What Is A Disciple?

For the remainder of the month of November, our Devotionals will focus on various aspects of Discipleship. I thought the best place to begin would be to help us answer the question, “What is a disciple?”

By dictionary definition, a disciple is: One who embraces and assists in spreading the teachings of another. In other words, as a Disciple of Jesus Christ, it assumes we not only believe in Jesus, but that we actually embrace His teachings, then proceed to tell others about Him and His teachings.

As I often share with men I disciple, it is: “Not just talking about it, but being about it.”

Having spent the past five weeks in 1 Peter, it seemed only appropriate that I begin there. In 1 Peter 4:1-11, Peter lays out what it looks like to live for God… to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. He writes,

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body is done with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They are surprised that you do not join them in their reckless, wild living, and they heap abuse on you. But they will have to give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is the reason the gospel was preached even to those who are now dead, so that they might be judged according to human standards in regard to the body, but live according to God in regard to the spirit.

The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

- 1 Peter 4:1-11

There is way too much to unpack in the time that I have here, so I want to invite you to take some time to read and meditate on this passage yourself. With the time I have, I will focus on this:

Living for God, being a Disciple of Jesus Christ, means that we do not live our lives according to our earthly desires, but that we live our lives seeking to fulfill God’s Will for us.

It means that we choose to surrender to “His” Will for us, rather than “our” will for us. It means, in all (EVERYTHING) we do, we do it for Him. In this way, we are embracing for ourselves, and sharing with others. the person and teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord. While this may seem like a difficult task, it really comes down to this:

Who is seated on the throne of our lives?

If it is us, then I guarantee trying to be a Disciple of Jesus Christ will indeed be difficult, if not impossible. If, however, Jesus sits on the throne of our lives, it may be uncomfortable at times, but it will not be difficult, for we will have the God of all creation right there with us to provide the strength, the courage, the grace, and the mercy to carry us on the journey.

As Peter writes, “...so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

Pastor Ken

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