Becoming a Disciple of Christ

What a Disciple Is

A disciple is a learner who follows a master. Biblical discipleship is therefore more than agreement with doctrines about Christ. It is learning under Christ and allowing His instruction to govern the life.

The first question is not, “How much do I know?” but, “Am I willing to follow, learn, receive correction, and obey?”

Six Beginning Movements

• Seek God: turn toward the Father instead of defending a predetermined conclusion.
• Become teachable: bring beliefs, habits, motives, and interpretations before God with a willingness to be corrected.
• Test by Scripture: no teacher, impression, interpretation, or KAP conclusion is self-authenticating.
• Follow Christ: move from admiration or belief into learning under Christ as Master.
• Obey: established truth must become lived obedience rather than retained information.
• Be transformed: the goal is increasing freedom from self-government and increasing alignment with God's Kingdom.

What to Expect

The disciples of Christ did not begin mature. They misunderstood, asked questions, received correction, were tested, failed, were restored, learned obedience, served, endured, and were entrusted with greater responsibility.

Do not treat correction, struggle, or exposure of weakness as proof that discipleship has failed. These can become part of formation when they lead to truth, repentance, obedience, and renewed following.

Your First Practice

• Set aside undistracted time before God.
• Ask for a teachable heart rather than confirmation of what you already believe.
• Read the assigned Scripture slowly and in context.
• Write down what the text actually says before writing what you think it means.
• Identify one act of obedience that follows from what has been established.