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True Discipleship Tim Smelser The word “disciple” is used quite a bit in the religious world today. There is the Discipling Movement, Disciples of Christ, and sometimes disciple is even used as a verb. But what is a disciple, as the term is used in the New Testament? In John 8:31 Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, then are you truly my disciples.” This fits well with the definition that a disciple is “a learner, or follower.” If we are to be true disciples of Jesus we must learn of Him and follow His teachings. Those disciples in the city of Berea received the gospel message “with great eagerness” and they “searched the scriptures daily” (Acts 17:11). We need to do this today, for Jesus warns us to “watch out for false prophets” (Matthew 7:15). A true disciple also strives to follow the example of Jesus. Peter said that Jesus “left us an example that we should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). Far too many times we make men our heroes and role models when in fact we should emulate Christ in our lives. Taking just a cursory glance around the religious world it is easy to see that among those claiming to be disciples there is no uniformity in doctrine, faith or practice. This is certainly contrary to Jesus’ desire for His followers to “abide in my word.” Years after Jesus spoke these words, the apostle John wrote, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9). Let’s not loosely throw around the term “disciple;” rather, let’s learn to become disciples in the New Testament sense of the word. Jesus expects us to follow Him and learn of Him and this can only be done by setting aside the teachings and traditions of men. We must only abide in Him. |
