During the ministry of Jesus there were many who followed Him and professed to be His disciple. But when put to the test, many of His followers deserted Him, demonstrating their claim to discipleship as false (Mt. 8:19-22; Lk. 14:18-20; Jn. 6:66-69). How are true disciples characterized? Are there distinctive traits that identify authentic discipleship?
A Disciple is Marked by Genuine Faith
- Genuine faith is inseparable from repentance (Mt. 3:2; Mrk. 1:15; 6:12; Acts 2:38; 3:19; 17:30; 20:21).
- Genuine faith acknowledges the Lordship of Jesus (Rom. 10:9-10; Acts 16:31; Mt. 11:28-29).
- Genuine faith is expressed in appropriate living (Acts: 26:20; James 2:14-26).
A Disciple is Marked by a Conformity to the Image of Christ
- A higher summons (Rom. 8:29; Eph. 4:13; Mt. 10:25)
- A higher standard (2 Cor. 10:12; 7:1)
- A higher source (2 Cor. 3:18; 3:4-6)
A Disciple is Marked by Self-Death
- Self-denial (Lk. 9:23)
- Taking up the cross (Lk. 9:23; Gal 5:24; 1 Cor. 15:31)
- Following Jesus (Lk. 9:23; Rom. 6:8)
A Disciple is Marked by the Word of God
- Conceived by the Word (1 Pet. 1:23)
- Converted by the Word (Acts 2:41)
- Continuing by the Word (Jn. 8:31)
- Consummated by the Word (Col. 1:23)
A Disciple is Marked by Fruitfulness
- Bearing the fruit of righteousness (Rom. 6:22; Phil. 1:11; 2 Cor. 9:10; James 3:18; Eph. 5:9ff)
- Producing the fruit of good works (Col. 1:10; Tit. 3:14; Phil. 1:21-22)
- Witnessing through fruitfulness (Jn. 15:8; Mt. 12:33; 7:20)
A Disciple is Marked by Love
- A determined love (Lk. 14:26-27; 28-29; Phil 3:4-10)
- A distinguishing love (Jn. 13:34-35)
