Biblical Self-Confrontation: An ESSENTIAL for Discipleship

Introduction

Discipleship is a process which enables you to “grow up” in the Lord Jesus Christ and equips you to overcome joyfully the pressures and trials of this present life (based on Luke 9:23-24; James 1:2-4). Discipleship requires constant self-examination that is in accordance with God’s Word (based on Matthew 7:1-5; 1 Corinthians 11:31; Galatians 6:4).

The following will help you evaluate your faithfulness as a disciple of Christ. For each question, rate yourself on a scale of 1 (no faithfulness, complete self-centeredness) to 10 (perfect faithfulness, total Christ-centeredness). Regardless of your present level of faithfulness, remember that God will help you make the necessary changes to be conformed to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 1:6). All of the characteristics of discipleship mentioned below are covered during this course. Biblical steps by which these characteristics can be incorporated into your life will also be explained.

Are you diligent in learning to handle accurately the Word of God (2 Timothy 2:15)?

Do you consistently examine yourself in light of God’s Word instead of comparing yourself with the lives and expectations of others (1 Samuel 16:7; Isaiah 55:8-11; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 10:12; Hebrews 4:13)?

Are you a doer of the Word? Being a doer of the Word requires continual hearing of God’s Word and walking in it to receive the blessings of the Lord (Deuteronomy 11:26-28; Romans 10:17; Hebrews 5:14; James 1:22-25). The Word is completely adequate for every area of life as it teaches, reproves, corrects, trains, and equips you in order that you may mature in Christ (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Do you deny yourself by putting off your natural self-centeredness to follow the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:38-39; Luke 9:23-24)?

Do you seek to please God in all things (John 8:29; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Ephesians 6:6-7; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:4, 4:1; Hebrews 13:21; 1 John 3:22)?

Are you a person of prayer? Continual prayer, with thanksgiving, leads to God’s peace guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18).

Do you place the welfare of others ahead of your own, thus following the example of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 20:25-28; Romans 15:1-3; Philippians 2:3-8)?

Do you love others in Biblical ways (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)? By loving in this manner, you will follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ and will become known as His disciple (John 13:34-35, 15:12-13).

Are you faithfully using your spiritual gift(s) for God’s glory and for the benefit of others (Romans 12:3-8; Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Peter 4:10-11)?

Do you regularly worship the Lord, remaining in fellowship and in ministry with other believers (Psalm 29:1-2, 122:1; John 4:23-24; Hebrews 10:24-25; 1 Peter 2:5; 1 John 1:7)?

Are you ready at all times to give testimony for the hope that is within you (1 Peter 3:15), giving glory to the Lord with your life (Matthew 5:16), seeking to reconcile others to God, and discipling them to walk in His way (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)?