What Defines a Disciple of Jesus Christ?

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.” {John 8:31}

Introduction
A disciple is a learner, a pupil or student; one who adheres to instruction, making what is taught the rule of conduct through life application. A disciple of Jesus Christ, by God’s grace, becomes more and more like Christ through a life of faith, and obedience.

Life Example
Have you ever met someone who claimed to be something, but acted another way?  Have you ever encountered someone who contradicted what they said they believed? If one’s actions contradict one’s words, which is true?  In Christ’s eyes, it is our actions that speak to what we believe. So, in following Him, we must hold to His teachings in our daily lives.

When we look at the New Testament Gospels, we see that those who followed Jesus truly were His disciples. Because of their love for Christ, many left their jobs, homes, and security to walk with Him as He ministered to people throughout Palestine. They had the benefit of walking with Christ in the flesh.  So, what does it look like now – with Christ risen and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us – to be Jesus’ disciple? What does it look like now – with Christ risen and the Holy Spirit dwelling within us – to be Jesus’ disciple?

Characteristics of a disciple of Jesus Christ:

1) A true disciple of the Jesus worships God.  If you are a new creation in Christ, you are someone who brings glory to God and recognizes His honor.

2) A disciple must be confident in the efficacy of Christ’s death and resurrection for his salvation.
He must know that he is a child of God and Christ dwells within him. {1 John 5:13}

3) A disciple walks in the fullness and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is responsible for everything that happens in the life of a believer—the new birth, daily walk, understanding of Scripture, prayer, etc.  He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us, which enables us to live holy lives and witness for Christ. {Galatians 5:22-25}

4) A disciple demonstrates love for God, neighbor, fellow disciples, and enemies.  Jesus commands us to love God with every fiber of our being and to love our neighbors as ourselves. 
{Matthew 5:43-48}

5) A disciple is one who knows how to read, study, memorize, and meditate upon the Word of God, to store its truths in his or her heart.  It is impossible to walk in the fullness of God’s Holy Spirit without understanding God’s Word.  The reverse is also true: you cannot understand God’s Word without the Holy Spirit. {Psalm 119}

6) A true disciple of Jesus is a man or woman of prayer. Jesus models throughout Scripture that communicating with God is one of the most important things in a Christian’s life. He models that those who are children of God seek the Father. {1 Thessalonians 5:17}

7) A disciple is one who obeys the commands of God in a lifestyle that honors Christ.
{James 1:22-25}

8) A disciple is one who trusts God and lives a life of faith. Scripture reminds us that, “without faith it is impossible to please God.” {Hebrews 11:6}

9) A disciple understands God’s grace.  God loves us unconditionally, whether we obey Him or not.  This is the opposite of legalism – a heretic way of thinking that urges us to try to obey God’s laws in our own wisdom, strength, and power. {Romans 5:1}

10) A disciple is one who witnesses for Christ as a way of life. If you love Jesus, you are spurred on to tell people about Him, testifying to what He has done in your life. {Matthew 5:16}

Life Application Questions
1) What are some characteristics of a true Christian disciple you are noticing in your own life?

2) What are some characteristics of a true Christian disciple that you struggle with?  Have you given that over to the Lord?

Memory verses regarding disciples and discipleship:
Luke 14:27
John 8:31
John 13:35