The Test of Discipleship

Called to make Disciples

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 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.” Amen.

As believers we have a purpose, we’re called to make disciples. What exactly is a disciple?

What is a Disciple?

Tyndale Bible Dictionary Disciple

DISCIPLE Someone who follows another person or another way of life and who submits himself to the discipline (teaching) of that leader or way. In the Bible the term “disciple” is found almost exclusively in the Gospels and the book of Acts, the only exceptions being Isaiah 8:16 and less directly Isaiah 50:4 and 54:13, where the same Hebrew word is translated “learned” and “taught,” respectively. Yet clearly wherever there is a teacher and those taught, the idea of discipleship is present.

The Apostle Paul understood this, when he was writing all of these letters to fellow believers, and when he was taking Timothy under his wing. Discipleship was his heart...

1 Corinthians 11:1 NKJV

Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

Paul wasn’t shrinking back from his responsibility. He embraced it. Not only did he embrace it but he also encouraged those around him to do the same.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 NKJV

You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

This is discipleship. It’s the lifeblood of the church. When we stop working toward discipleship, it will be the slow death of the church that God has called us to be. We may be a church, but we will be a powerless shell and have nothing substantial to offer a lost and dying world. Our walk really is more than just tithing and attendance. It’s a heart issue. It’s a lifestyle! I’d like to offer you some test of true discipleship...

The Test of Discipleship.

Obedience…When we love the Lord with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength we’ll be obedient to do all that His word teaches us to do.

John 14:15 NKJV

“If you love Me, keep My commandments.

Faithfulness…Be faithful regardless of circumstances. You committed to this race when you chose Jesus, now finish it.

John 15:8 NKJV

By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Perseverance…We have to be engaged with an intense devotion to Christ Jesus. When we persevere in true faith we will be victorious in all circumstances and ultimately gain eternal life.

John 8:31 NKJV

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

Love…Our love should be a self giving and sacrificial love that seeks out the good of others. We love each other through trials, we’re careful of others feelings and reputations, and we’ll deny ourselves in order to promote others.

John 13:35 NKJV

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Humility...Humility can refer to a state of being—generally lowness in status rank or economic means. In this sense, humility is the opposite of importance or wealth. It can also refer to a virtue that involves a modest self-perception. In this sense, it is the opposite of pride and arrogance.

Matthew 10:24–25 NKJV

“A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

Surrender…In choosing to follow Jesus and be His disciple we should consider that it could cost us everything. It might cost us relationships, possessions, and even our own lives.

Luke 14:26 NKJV

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

Luke 14:33 NKJV

So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Bearing the cross…This cross is the symbol of suffering, death, shame, ridicule, rejection, and self denial. When we take up our cross and follow Christ, we’re denying ourselves and we’re committed to the struggles that will surely come from following Jesus.

Matthew 16:25 NKJV

For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.

While I believe that we’re absolutely blessed when we choose to live our lives for Jesus being His disciple is not a mere walk in the park. Disciples are not exempt from trial and hardship. We are promised however that He has overcome and we will to through Him. He will make a way where there is no way. The devil and this world may have come to steal, kill, and destroy, but Jesus is giving me life and life more abundant.

Call to Action

Would you today choose to follow Jesus?

Do you find yourself today in trials?

Can we pray with you today?