The Core of Discipleship
Discipleship is the lifelong commitment to follow Jesus, grow in faith, and help others do the same. Jesus called His followers not just to believe, but to become disciples and make disciples.
đź“– Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
The 5 Core Elements of Discipleship
A Personal Relationship with Jesus
đź“– 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 starts with knowing and loving Jesus personally.
- It’s not just about knowledge—it’s about a daily walk with Him.
- This includes prayer, worship, and obedience to God’s Word.
đź’ˇ Application: Spend time in God’s presence daily through prayer and Bible study.
Learning & Living the Word of God
đź“– 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
- A disciple is rooted in Scripture and applies it in daily life.
- Learning God’s Word leads to transformation and growth.
- The goal is not just to know, but to live out biblical truth.
đź’ˇ Application: Read and apply Scripture daily—don't just study it, live it.
Imitating Jesus in Character & Actions
đź“– 1 John 2:6 – “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did.”
- Discipleship means becoming more like Jesus in love, humility, and service.
- We grow in patience, kindness, purity, and faithfulness.
- Our goal is to reflect Christ’s love to the world.
đź’ˇ Application: Ask, "What would Jesus do?" in your daily decisions and actions.
Living in Community & Accountability
đź“– Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
- Discipleship thrives in community—we are not meant to follow Christ alone.
- We need fellow believers for encouragement, correction, and growth.
- Accountability helps us stay on track and deepen our faith.
đź’ˇ Application: Join a small group or find a mentor who can walk with you in faith.
Making More Disciples
đź“– 2 Timothy 2:2 – “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
- Discipleship is multiplication—we grow so we can help others grow.
- Jesus didn’t just gather followers; He equipped them to teach others.
- A true disciple shares the Gospel and mentors others in faith.
đź’ˇ Application: Invest in at least one other person—mentor, teach, and encourage them in Christ.
The Heart of Discipleship
âś… Follow Jesus personally – Stay close to Him.
âś… Obey the Word – Let Scripture shape your life.
âś… Be transformed – Grow in Christlike character.
âś… Live in community – Find accountability and encouragement.
âś… Make disciples – Share the faith and invest in others.
đź“– Luke 9:23 – “Then He said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.’”
Would you like help developing a discipleship plan for yourself or others?