Christ. If the Word is not a priority in our lives, then Jesus is not a priority. It requires commitment and devotion. We are to live our lives based on the Scriptures—not trusting only but obeying.
Matthew 22:29 quotes Jesus as saying, “…You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” NIV A disciple who isn’t informed by the Word of God isn’t a disciple at all.
Is Empowered by His Spirit
The Spirit first appears in Gen. 1:2: “The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.“ NKJV
o When God creates, He fills. He creates Galaxies and fills them with planets and stars. He fills the earth with fish, vegetation, livestock, and humans—God is a filler.
– After Genesis 3, the fall of humanity due to disobedience, a filling is still required. It merely looks different. We still need fillers. We are individuals who look to have something fill us up. As new creations in Jesus Christ, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit.
– Luke 24:44-49 reads:
44. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.
45. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
46. And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:
47. And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
48. And ye are witnesses of these things.
49. And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
To fulfill the work of Christ, we need to be filled with the Holy Spir
Acts 1:4-8 reads:
4. And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me;
5. for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
6. Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”
7. And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
8. But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” NKJV—For the apostles to be empowered, they needed to be filled with the Spirit.
Matthew 28:18-20 contains the great commission. It reads:
18. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in *heaven and on earth.
19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. NKJV
Jesus was filled with the Spirit—When Jesus was born (Matthew 1:18-20), Mary became pregnant through the Holy Spirit.
§ Luke 4:1—After Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit came upon Him. It led Him into the desert, where He resisted the enemy’s temptations for 40 days.
§ It is evident from the Scriptures that Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit.
§ Ephesians 5:15-18—Draws a contrast between being filled with wine and being filled with the Spirit. When influenced by alcohol, one’s behavior changes (walking, talking, and acting).
§ We need to be filled with the Spirit every day.
Counterfeit Discipleship
– A counterfeit is an imitation of something, but it is ultimately fake and can be very deceptive. It differs from a lie since it mixes truth with error, whereas a lie lacks all truth.
– Counterfeiting extends beyond physical objects to the spiritual. It extends and manifests among those who appear to be followers of Christ but lack the true essence of what it means to be a disciple.
– Counterfeit disciples are good for nothing. They possess no flavor or power and are useless and utterly worthless.
– True religion is the devotion and worship of God that is first received in the heart through love and then expressed from love through obedience based on the triune nature of God as revealed in Scripture.
– Religion is not a group. It is a way in which one enacts his faith. It strengthens and structures our relationship with God. It is how we serve, and His will is revealed in Scripture after we come to Christ and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
– False religion, on the other hand, is a form of system religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices expressed by one’s sinful nature and strong inclination. It is somehow packaged precisely the same but can be corrupted and descend into an empty form of religion. If it is not rooted in love and expressed based on God’s character, it is a false religion. False religion is deployed by the counterfeit disciple that deceives those around him and the individual themselves, believing and falling into the deception that they are authentic in their discipleship. [Matthew 7:21-23, 25:31-46] Judgment falls upon those presumptuous in thinking they are practicing true religion. They are self-proclaimed and self-assured disciples and are ultimately cast away from Christ.
The Three characteristics of a counterfeit disciple are:
o Profession—The issue with God is that these characteristics are not religion but the absence of Christ. Engaging in a religious practice without the person you are devoted to or faithful to is empty and worthless. This type of religion God hates because He is not included in it. Therefore, it is an empty and faithless religion. The epicenter of a counterfeit disciple is a false religion. True religion highlights its source and origin of it. Where they spring from is important because the source and origin of these things determine their worth in the sight of God.
Being recognized by Christ as His own is what truly matters. Rather than individuals designating themselves as His disciples, calling themselves Christians, Methodists, or otherwise, Christ’s recognition is supreme. It is not based on external factors such as religious affiliation but on the purity of one’s heart and acceptance to follow Him.
Merely using the title of Lord does not make one a true follower of Christ. [Luke 6:46] The obedience to His teachings grounded in love determines the authenticity of one’s discipleship (Matthew 7:21).
If we rely on our religious affiliation to form the basis and authenticity of our relationship with Christ and not His presence, in that case, we may find that we will be utterly cast out.
The mere sound of religion does not work because it is missing the critical factor of Christ. The sound of religion doesn’t work because it doesn’t sound like Jesus. What is the actual worth if we have a loud profession but no genuine connection and relationship followed by obedience to Jesus?
A counterfeit disciple is an individual who bears the most robust and most convincing profession. Still, at the heart of such a profession lies knowing about Christ but not knowing Him intimately. It’s academic knowledge, but not relational. It isn’t one built upon relational equity. Ultimately, it isn’t about what we say or how we package it that demands Christ’s acceptance. Rather, Him being received into the heart, which transforms our lives and therefore enables us to become faithful followers of Him. This transformation involves one whose profession springs from a genuine relationship that follows His teachings and His Commands.
o Christian Service—Isaiah 1:11-15—In this passage, God condemns Israel for their empty religious practices because they are not sincere. God hates religious practices and Christian services when He is not a part of them. We often place religious rituals above God’s presence, and therefore, our religion is considered flawed and meaningless. This passage exposes the presumptuousness of hypocrisy of those who claim to follow God but do not have a sincere heart.
A counterfeit disciple goes through the motions of religion, idolizing passion above presence. A true disciple strives for Christ’s presence, not going through the motions for the fun or the perception of it, but out of the desire to be in Christ’s presence because it is where Christ dwells.
A true disciple strives for Christ’s presence, never seeking to do it for the fun or the perception of it, but they do it out of a desire to be in Christ’s because this is where Christ dwells. Without Christ accompanying us in our service, our religion would be meaningless, and our discipleship would be phony.
Amos 5:21-24—Here again, God condemns Israel for their feast days, sacred assemblies, burnt offerings, peace offerings, and their songs. He considers them detestable and resents them because their hearts are disconnected from the religious rituals. Therefore, they were meaningless in light of the injustice that they practiced.
A counterfeit disciple may participate in religious activities and services as a facade to hide their true motives or gain the approval of others. In verse 24, God calls the Israelites to seek justice and righteousness rather than simply engaging in rituals.
In the same way, a true disciple will seek to live a pleasing life to God by following His Commandments and seeking justice and righteousness. But it isn’t significant if it is not birthed out of love but human esteem.
Over time, many have believed that prophesying and doing good works are enough to prove one’s discipleship. However, this perspective falls short when viewed from God’s viewpoint.
Romans 8:8—It is a fallacy to believe we can do Christian service without God because we have all been born in sin and shapen in iniquity. We are controlled either by the flesh or the Spirit; if our doing is not submitted to the Spirit, it is fleshly. That condition results in our service being carnal and intolerable in God’s eyes.
In service, it is essential to remember that the ultimate aim is to serve Christ. While serving others may seem noble and selfless, our sinful condition prevents us from serving others in a way that pleases God. If a relationship with God does not accompany our actions, the value of our service is worthless and intolerable to God. It is worth considering whether our service is driven by a genuine desire to help others or is simply a means to earn religious merit or social approval.
By prioritizing our relationship with Christ and the religious practices accompanying it, we can ensure that our service is grounded in a more profound sense of purpose and that our efforts are genuinely benefiting those around us. When our service is done with the accompanying presence of Christ, it is no longer a blessing for those we are helping but also a blessing for us.
A counterfeit disciple gets caught up in doing for God and often leaves God out. Discipleship isn’t about doing things for God but doing things with God. If we do Christian service without inviting God, we are merely boasting before the Lord. We boast that we can carry on without Him.
A true disciple exercises discipleship in the pursuit of the dependent. It involves seeking God’s will and guidance in all things. They recognize that they can no longer do anything apart from God and are pleasing to God. A true disciple does not consider themselves independent. A day without prayer is boasting—assuming one can go their own way without God. Humility is required with a willingness to submit to God’s authority in every aspect of life.
o Outward Appearance—Matthew 23:23-28. In this passage, Jesus rebukes the religious elites of His day for their hypocrisy and self-righteousness. They are accused of having an empty religion as they focus more on external things. [expound on dirty cup] True righteousness comes from the heart, not only external appearances (Luke 11:39). Externalism leads to legalism. Jesus urges all to seek Him and allow Him to change our inner selves, cultivating a spirit of service and compassion rather than seeking validation and praise from our appearances. This hypocrisy is idolatry in principle since this position worships at the altar of someone else’s approval of others.
Jesus is more concerned about the heart because the heart is everything. If He has our hearts, He has everything.
Luke 11:42—the Pharisees were only doing half of their duties. They were performing the half without Him.
The prominent trait of the counterfeit disciple is an individual who claims to follow Christ and profess to follow Christ. However, their actions and behavior do not reflect the true essence of being a disciple. They may participate in Christian service, attend church regularly, and pay tithes, but their motives and intentions are not pure. Therefore, they do not have a genuine relationship with Christ.
They may seem righteous, but their hearts are far from God. They imitate a true disciple but do not hold the qualities that define a true disciple. It is a false religion.
Our prayers should be what it reads in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a clean heart oh God and renew a steadfast Spirit within me.”
We must move away from our presumptuousness and our self-righteousness. No matter what the outside appears to be, work on the inside. We must constantly monitor our hearts and ask the Lord to circumcise our hearts.
Satan is the chief counterfeiter and influences fake Christianity.
The Great Commission
Matthew 28:18-20
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
19. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20. teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. NKJV
What gives the Great Commission its potency is what lies at its epicenter: the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The central focus of the Great Commission is not Christ only, but His imperative statement to make disciples.
The Great Commission is a cooperative. It is a joint mission, and we, as the church, exist to spread the proclamation of the gospel message and multiply disciples.
The prerequisite to being a disciple of Jesus Christ is to submit and engage in a transfer of authority. We are giving up our independence and giving it to Christ. Discipleship is the pursuit of the dependent.
We need to have a centralized focus on following Christ. A Christless Christian is a worthless Christian. In actuality, a Christless Christian isn’t a Christian at all. Christ is the chief cornerstone on which to build our lives. If the cornerstone is removed, all fail. The relationship is built on trust in His administration over our lives, which involves surrendering control. As a disciple of Jesus, you follow Jesus with a supreme fixation and emphasis on Him alone. Not an organization, not a denomination, not a philosophy.
Luke 14:25-33—There is a cost to be a disciple of Christ. If Christ is not the Lord of all, He’s not the Lord at all.
John 8:31 reads: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;”
Don’t settle for following God halfway. Continue in His Word and let Christ fire up your faith and get you into the action.
Questions, comments, and concerns may be left below.
Blessings!
I just wanted to express my gratitude for your insightful article on discipleship. Your focus on the importance of actively sharing Jesus’ teachings and expanding His circle of disciples really struck a chord with me. The way you differentiate between true discipleship and mere presumption is an essential reminder of the dedication it takes to genuinely follow Christ. Your thoughts inspire self-reflection and reignite a passion for living out our faith in a meaningful way. I truly appreciate the clarity and depth you brought to such a vital aspect of the Christian journey!
Thanks for commenting, Kevin! Catch us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@TheChr…
Be Blessed!
Hi Nathaniel.I believe that we are all disciples/ Children of God; we were made in God’s image and likeness. I love this article and the way it’s written and explained, I can tell you put more effort into writing this to educate everyone and spread the word of God.I want to say thanks for your work in spreading the word, and educating everyone and by doing so you are helping the next generation by teaching them the ways of Christianity and moral lessons.
Thank you for commenting, Ravin. Catch us on YouTube: @TheChristianAdvocate
Have a blessed Day!
Hello Nathaniel!This article really makes you reflect on what it means to be a disciple of Christ in daily life. It’s easy to think of discipleship as something historical, but the call to follow Christ is just as relevant today. I love how the article emphasizes both faith and action. Do you think modern distractions make it harder for people to fully embrace discipleship? Also, what are some practical ways to stay committed when life gets busy? I’d love to hear your thoughts!– Angela M😊
Greetings Angela – Absolutely, distractions indeed make it harder to be a disciple. It is what our enemy, Satan, engages to do—distract us. But take note of what the Scripture reads in James 4:7, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We submit to God through prayer and His Word-the Scriptures. We must pray and submit to the Holy Spirit for strength. There is so much going on and much to do, but we must maintain the mindset to prioritize time with God. Set aside a time for Him and do not allow interference with it. It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible either. We must strive to accomplish this because Satan is not going to make it any easier because He knows his time is getting shorter (Revelation 12:12).
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Have a blessed day!
I loved this in depth read of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. It is clear that we need to surrender to Him and that we cannot do it alone. We might go through all the actions but if He is not in the centre of it all, it means nothing. We need to read His word and live with the Holy Spirit inside of us to be true disciples of Christ.
Amen, Katherine – We do need the Holy Spirit desperately.
Thanks for commenting!
This article offers a powerful and necessary reminder of what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. It’s not just about claiming the title but living a life that reflects His teachings and values every day.Too often, we see lukewarm commitment in the church—believers who don’t stand for anything, leading to indifference and idleness. The call to discipleship is a call to action, to be radical imitators of Christ in every aspect of our lives. This means embracing self-denial, loving our enemies, and being willing to forsake earthly ties for the sake of the Gospel.The distinction between being taught by Christ versus the world is crucial. Are we letting culture influence us more than His Word? Genuine discipleship requires us to be informed by Scripture and empowered by the Holy Spirit, seeking God’s will and guidance in all things.This article challenges us to examine our lives, to ensure we are not just wearing the label of “Christian,” but truly living out our faith with dedication and humility. It’s a call to move from nominal belief to a deep, transformative relationship with Christ, being filled with the Holy Spirit daily.May we strive to be disciples who not only follow Christ’s teachings but also actively spread His message, creating more disciples and living lives that honor Him. This walk is not easy, but it’s the path to true fulfillment and purpose.
Greetings, Alice – It is a lot more than lip service for sure!
Thanks for commenting!
I found this article on discipleship both challenging and inspiring. It goes beyond the surface of merely calling oneself a “disciple”and reminds us that true discipleship means radically imitating Christ not just in words, but in our daily lives. The article emphasizes being deeply rooted in the Scriptures, living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit, and avoiding the trap of counterfeit discipleship, where external rituals mask an internal disconnect from God. Ultimately, it calls us to surrender our independence, fully embrace the Great Commission, and ensure that our actions and attitudes truly reflect Jesus. This perspective is a powerful reminder to continually examine our hearts and commit to living out a genuine, transformative faith.
Greetings, Dan. I am happy to know that the article has inspired you. Join us on YouTube @TheChristianAdvocate!
Thanks for commenting!
This is such a powerful and thought-provoking post! It’s a great reminder that being a disciple of Christ isn’t just about believing—it’s about living out His teachings daily. The call to radical discipleship can be challenging, but it’s also deeply rewarding. I love how you emphasized self-examination and truly abiding in His Word. It’s so easy to get caught up in comfort and forget the commitment required. Thank you for sharing these insights! What has been the biggest challenge for you in following Christ wholeheartedly
Greetings, Naresh – I am happy to know that you enjoyed the article. The biggest challenge for following Christ wholeheartedly was at the beginning of my walk with Christ. It was quite an adjustment to go from living a worldly lifestyle all my life to a life in the Spirit. However, I developed such a connection with the Scriptures that I was able to overcome the challenge. One of the Scriptures that made it clear what I was experiencing was in Gal 5:16-17 which read, 16 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. 17 For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.” NIV This passage led me to yield to the Spirit and enabled me to grow. It is still a challenge at times, but not like the beginning. Understand that it will always be a challenge to some degree. After all, that’s Satan’s job and ambition, and he is unrelenting.
The road to heaven is always under construction!
Thanks for commenting!
This was such a powerful and thought-provoking read! I really appreciated how the article broke down what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ—not just in name, but in action, heart, and spirit. The emphasis on self-examination and guarding against counterfeit discipleship really hit home. It’s easy to fall into the trap of going through the motions without truly living out Christ’s teachings. I’d love to hear others’ thoughts—how do you personally strive to live as a radical imitator of Christ in your daily life?
Greetings, Herman – I strive to maintain balance in my daily life. Being a single Christian, I have to perform all of the aspects of my life and maintain my Christianity. With God and His Holy Spirit’s help, I am able to accomplish this—not without a struggle at times. Part of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control (Galatians 5:23 NIV), and that’s what it takes to maintain a healthy balance.
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Nathaniel, once again you have stated something that even the most devout Christian misses: A disciple accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another. In the case of Christianity, a disciple accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, assists in spreading the gospel and teachings of Jesus, and creates more disciples. I greatly appreciate that you bring this subject to WA, and I pray that it is received with great enthusiasm. I only wish you were closer to me here in Palm Bay, Fl. so that I could attend your classes or church. Blessings my brother in Christ.
Hi Walter – I envy you in warm Florida! I may not be in Palm Bay, but you can catch me on YouTube now, @TheChristianAdvocate
Thanks for commenting!
Hi! I just read your article on what it means to be a disciple of Christ, and I have to say, it really resonated with me. The way you broke down the concept made it so approachable and relatable. I especially appreciated how you highlighted that being a disciple isn’t just about following teachings but actively spreading them and living them out daily. It’s a powerful reminder of the commitment and joy that comes with truly embracing one’s faith. Thank you for sharing such insightful thoughts!
You’re welcome, Randi. As the Scripture reads in James 1:22, ” But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” We must put our faith in action, Again in James 2:17, “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” NKJV
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This article provides a clear and meaningful exploration of what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. I appreciated the emphasis placed on discipleship as a continuous journey rather than a one-time commitment. In your opinion, what practical steps can individuals take daily to strengthen their discipleship journey? I’d be interested in hearing thoughts or experiences on maintaining consistency in spiritual growth.
Greetings, Laura – The steps I recommend for individuals to take daily to strengthen their discipleship journeys are to study and apply the Scriptures to their lives. As it states in James 1:22, 25, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. (25) But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can gain the strength to read the Word and apply it to our lives, enabling us to be fruitful disciples.
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-This article provides a thorough exploration of what it means to be a true disciple of Christ, emphasizing the need for radical commitment, obedience, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. The distinction between genuine and counterfeit discipleship is particularly compelling, challenging readers to reflect on their own faith. The use of Scripture to support each point is effective, making this a well-grounded and insightful discussion.
-How can someone discern whether they are truly abiding in Christ’s teachings versus merely participating in religious activities without a genuine relationship with Him?
Greetings, Dijana – If an individual is following Christ’s teachings found in the Scriptures, they are in a relationship with Him. As Jesus is quoted in 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;” We need to study and continue in the Word – daily.
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I enjoyed my time learning what is a disciple of Christ. I do have an interest in learning more about Christ and how to include his word in my life more. I have read the bible several times from the first page to the last, even though I am familiar with the bible there is so much that I still want to know.
Can a person be a disciple or student of Christ without being religious? I don’t belong to any church because all the ones I have attended services just did not feel like home to me, I am still searching for the right teacher in my small country town.
Thank you
Jeff
Greetings, Jeff – Merely being religious isn’t what counts as a disciple of Christ. It is what is in the heart that really matters. If you follow Christ’s teachings in the Scriptures, then you are in a relationship with Him. As Jesus is quoted in 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;” We need to study and continue in the Word – daily. However, you should continue to pursue a suitable church home. A spiritually healthy church provides a healthy spiritual environment that encourages our journey. As the Scripture reads in Heb 10:24-25:
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.
25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
So, as you search for that church home, continue to study the Word and apply it daily.
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To me a disciple of Christ is an amazing person who imitates Jesus in the first place. He/she must be not concerned by the riches of the world, be kind to everyone, and always set a standard of behavior for everyone. Unfortunately, when I was in the church, I’ve been disgusted to see that everything revolved around power struggles between people, even in the church. And outward appearance is also extremely important at the expense of inward appearance…
Amen, Angelce – It indeed matters where you go to church. Continue to pursue the right church where you can receive the teaching and encouragement you need.
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This article is a powerful reminder of the importance of spreading the word of God through being a disciple. It also looks at fake disciples, and those that are not living with the faith in them. If one is born into a Christian family, does that automatically make one a disciple?
And what about Catholics? They are also Christians, but would being a disciple as a Catholic, be different from a Protestant? Thank you for clarifying.
Greetings, LineCowley – Being born into a Christian family does not automatically make one a disciple. It is an individual choice and requires an individual’s efforts. The only difference in being a Catholic or any denomination is what they are taught. However, it is essential to understand that no denominations are mentioned in the Scriptures. For one to be a disciple of Christ, the only requirement is to follow His teachings according to the Scriptures. Anything other than that is denominational influences.
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What an incredible reflection on the 12 disciples and the true essence of discipleship! When I think about the brave men who followed Christ, I’m reminded of how radically they embraced His call. Their commitment wasn’t just a passive belief; it was active, transformative, and sacrificial. They didn’t just listen to Christ’s teachings—they lived them, often in the most challenging of circumstances.
One characteristic that I wish I had, and that the disciples exemplified so powerfully, is their unwavering courage. They were bold in their faith, even when faced with persecution, ridicule, and even death. Their devotion to Christ never wavered, no matter the danger. Take Peter, for example, who denied Jesus three times but later stood firm in his faith to the point of martyrdom. Or consider Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, whose conversion led him to become one of the most fervent disciples, spreading the gospel across the world despite immense hardships.
I admire the bravery to stand strong in their beliefs no matter the opposition. In today’s world, having that same kind of courage to speak truth, love our enemies, and stand up for what is right is truly inspiring. I think that’s a trait we all can strive to embody as modern-day disciples—standing firm in our faith with courage, just like the 12 did.
What about you? Is there a particular trait of the disciples that resonates with you the most, one you’d love to have more of in your own walk with Christ?
Greetings, Charles – Many thanks for this inspirational comment. I concur with you on a trait of the disciples I’d like to have more. The time may arrive during our lifetime when we will be required to stand firm as we will be tested before Christ’s second return. Additionally, I pray for discernment to know truth from error and right from wrong. One of the most potent tools of the enemy is deception, which will rise as the second advent draws closer. We must continue to pray for strength perpetually. The Holy Spirit will strengthen us.
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This exploration of what it means to be a disciple of Christ is deeply insightful and thoroughly grounded in Scripture. The article does an excellent job of challenging the reader to go beyond a superficial understanding of discipleship and instead embrace the radical, all-encompassing commitment that Jesus calls for.
The distinction between true discipleship and counterfeit discipleship is particularly compelling. It forces a necessary self-examination—are we truly following Christ, or are we merely engaged in religious practices without genuine transformation? The discussion on false security, presumption, and self-sufficiency is both convicting and relevant, particularly in a time when cultural Christianity often blurs the boundaries of true faith.
I also appreciate the emphasis on being filled with the Holy Spirit. This is a vital aspect of discipleship that often gets overlooked. Without the empowerment of the Spirit, our efforts remain fruitless. The integration of biblical references supports the arguments effectively, ensuring that every point is deeply rooted in Scripture rather than personal opinion.
Overall, this is a powerful and much-needed message for believers today. It calls for a radical, unwavering commitment to Christ—a challenge that every professing Christian should take seriously.
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God Bless!
“This article gives a great explanation of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. One question that comes to mind is: how can modern-day discipleship be practiced in everyday life? From my experience, living as a disciple is about embodying faith through actions—whether in service, kindness, or sharing the gospel. I believe discipleship is a lifelong journey of growth and commitment. What are some ways others incorporate discipleship into their daily lives?”
Greetings, Robbie – You’ve answered the question. Studying and living according to the Word acting on our faith is how we travel the journey of discipleship, and of course, we must pray for strength as we go, allowing the Spirit to empower us.
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As a believer in Christ, I found this breakdown of what it truly means to be a disciple both insightful and inspiring. It’s easy to think of discipleship as just following teachings, but the emphasis on daily commitment, personal transformation, and living out faith in action really stood out to me.
How do you think modern distractions impact our ability to be fully committed disciples today? I’d love to hear your perspective on overcoming those challenges in today’s world.
Greetings, Marlinda – The distractions of today have a huge impact on
discipleship. To overcome these distractions is to find time, make time
to spend with the Lord in study and prayer. Whether it’s early in the
morning or in the evening we must make this allowances for this time without phone and television. Find a Bible study in your area where you can share and be fed is also helpful and apply what you learn to your life. Always look for ways to apply truth to your life. Pray as you go.
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Such an insightful article on the true meaning of being a disciple of Christ! I love how you emphasized the importance of radical imitation of Christ, being informed by His Word, and empowered by His Spirit. These are essential elements for anyone truly following Jesus. The reminder about the Great Commission is a powerful call to not just be disciples, but also to spread His teachings to others. Thank you for breaking down the qualities of genuine discipleship in such a thoughtful way!
Amen! Thank you Brother for commenting!
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