One of the greatest needs of Christianity is discipleship, to be taught how to live the Christian life. Today, not all Christians are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Every Christian really needs to be a disciple before they can be a real Christian (Acts 11:26).
WHAT DISCIPLESHIP?
A disciple is someone who studies, learns and professes to receive instruction and adheres to the doctrine of his or her master.
Biblical discipleship is a life-long process through which a Christian or Disciple is taught, instructed or trained to adhere to the teachings and doctrines of Jesus Christ while following Him. It is an attitude, a way of thinking and a way of life. A disciple is one who is absolutely committed to the Master, Jesus Christ (Luke 9:23).
WHY IS DISCIPLESHIP SO IMPORTANT?
There is more to the Christian life than being saved.
The Christian life begins at the cross of salvation, but the Christian life is "lived out" through discipleship.
Discipleship is what enables the Christian and the church to grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 4:11-13).
Discipleship is a crucial component to a Christian's successful walk with God (John 15: 5).
FOUNDATION AND EXAMPLES OF BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP
1 Jesus commanded it (Matthew 28: 18-20).
2 It is a prerequisite for ministry involvement (Luke 9:57-62).
3 Moses and Joshua, the son of Nun (Exodus 24: 13).
4 Elijah and Elisha (1Kings 19: 19-21).
5 Jesus and His disciples (Mark 1:4-21).
6 Barnabas and Paul (Acts 9: 26, 27).
7 Paul and Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2; 2Timothy 1:2).
8 Paul and Titus (Titus 1:4).
9 Paul and Onesimus (Philemon 8-12).
10 Lois and Eunice (2Timothy 1:5).
STAGES OF BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP
Stage 1: A person is spiritually dead (Romans 3:23).
Stage 2: Every Christian starts out as a spiritual infant (1 Corinthians 3: 1; Hebrews 5: 11-13).
Stage 3: Spiritual infant grows into spiritual child (1John 2:12).
Stage 4: Spiritual child grows into adulthood (Hebrews 5:14).
Stage 5: An adult grows into parenthood (Hebrews 13: 7-10; 1Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4).
Stage6: Parenthood to a life-long training under the mastership of Jesus Christ (Philippians 3: 13, 14)
Note that these stages of biblical discipleship are also explicitly stated in 1John 2: 12-14.
EXAMPLE OF PAUL AND TIMOTHY DISCIPLESHIP
Examine the way Paul talks to those he is responsible for. He famously tells the Corinthians, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). Earlier in this letter he urges the church to imitate him, and in fact, he has a plan to help them do so: "For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church" (1 Corinthians 4:17, NIV). Paul had taught Timothy how to live as a disciple of Jesus, and now Timothy was to demonstrate this life so that the Corinthians could copy him. Paul says the same to the Philippians: "Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do" (Philippians 3:17, NIV). And again: "Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me put it into practice" (Philippians 4:9 NIV).
CONCLUSION: So, am I a disciple of Jesus? Do I do what He says and copy what He does? Is He the Master at life that I am imitating? Do I follow Him by following fruitbearing believers that I can trust? If I really want to know for sure, I have to look at how I behave when life gets tough. It's easy to follow someone when they are asking you to do something you don't mind doing. It's also easy to claim to follow someone when that claim isn't being tested. But true submission is being obedient
When it isn't convenient, when you don't agree, and when it costs. If you are serious about becoming a disciple, then start looking for someone you can follow. Is there someone further ahead of you who has the kind of life you dream of living one day? Is the fruit of their life the outcome of their choices, their relationships, their character or something you want to replicate? Can you trust them?
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