Christian Discipleship

Part Five
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Examination

THE LIFESTYLE OF DISCIPLES

There are two primary resulting groups of Christian disciples. Both of these groups are called to produce other disciples. Neither is exempt from the Great Commission. Neither group is more important than the other. Every disciple is commissioned to reproduce themselves as regenerated spiritually redeemed people through the work of Jesus Christ and the ministry of His Holy Spirit. 

The first group we will refer to as the “workers”. “Workers” are disciples who joyfully support the ministry of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They do this with the commitment of their time, their abilities and God-given talents and their resources, including financial and tangible possessions.

Workers” are also disciples who passionately do ministry in the Kingdom of God. They are willing and active in their participation of service however they can best be utilized to perpetuate the Gospel of Jesus Christ and/or advance God’s Kingdom here on earth.

Finally, “workers” are disciples who are personally disciplined to become more Christ-like as they mature and grow in their faith. They are determined and dedicated to follow the example that Jesus Christ gave us in His earthly ministry.

The next group of disciples we will call “warriors”. “Warriors” are disciples who are who are inspired to be leaders of other Christians. They acknowledge a personal call in their life from God to do specific tasks in the leadership of the Church. This is always affirmed by other Christians as an easily identifiable calling from God. There are no self-proclaimed warriors.  

Warriors” are also disciples who initiate new applicable ministries. They are able to see new horizons and definable needs. They are willing and able to be led by the Holy Spirit in creative ways to accomplish multi-level tasks that produce solutions and fulfillment in ministry applications.

Finally “warriors” are disciples who are more personally disciplined to become more Christ-like as they continue to mature and grow in their faith. They are determined and dedicated to follow the example that Jesus Christ gave us in His earthly ministry. This should sound familiar?

There is a blended form of these two groups. However, generally even the blended disciple form will noticeably lean more toward one type of these two disciple groups. The apostle Paul gives a very good description of the general lifestyle of the Christian disciple in his letter to the church at Colossae. 

Paul speaks to them about the calling to discipleship and the Christ-like lifestyle they should reflect in their lives. He also tells them how they should relate to each other as fellow disciples in a loving way, which will ultimately bring about unity. Then Paul speaks of the rule and authority of Jesus Christ in our hearts and how that stimulates us to be continually discipling each other through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. And then finally he tells them that that everything they do or say should be because of Jesus Christ, and that lifestyle will produce a grateful heart in each one of them toward God.    

So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone ; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. (Colossians 3:12-17)

Discipleship, though it start on an individual basis, is a team effort. It is a daily process that ends at mortal death. It is an interactive growth between all Christian disciples. We each need each other’s efforts and understanding of the life of Jesus Christ to become closer related to the God that made us, saved us and sustains us.

It is important not to forget the lifestyle and responsibilities that are involved in the process of Christian discipleship. It is in a vibrant continuous discipleship that God’s Kingdom is advanced here on earth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is perpetuated on to the following generations. It is a process of learning to be like Jesus Christ more today than we did yesterday. This is the very essence of our discipleship.  

Central Institute for Theological Studies
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Dayton, Ohio    45475