This article is a continuation of a series from “Teaching with Truth” about the purpose and power of Christian education and making disciples of Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 28:18-20, we read these words from the resurrected Christ speaking to His disciples:
And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been to me in heaven and on earth. 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 things that I have commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
God commands us to make disciples. Therefore, we better know what is a disciple? And, why we are to make disciples? A disciple is defined as a follower, pupil, or learner. Most often, the word disciple has become synonymous with the word, follower. John the Baptist had disciples, the Pharisees had disciples, and one can be a disciple of Charles Darwin, Karl Marx, Confucius, or any other leader, philosophy, or teaching.
When most people hear or use the word disciple, they usually mean it in the Christian context of a disciple of Jesus Christ, a follower of Christ – a Christian. However, there are many people who say they are a Christian but are not really Christians at all. I said I was a Christian for many years, but in reality, I was not a true believer until I was convicted of my sin, repented, and believed in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior and began to follow Him and live the truth of God’s Word.
I like this definition – A disciple believes the gospel of Jesus Christ and follows Christ as Lord and Savior.
Believing the Gospel – For a person to be a disciple, a follower of Christ, they must believe the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ, and what the gospel means. The Apostle Paul says, “I’m not ashamed of the gospel, for it (the gospel) is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross (the gospel) is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Paul says in Ephesians, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.”
You Must be Born Again – It is only when we’re born again do we have the desire to follow Christ (John 1:12-13; 3:3; 1 Peter 1:3). God gives us this desire by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16). God also gives us the love to love Him and one another (Romans 5:5).
Confess Jesus Christ as Lord – When a person is born again, the Holy Spirit compels them to confess Jesus Christ as Lord and the desire to live for Him (Romans 10:9: 1 Corinthians 12:3; Philippians 2:9-11).
Once we are a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ, we are to make disciples. That is God’s command and a Christian’s calling. As we read in Matthew 28:18-20, the Great Commission, disciples of Jesus Christ are to go and make disciples. This is a life-long endeavor for every Christian, church, and Christian school – to make disciples.
In the next session, Part 4: Evangelism and Discipling, we’ll see the difference between evangelizing and discipling. Evangelizing is proclaiming the gospel to unbelievers, while discipling is teaching Biblical truth and precepts to believers helping them grow in Christ.
May God bless you with His grace, love, and truth!