Almost five years ago, the Lord prompted me to start this blog for Christian women. He gave me the name “Daily His Disciple” because I am a disciple of Christ, learning from Him daily, and I want to help others to do the same. I want to encourage and equip women with biblical truths for their spiritual growth and service to the Lord, to help them walk in the wisdom of God’s word daily.
This year I really want to zero in on the basics that every believer should have a good grasp on. Things like how to study the Bible, prayer, eternal security, and identity in Christ are all topics I’ll be covering. But before I write on the fundamentals of our faith, I want to start by answering the question, “What is a disciple of Christ?“.
What is a disciple?
A disciple is literally a learner, someone who follows the teachings of another. Saved or unsaved, we are all disciples of someone. When we give our lives to Jesus, we become Christians, “little Christs”, who denounce the teaching of this fallen world system, and adhere to the instruction found in the Bible.
Disciples are followers of Jesus, who learn from Him how to live, love, and lead others to Him. They are imitators of their Teacher, mimickers of their Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines a disciple of Christ as one who:
- believes his doctrine
- rests on his sacrifice
- imbibes his spirit
- imitates his example
John 8:31 KJV ~ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
A disciple of Christ is not simply a believer in Jesus, but one who actually obeys what Jesus says. Disciples embody the message James conveys to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.” James 1:22
What is the purpose of a disciple?
When Jesus walked this earth, He revealed to the world the nature of God the Father. He was the physical representation of God and all He stands for.
Before Jesus began His public ministry, people were so confused about the character and commandments of God. The religious leaders had distorted His disposition and burdened the people with rules and religion.
Not only did Jesus showcase the compassion, kindness, love, and mercy of the Father, in perfect harmony with His holiness and justice, but He also taught the people the true meaning of God’s commandments.
He passed His firsthand knowledge of God down to the disciples, and gave them their own charge to preach the good news and teach people the things that Jesus had taught them-not just the doctrine, but the heart behind it. (Matthew 28:18-20)
So what is the purpose of a disciple? To glorify God by going into all the world and giving out the gospel.
How do we fulfill that purpose? By giving up our own agenda, giving into the Spirit’s leading, and giving out the love and grace of God.
And how do we do that? By growing in our knowledge of Christ, which grows our likeness to Him and our love for Him and others.
So if we want to be a disciple of Christ who brings God glory, we have to be in the word and in prayer, abiding in Him.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus, soaking up His word, and speaking to Him, is the only way we will be sober-minded, Spirit-filled, and surrendered to His will. If we don’t spend time with Jesus, we’ll be disciples of the world by default.
Bible verses about being a disciple of Jesus Christ
Here are just nine of the many scriptures that record the words that Jesus spoke about being His disciple. The Lord is very clear that to follow Him requires forsaking all and will result in facing persecution.
Matthew 10:24-25 KJV ~ The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household?
Matthew 16:24 ~ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Luke 14:26-27 KJV ~ If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:33 KJV ~ So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.
John 8:31 KJV ~ Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
John 15:8 KJV ~ Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
John 13:35 KJV ~ By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
A prayer for the disciple
Communicating with God through prayer is key to growth and godliness in the disciple’s life. Prayer is simply talking to God. It doesn’t have to be fancy or follow some specific formula, we just pour out our hearts to the Lord. Disciples need to pray daily for wisdom, knowledge of Christ, spiritual discernment, and help from the Spirit to obey the will of God.
Here is a sample prayer to help you become a fruitful and faithful disciple of Christ:
Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me, calling me, and giving me purpose. You are so good and your grace is sufficient for me. I ask that you would cleanse my heart from sin and clear my mind of the distractions that attempt to draw me away from fellowship with you today. Help me abide in Christ, to learn from Him and lean on Him, so I can live for Him and lead others to Him. You are worthy of all of my devotion and praise. Make me a faithful and fruitful disciple who brings you glory every day. In the mighty and matchless name of Christ, my King, I pray, Amen.
How to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ
Based on what Jesus said about what it means to be a disciple, those who follow Jesus regardless of the cost, who are faithful to the word, and are full of love, are those fruitful disciples who bring God the glory He deserves.
In order to be faithful and fruitful disciples, we each need humility and a teachable spirit so we can learn from Jesus, live for Jesus, and lead others to Jesus.
As we see the day of the Lord approaching, knowing that time is short and judgment is coming, let’s repent of any pride or apathy in our hearts and return to the only endeavor worthy of undertaking.
Jesus is coming, and His reward is with Him! I want to hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”, don’t you?
More articles about being a disciple
2 Qualities of a Devoted Disciple of Christ
Daily His Disciple ~ A poem about being a disciple
3 Reminders as I Grow in the Knowledge of Jesus
7 Steps to a Radical Relationship with Jesus
Be a faithful disciple with My Jesus Journal
I designed and published a tool to help Christian women grow in the knowledge of Christ daily. My Jesus Journal focuses your time in the word on Jesus and helps you cultivate a closer relationship with Him.
My Jesus Journal has space to record the date, the scriptures you read, and lined spaces to write your observations about Jesus. There is a verse from the KJV Bible at the bottom of those pages. The next page is for writing your prayers related to what you discovered in your reading. And there are extra prayer pages in the back.
Beautiful, portable, and affordable!
If you are looking for a tool to help you grow in your knowledge of Jesus, build intimacy into your relationship with Him, and deepen your love for the Lord, then My Jesus Journal is just what you need!
My Jesus Journal is compact enough to fit into your purse, backpack, or diaper bag. Grow on the go when you use wait times in the Doctor’s office, the carpool line, etc. for Bible study.
Priced at just $8.99, you can purchase one for yourself and a friend. Or consider buying one for your entire ministry, to begin a season of seeking Jesus together. It makes an excellent gift for any Christian woman in your life! Click on the picture to order today:
Looking for a guest blogger?
Need someone to contribute articles to your website, or to collaborate with you on a project? Then view my portfolio and my beliefs to see if I would be a good fit for your readers. Contact me at dailyhisdisciple@gmail.com.
FREE guide to learn how to study the Bible
Want to dig deeper into the Bible, but don’t know where to start? This handbook is for you!
I’ve written a 17-page guide on how to study the Bible, which is available for FREE in my resource library. It has step-by-step instructions, study sheets, study guidelines, and more!
My devotional bundle titled 7 Days to More Peace of Mind is also available for free when you subscribe.
If you want a copy, and more tools for spiritual growth, including my regular posts in your inbox, then hit the subscribe button and enter your email address. (If you are on your mobile device, the tab to subscribe is on the left side of your screen. It is at the bottom of the page if you are on your desktop.)
When you do that, you will get a confirmation email with the password to my Resource Library.
Already subscribed to Daily His Disciple? Email me and I will send you the link and password!
Pray With Confidence
Prayer is vital to every disciple. If you would like to grow in your prayer life, then check out Pray with Confidence. It’s a website for helping women overcome prayer obstacles, and I am one of the regular contributors. Here are some articles I wrote that will renew your mind and strengthen your prayer life:
3 Short Prayers for Spiritual Stability
When Your Prayer for Pain Relief Goes Unanswered
Check out the prayer resources, Bible verses, and tough questions tabs as well. There are many great options for your spiritual growth!
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