Becoming the True Disciple of ChristSýnishorn

CHARACTERISTICS OF CHRIST’S DISCIPLES

INTRODUCTION

As Christians, we are called to be disciples. The New Testament records 262 words of disciples. Even Jesus himself spoke of the importance of being disciples in Matthew 28: 18-20.

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.” 

Discipleship is the key to Christianity because we are not perfect in faith, we must always strive to be perfect, just as Lord Jesus who is perfect (Matthew 5:48). This is what God wants from us. He expects that if we choose to follow Him, then we are to accept to live a life different from those who do not follow Him.

What is a disciple? A disciple is a follower (Mark 2:14, Mark 6: 1), and one who wants to learn (Matthew 11:29, Luke 6:40). A Christian who follows Jesus Christ wants to learn and wants to live according to His will. Discipleship is a process to grow and to train to be more like Christ.

SHARING

We will discuss the following characteristics of Christ’s disciples:

1. Abide in God’s Word 

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

This Word of God shows Jesus' desire for those who believe in Him. What is His desire? "If you abide (continue, remain) in My word, you are My disciples indeed" (John 8:31).

Lord Jesus longs for a closer relationship with those who believe in Him, i.e. as "Teacher with His disciples". Jesus allocated His time to teach and guide His disciples so that they might know the Will of God.

Lord Jesus emphasized what distinguishes a true disciple: Abide in His Word. “If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed.” The word "Abide" comes from the Greek word "Meno" which means once lived and remains. This word "Meno" appears again in John 15 in the discussion of the vine that teaches us that without Christ we can do nothing, we are useless, and will die. So we must abide in Christ, in His Word, living in His Word, remain in Him, just like a branch abides in the vine, never to be apart, for there is a stream of life that flows from Him, and depends entirely upon Him.

2. Love One Another

 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)

For Jesus, love is not just to be taught or a theory. It has to be our lifestyle so that it becomes the nature of each of His disciples. Therefore Jesus gives instruction and example. He said: “That you love one another; as I have loved you”. Through this statement, we can understand that when Jesus gave the commandment to love, Jesus had loved first. Jesus is not theorizing about love, but His life is an example of how to truly love. And on the cross at Golgotha is proof of His unfathomable love. 

We are commanded to love God, to love ourselves, and our neighbors, even our enemy. Love is the message that Jesus always shared and are shown throughout his life. Jesus' own ministry and sacrifice is the most perfect form of love of all forms of ministry that ever existed.

3. Bear Much Fruit

“By this, My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (John 15:8)

The Lord Jesus wants each disciple of Christ to bear fruit. If we do not bear fruit, then we will be taken away. That is the reason why Jesus affirms this point by saying, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you." (John 15:16) A disciple of Christ is called not only to bear fruit but also to bear much fruit. Bearing fruit is not an option but a necessity. Lord Jesus rejoices when His children bear fruit. Lord Jesus paid special attention by pruning the fruitful branches so that they bear more fruit. Lord Jesus does not want His branches to grow ordinary, but He wants His branches to bear much fruit.

What it means of the “Fruit” is a Christ-centered life, where we die to ourselves so that Christ lives in us (Galatians 2:19-20). It’s a life that prioritizes God. The life that produces fruit is a life that has the character of a new creation like the character of Christ (Read: Galatians 5: 22-25). God has prepared the good work that we should walk in them, like a tree that was planted and was determined to bear fruit. All we have to do is to do the work God has prepared for us and faithfully do the work to please the Father and to bear fruit. (Read: Ephesians 2:10)

DISCUSSION

1. From the above sharing, which characteristics do you already have?

2. Which characteristics do you think are the most difficult to own?

CLOSING

What can we learn from today’s sharing? 

1. Being a disciple of Christ is the great calling of Lord Jesus to abide in His Word, to love one another and, to bear much fruit.

2. If we are the disciples of Christ, then we must also follow Christ to disciple souls.