Beyond ‘Christianity’: Why Biblical Discipleship Is Important
The Call to Follow Jesus
When Jesus began His earthly ministry, He extended a simple yet profound invitation: “Follow Me.” This call was not just to observe Him from a distance but to walk closely in His footsteps, learning His ways and embracing His mission. To understand biblical discipleship, we must first grasp the significance of this call.
Biblical discipleship starts with surrender. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus says, “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.” This isn’t merely about adopting religious practices; it’s about a complete reorientation of life around Jesus as Lord. Discipleship begins when we respond to His call with a willing heart and a commitment to follow, no matter the cost.
Key to this call is the relationship Jesus invites us into. Unlike a teacher-student dynamic that might exist in the secular world, Jesus calls His disciples into an intimate, life-transforming relationship. In John 15:15, He says, “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends.” Discipleship is rooted in knowing Christ personally and being known by Him.
Here is another post I made that takes a deeper look at what true biblical discipleship really is.
Misunderstandings About Discipleship
In today’s Christian culture, there are many misconceptions about what it means to be a disciple. Some equate discipleship with church attendance, Bible study, or good works. While these are important, they are not the entirety of discipleship.
One common misunderstanding is that discipleship is optional—reserved for pastors, missionaries, or “serious” Christians. But Jesus’ commission in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations,” applies to every believer. Discipleship is the essence of the Christian life, not an extra layer for the spiritually elite.
Another misconception is that discipleship is a one-time decision rather than a lifelong journey. Saying a prayer of salvation is the starting point, but true discipleship involves ongoing growth and transformation. It’s a continuous process of learning, maturing, and becoming more like Christ.
Finally, some view discipleship as a solitary endeavor. Yet, the Bible consistently shows discipleship as a communal experience. Jesus trained His disciples in the context of relationship, and the early church grew through shared teaching, fellowship, and accountability (Acts 2:42-47). Discipleship thrives in community, where believers support and challenge one another.
The Biblical Model: Learning from Christ and the Apostles
The clearest example of discipleship comes from Jesus Himself. During His ministry, He poured into the lives of twelve men, teaching them, modeling godly living, and preparing them to carry on His mission. His approach offers timeless principles for understanding biblical discipleship.
Learning by Example: Jesus didn’t just preach; He demonstrated what He taught. Whether it was serving others, praying, or enduring suffering, He showed His disciples how to live out God’s will. Discipleship involves more than instruction—it requires imitation (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Relational Investment: Jesus invested deeply in His disciples, spending time with them, addressing their doubts, and correcting their misunderstandings. Biblical discipleship involves investing in others personally and intentionally.
Equipping for Mission: Jesus trained His disciples to carry on His work. He sent them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons, giving them opportunities to practice what they had learned (Luke 9:1-6). Discipleship includes equipping others to serve and fulfill their God-given calling.
Accountability and Growth: Jesus’ interactions with His disciples often involved correction and encouragement. When Peter faltered, Jesus rebuked him but also restored him (Matthew 16:23, John 21:15-19). True discipleship involves accountability that leads to spiritual growth.
The apostle Paul also provides a model of discipleship, as seen in his relationships with Timothy, Titus, and others. Paul’s letters emphasize teaching sound doctrine, modeling a Christ-like life, and mentoring others to continue the work of the gospel (2 Timothy 2:2). His example underscores that discipleship is both personal and reproducible—a disciple is called to make disciples.
Biblical discipleship, then, is a journey of transformation rooted in relationship, centered on Christ, and lived out in community. It’s not a program or checklist but a way of life that touches every aspect of who we are. As we move forward, we’ll explore why this lifestyle is vital for every Christian and how it shapes us both spiritually and practically.
Why Discipleship Is Spiritually Vital
We Become Like Christ
At the core of discipleship lies the goal of becoming like Christ. Romans 8:29 tells us that God’s purpose is to conform us to the image of His Son. Discipleship is the process by which this transformation occurs, shaping our character, priorities, and actions to align with Jesus’ example.
Becoming like Christ isn’t an automatic process. It requires intentionality, as Paul exhorts in Philippians 2:12: “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.” Through discipleship, we learn to set aside our selfish desires and adopt the mindset of Christ, characterized by humility, love, and obedience to God.
Jesus’ life provides a perfect model for us. He demonstrated unwavering trust in the Father, sacrificial love for others, and a commitment to God’s mission. As we follow Him, the Holy Spirit works within us, producing spiritual fruit that reflects Christ’s character (Galatians 5:22-23). This transformation is not just for our benefit but for God’s glory, as we become living testimonies of His grace and power.
We Grow in Intimacy with God
Discipleship fosters a deeper relationship with God. Jesus’ invitation to “Follow Me” is ultimately an invitation to know Him intimately. Through discipleship, we move beyond surface-level faith into a profound connection with the Creator of the universe.
Spiritual disciplines—such as prayer, studying Scripture, fasting, and worship—are key components of discipleship that draw us closer to God. In Luke 11:1, the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, recognizing that intimacy with the Father was central to His life. Likewise, as we engage in these practices, we grow in our understanding of God’s character, His will, and His love for us.
This intimacy also brings clarity and purpose to our lives. When we walk closely with God, we align our hearts with His, finding peace and direction even in the midst of life’s challenges. As Jesus declared in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” Discipleship keeps us connected to the source of life, enabling us to thrive spiritually.
We Experience Spiritual Fruit
One of the most profound and undeniable signs of true discipleship is the spiritual fruit that becomes evident in a believer’s life. In John 15:8, Jesus makes it clear that bearing fruit is not just a sign of following Him but a way to bring glory to God: "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples." The presence of spiritual fruit, then, is not merely a private, internal experience; it is a visible, tangible manifestation of a life that has been radically transformed by the power of Jesus.
The fruit of the Spirit is a multifaceted blessing that shapes both our inner world and our external actions. Let’s explore in greater detail how discipleship leads to these profound changes in our lives.
We Enjoy Inward Fruit
At the heart of discipleship is a profound inward change that begins in the soul and works its way out into every area of life. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we are gradually transformed to reflect His character more clearly. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul lists the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are not simply virtues we strive for on our own; they are the natural result of allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
When we become more disciplined in our faith and intentional about following Jesus, we begin to experience these qualities more deeply. Love, for instance, moves beyond mere affection to encompass sacrificial care for others, even those who may be hard to love. Joy becomes more than fleeting happiness; it is an abiding sense of contentment and peace in Christ that is not shaken by circumstances. Peace, which is rooted in Christ’s presence, can transform our ability to navigate life’s storms without losing hope.
As these qualities grow within us, they reshape the way we interact with the world. Patience replaces impatience, and kindness overcomes the harshness that often defines human interactions. Goodness and faithfulness become consistent characteristics that people can rely on, even in a world that is quick to break promises. Gentleness becomes our approach to conflict, offering grace instead of aggression. And self-control empowers us to resist the temptations of sin and live with a sense of purpose and discipline.
This inward transformation is not just about becoming "better people" but about becoming more like Jesus. As we grow in our discipleship, we mirror His character and draw closer to His heart. The joy, peace, and love we experience are not only blessings for us but also a testimony to the world around us of the power of the gospel. We become more content and enjoy the world around us when we become more like Christ.
We Enjoy Outward Fruit
While the inward fruit of the Spirit is crucial, discipleship also leads to outward expressions of Christ’s love. These actions glorify God and serve as a witness to the world of His transformative power. Discipleship compels us to live differently—not just for our own benefit but for the sake of others.
One of the most significant outward expressions of spiritual fruit is service. True discipleship moves us to serve others, whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or meeting tangible needs. The love we receive from God compels us to love others in return, and this love is not passive. It leads us to take action on behalf of those who are suffering, marginalized, or in need. We serve in the name of Christ, and in doing so, we become His hands and feet in the world.
Moreover, discipleship motivates us to evangelize, to share the good news of Jesus with others. As we grow in our understanding of God’s love, we become increasingly eager to tell others about the life-changing power of the gospel. The more we experience the joy of salvation, the more we want others to experience it too. This outward fruit is not just about preaching or teaching—it’s about living in a way that others are drawn to Christ by our example.
Discipleship also leads us to pursue justice. As we grow in Christ, we develop a deeper sensitivity to the injustices in the world. We are moved to take action to right wrongs, care for the oppressed, and stand against evil. This is not just social activism; it is a reflection of the heart of God, who is both loving and just. In following Christ, we are called to live in such a way that reflects both His mercy and His righteousness.
Finally, spiritual fruit is evident in how we live in relationship with others. True discipleship leads us to embody Christ’s love in our interactions, whether in marriage, friendship, or community. We seek reconciliation instead of division, peace instead of conflict, and forgiveness instead of bitterness. These relationships, built on the foundation of Christ’s love, reflect the very heart of the gospel.
We Enjoy The Hedonistic Joy of Discipleship
There is a hedonistic element to following Christ that is often overlooked. In a world that often associates hedonism with self-indulgence and pleasure, discipleship offers a much higher and more fulfilling form of joy. The fruits of the Spirit bring us deep satisfaction, not through temporary pleasures but through lasting peace, joy, and fulfillment found in Christ.
As we experience these fruits in our lives, we find that we are not only becoming more like Christ but also experiencing the abundant life He promised in John 10:10. The more we surrender ourselves to Him, the more we are able to enjoy the fullness of life He offers. The peace that surpasses understanding, the joy that is our strength, and the love that binds us together are just some of the ways we get to experience the joy of being in relationship with God.
In conclusion, the fruit of discipleship is not a burdensome checklist of moral obligations. Instead, it is a natural outpouring of a life lived in close relationship with Christ. As we grow in our understanding of who He is, our character is transformed, and our actions reflect His love. In this process, we experience joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment—not just for our own sake but for the glory of God and the benefit of those around us. Discipleship leads to a life of purpose, joy, and spiritual fruit that is both inwardly enriching and outwardly transformative.
Obedience and Its Role in Strengthening Faith
Obedience is a cornerstone of discipleship. Jesus’ command in John 14:15 is clear: “If you love Me, keep My commands.” Discipleship calls us to surrender our will to God’s and to live in alignment with His Word, even when it’s difficult or countercultural.
Obedience strengthens our faith by building trust in God’s character and promises. Each step of obedience reinforces the truth that God is faithful, wise, and good. For example, when Peter obeyed Jesus’ command to cast his nets after a night of fruitless fishing, he experienced a miraculous catch that deepened his faith (Luke 5:1-11). Similarly, as we obey God in our daily lives, we witness His provision and power, which encourages us to trust Him more.
Obedience also protects and guides us. God’s commands are not burdensome rules but loving instructions designed for our good. Psalm 119:105 declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Discipleship helps us navigate life’s complexities by teaching us to rely on God’s wisdom rather than our own understanding.
Ultimately, obedience is an expression of love and gratitude for God’s grace. As we obey Him, we grow in holiness and maturity, becoming more like Christ and fulfilling our purpose as His disciples.
Need a reminder on what true biblical discipleship is? Check out my previous blog: That Ain’t Christianity: What Is Biblical Discipleship.