What is a Disciple Anyway?

Most Christians would consider themselves to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. All Christians within them have the ability to be a disciple, most are just converts. Discipleship is something that is a choice. Becoming a disciple of Jesus is something that you choose to do. By  definition, a disciple is a pupil to be instructed, to enroll as a pupil; another definition said to enroll as a scholar.  

Anyone who declares Jesus as their Savior is a convert. That’s great because they are on their way to heaven. In comparison, and technically speaking, anyone who declares Jesus, not only as their Savior, but also as their LORD is a disciple or a follower. However, a true disciple will endeavor to become everything that their master has called them to be. 
Matthew 10:25a says, “It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord…”  The word AS here means the same amount or degree; equal to or as an exact duplicate. 

Let me give you some more definitions: A disciple has been shown to be someone who follows the teachings, life, and actions of another until the person becomes like the master. Discipleship, in the Christian sense, is the PROCESS of making someone become like Christ. The disciple is to  become like Christ in EVERYTHING!  A disciple is someone who follows Jesus, is being changed by Jesus and is committed to the mission of Jesus.   Matthew 4:19 says, “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Another definition is entering into a relationship to help people trust and follow Jesus, which includes the whole process from conversion through maturation to multiplication. Staying in Matthew, chapter 28:19-20 says, 19) “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20) Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even  unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Let’s also look at Luke 6:40.  “The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.”  The word “perfect” here means to fit one’s self or to prepare one’s self.  A disciple is one who has prepared himself by being a student of Jesus in His nature, character, and ministry.  You do this by settling under the five-fold ministry mentioned in Ephesians 4:11-12 which says, 11) “And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:”

So, you need to get with God so you can be placed in a church that makes use of those ministers gifted in the five-fold to help you grow as a disciple, but then you need to step out in faith and do what Jesus told us to do in John 14:12, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”

Let me remind you about that word verily. When you see that word verily in scripture, you need to stop everything you are doing and pay attention because a powerful truth is about to be shared and entrusted with you. Go back and study the scripture above. Look at what Jesus is saying after that word verily. You don’t want to just read over that and dismiss it, amen?

Lastly, to reiterate that a disciple is one who studies to become just like Jesus, let’s look at 1 John 4:17 which says, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.” 
For any questions on this or other articles I’ve submitted, please contact me on the web at www.themoveablechurch.org/contact-us and I will get back to you.
Hope everyone enjoyed Christmas and is looking forward, with hope, to a powerful new year in Jesus.

Doc