Defining a Disciple

A disciple is a learner who is also a follower of Jesus Christ. There is a big difference between being saved and being a disciple. Not all people who are saved are disciples, but all people who are real disciples are definitely saved. Are you sure about where you stand regarding this? Many people will say they like Jesus, but they’re not behaving like Jesus. Jesus said, “Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:27).”

Jesus called His first followers from their fishing businesses, which indicates that sacrifices were expected. Their initial interest began with curiosity but after hearing Him teach, they were willing to be taught more. In Matthew 13 Jesus sent the multitudes away who had heard the parable of the tares, but His disciples were the ones asking Him to explain the parable. The only people Jesus explained the parables to were His disciples, who were eager to learn more.

Being a disciple involves more than being a great student of scripture. Discipleship means Jesus owns all the rights to my life, to do as He sees fit. True discipleship will shake up your former lifestyle and priorities. Author J. Dwight Pentecost rightly declared, “As long as a man pursues the affections of his natural heart, he cannot be a disciple of Jesus.” Paul wrote, “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth (Col 3:2).”

True discipleship focuses on a moment by moment, day by day walk with Christ. It goes way beyond any Bible class, Bible study or program. A disciple is someone who grows in their thinking, speaking and behavior. This would describe the Christian who is honestly glorifying God with their life.

Ask yourself: How has my life really changed since receiving Christ? Do you think you could tell anyone how they too could be saved? These are marks of a true disciple.

Go therefore and make…

Pastor Huck