Am I a ‘True’ Disciple Of Jesus?

"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, 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."
The above statement was made by Jesus to His apostles shortly before
He ascended to heaven (Matt. 28:18-20). Commonly called "The Great
Commission," notice the main thought of Jesus' command: "go therefore and
make disciples of all the nations." To "make disciples," therefore, is
the GOAL of evangelizing the world for Christ.
Am I a ‘true’ disciple of Jesus? More than likely you believe in
Jesus...you might even be one to attend church services regularly. But is
that what it means to be His disciple?
The word "disciple" literally means A LEARNER. According to Vine's
Expository Dictionary Of New Testament Words, it denotes "one who follows
another's teaching." But a disciple was not only a learner, he was also
AN ADHERENT. For this reason disciples were spoken of as IMITATORS
of their teachers.
What is the goal in being a disciple? Stated by Jesus himself: to be
like the teacher (Luke 6:40). To be Christ's disciple, then, is to
strive to be like Him! According to the apostle Paul, this coincides with
God's goal in the redemption of mankind, that they be conformed to the
image of His Son (Rom. 8:29).
There are also some "identifying marks" of discipleship given by Jesus which
can help us to further identify a true disciple of Jesus...

THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE
1. A disciple is “one who abides in the words of Jesus. (John 8:31).
This would imply being a diligent student of the teachings of Christ It
also requires one to be a "doer" of the Word (Matt. 7:21-27; James
1:21-25). In view of this, a true disciple would not...Fail to study the
Bible diligently, willingly refrain from opportunities to study with
others (e.g., Bible classes, church services, gospel meetings).

2. A disciple is also “one who loves the brethren (John 13:34-35).
This is a love with a love patterned after the love of Jesus ("as I have
loved you") and with a love that is visible to the world ("by this all
will know"). Therefore, a true disciple would...make every effort to get
to know his brethren. He would take advantage of occasions to encourage
and grow closer to them (e.g.,
attending services on Sunday and Wednesday nights). Remember, a disciple
is one who wants to become like his teacher. Was Jesus willing to
sacrifice time and effort for His brethren? Of course, and so will we... IF we
are truly HIS disciples!

3. A disciple is “one who bears much fruit” (John 15:8). Jesus is not
talking about an occasional good deed but a lifestyle which prompts
people to glorify God! This is so important, that failure to bear much
fruit will result in being severed from Christ (John 15:1-2). How can one
be a disciple if he or she is cut off from Christ?

THE COST OF BEING A DISCIPLE
1. Jesus must come first- Lk 14:26 - Before anyone else, including
members of our own family (Matt. 10:34-37)...even before one's own self
(Luke 9:23-25).

2. We must be willing to suffer for Christ (Luke 14:27). Trying to live
godly lives in an ungodly world, we may find that following Christ
sometimes involves ridicule and persecution (2 Tim. 3:12). Even if we are
blessed to escape such things, we must still be willing to expend time
and effort in promoting the cause of Christ in positive ways

3. We must forsake all to follow Christ (Luke 14:33). In other words,
Jesus must be KING and LORD of our lives. Nothing can take precedent
over Him and His Will for us. This kind of "high cost" of discipleship
demanded by Jesus caused many people to turn away from following Him.
But Jesus wasn't trying to attract large crowds, He wanted disciples!

Is the COST worth it? I believe so, for consider some of the REWARDS of
discipleship.

THE REWARDS OF BEING A DISCIPLE

1.THERE IS THE PROMISE OF "FUTURE BLESSINGS." We shall be
saved from the wrath of God which is yet to come upon the world for its
sins (Rom. 5:9). We can look forward with joyful anticipation of eternity with
God, free from sorrow, pain and death (Rev. 21:1-8).

2. THERE ARE ALSO "PRESENT BLESSING
Jesus offers a PEACE the world cannot give to calm the troubled heart
(John 14:27). His words inspire JOY to lift our spirits out of any
depression (John 15:11). He also offers to those who follow Him the
ABIDING LOVE OF GOD, which can cast out fear (John 15:9; 1 John 4:18).
And he makes it possible for us to be members of THE FAMILY OF GOD,
which is able if need be to replace our physical family (Mark 10:28-30).

What is the beginning point of being a disciple? According to Jesus,
it involves baptism (Matt. 28:19). Why baptism? Remember the goal of
discipleship: to be like Jesus. He was holy and sinless, yet we are to
be like Him. Fortunately, baptism is described as an act of faith which
puts us in contact with the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ so we can be
forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3-4). It is also the means by which
one "puts on Christ" (Gal. 3:27).

Last modified: July 10, 2008