And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18 AMPC.
Being a True disciple of Jesus Christ is a path that you walk every day as a believer, with every step by the help of the Holy-Spirit. It’s a choice that you make, to follow Jesus and to be like Him progressively. And it’s a choice that brings great joy and peace, because when you follow Jesus, you are following the One who loves you most and wants what’s best for you.
We love him, because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19.
The term “disciple” (Greek: μαθητής, mathētēs) refers to a learner or a student who follows a teacher, master, or rabbi. In the context of Jesus’ ministry, a disciple is someone who has committed to learning from, following, and imitating Him.
It’s not always easy to be a true disciple of Jesus. We have so many Christians today but not too many disciples of Jesus Christ. There will be times when you feel tired, or sad, or angry. There will be times when you don’t even understand what God is doing, or when you feel like giving up. But being a true disciple of Jesus means that you keep going, learning at the master’s feet, abiding in prayers and standing firm on God’s word, even when things get tough. You keep trusting in God, and you keep following Him, no matter what.
The Bible outlines several essential traits and practices that distinguish a true disciple of Jesus Christ, some of which are:
1. Faith and Trust: A true disciple has absolute faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, the Savior, and the Lord of their life. (See John 1:12; Acts 16:31).
2. Repentance and Obedience: Discipleship begins with repentance, and this involves turning away from sin and turning towards righteousness in God. (See Matthew 4:17; Luke 13:3). True disciples of Jesus Christ also strive to always obey God’s word (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6).
3. Genuine Love for Jesus Christ and Others: Jesus taught that the greatest commandment is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love one’s neighbors as oneself (See Mark 12:30-31). True disciples demonstrate this genuine love from the heart by prioritizing their relationship with Jesus and showing love, compassion, kindness, and humility towards others (See John 13:35; 1 John 4:7-12).
4. Denial of Self and Sacrificial Living: In the Scriptures, we see how Jesus calls His disciples to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him (See Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). This means being willing to sacrifice personal interests, desires, and comforts for the sake of the Kingdom and the Gospel (Philippians 3:7-11; 2 Corinthians 12:10).
5. Spiritual Growth: True disciples are committed to growing in the knowledge of God’s word and applying God’s word to every aspect of their lives (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Hebrews 5:12-14). They prioritize spiritual growth, seeking to become more like Jesus Christ in word, deeds and demonstration of God’s power by dedicating their lives to prayers, spending time with God’s word, worship, and fellowship with other believers (See Ephesians 4:11-16; 2 Peter 3:18). True disciples of Jesus Christ are spiritually growing believers.
6. Evangelism and Discipleship: In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commissioned His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything He commanded. True disciples of Jesus Christ are passionate about sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, helping others grow in their faith in God and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
7. Perseverance and Endurance: True disciples are willing to face persecution, trials, and hardships, knowing that these are opportunities to grow in faith, trust, and character (See Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).
Every true disciple of Jesus Christ must be willing to:
– Leave behind worldly attachments (Luke 9:57-62; 14:25-33).
– Suffer persecution and rejection (Matthew 10:22; John 15:18-21).
– Prioritize their relationship and fellowship with Jesus Christ above all else (Matthew 10:37-39; Luke 14:25-33).
As the apostle Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
Are you a true disciple of Jesus Christ or you’re just a Christian by religion?
It’s worthy of note that the early Christians were first Disciples of Jesus Christ before they were ever called Christians in Antioch. See the Book of Acts. Selah!
2 Corinthians 13:5-14 (NIV)
Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test? And I trust that you will discover that we have not failed the test.
And now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified. Acts 20:32.
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Blessings!
