Continuing our series The Journey of a Disciple, we looked at how disciples are formed. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Following Jesus is not simply a decision; it is a lifelong process of being shaped into His likeness. Christians are born again, but disciples are made.
Just as a child needs guidance, care, and training to grow, believers need discipleship relationships to mature spiritually. Growth does not happen in isolation. Throughout life, whether in business, sport, or ministry, people reach their potential because someone invests in them. The same is true spiritually.
1. The Process of Discipleship
A.B. Bruce described three calls of Christ in the discipleship journey:
Come and See: Jesus first invited His disciples to come and see (John 1:39). Before asking for commitment, He showed them His vision and what God could do through their lives.
Come and Follow: Jesus then called them to leave their old lives behind and follow Him (Matthew 4:19).
Discipleship requires commitment, surrender, and a willingness to adopt God's priorities over our own.
Come and Be With Me: Jesus spent time forming His disciples through teaching, correction, encouragement, and example. He prepared them for future ministry. Peter, for example, received much correction because God had a significant calling on his life.
Paul's Example with Timothy: Paul followed the same model with Timothy, encouraging and strengthening him to fulfil his calling. In 2 Timothy 1:6, Paul writes: “Fan into flame the gift of God.”
Today, discipleship remains central to the church's mission. Through Life Groups, training programmes, mentoring relationships, and spiritual leadership, believers are equipped to grow and mature in Christ.
2. The Areas of Discipleship
Discipleship touches every area of life.
Daily Devotional Life: A disciple learns to pray, study God's Word, and develop a consistent relationship with God. Spiritual growth requires discipline and a hunger for God's presence.
Family Life: Believers must learn how to build healthy, godly families, honour relationships, and create a spiritual atmosphere in their homes.
Finances: Jesus taught that we cannot serve both God and money (Matthew 6:24). Disciples learn biblical stewardship, generosity, saving, and investing while keeping God first.
Attitude and Character: Paul instructed Timothy to be an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Disciples are called to develop Christlike character, live by faith, love people well, and represent Jesus faithfully.
3. The Results of Discipleship
The goal of discipleship is not simply personal growth but multiplication.
Jesus commanded His followers in Matthew 28:19: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” What Jesus did in His disciples, they were to reproduce in others. Paul echoed this in 2 Timothy 2:2: “Entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
Healthy disciples become disciple-makers. Spiritual maturity enables believers to help others grow, just as they have been helped. The disciple eventually becomes someone worth following because they are faithfully following Christ. As Paul said in 1 Corinthians 11:1: “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
Application
Make yourself available for the journey of discipleship. Connect with spiritual leaders and
relationships that will help you grow. God is looking for labourers who will not only follow
Christ but also raise up others to do the same.
The journey of discipleship is complete when disciples become disciple-makers, helping
transform families, communities, and future generations through the Gospel.
