Dictionary of Bible Themes » 8000 The life of the believer » 8100 The life of faith » 8114 discipleship » 8115 discipleship, nature of
The state of following Jesus Christ, and serving and obeying him. The NT stresses the privileges, joys and cost of this calling.
Discipleship involves learning
Learning from God
John 6:45 See also Isaiah 54:13; Leviticus 11:44-45; Leviticus 19:2; Leviticus 20:7; Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 1:15-16
Learning from Jesus Christ
Matthew 11:29 See also John 13:15; Ephesians 4:20-21; Philippians 2:5; 1 Peter 2:21; 1 John 2:6
Learning from the Holy Spirit
John 14:26 See also Luke 12:12; John 16:13; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 1:17; Ephesians 3:16-19; 1 Peter 1:12
Learning from other people
Philippians 4:9 See also Deuteronomy 4:10; Deuteronomy 5:1; Deuteronomy 31:12; 1 Corinthians 4:6,16; Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:7,9; 1 Timothy 2:11; Timothy 5:4; 2 Timothy 3:14
Learning to do what is good
Titus 3:14 See also Psalm 34:14; Psalm 37:27; Isaiah 1:17; Isaiah 26:9; 3Jn 11
Jesus Christ calls people to be his disciples
Matthew 4:19 pp Mark 1:17 See also Matthew 4:21 pp Mark 1:20 Jesus Christ calls James and John; Matthew 8:21-22 pp Luke 9:59-60; Matthew 9:9 pp Mark 2:14 pp Luke 5:27 Jesus Christ calls Matthew; Matthew 19:21 pp Mark 10:21 pp Luke 18:22; John 1:43 Jesus Christ calls Philip; John 21:19
The consequences of discipleship
Following Jesus Christ
Matthew 10:38 See also Matthew 16:24 pp Mark 8:34 pp Luke 9:23; Luke 14:27; John 10:27; John 12:26; Revelation 14:4
Serving Jesus Christ
Colossians 3:24 See also Matthew 20:25-28 pp Mark 10:42-45; Romans 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:9
Obeying Jesus Christ
John 8:31 See also John 14:21,23-24; John 15:10,14; 1 John 2:3; John 3:22,24; John 5:3
Responding immediately to Jesus Christ's commands
Matthew 8:21-22 See also Matthew 4:20 pp Mark 1:18; Matthew 4:22 pp Mark 1:20 pp Luke 5:11
Living for Jesus Christ and not for oneself
2 Corinthians 5:15 See also Romans 14:7-8; 1 Peter 4:2
Loving others
John 13:12-17 See also John 15:9-14; 1 John 4:7-21
Total commitment is required of Jesus Christ's disciples
Matthew 10:37-39 See also Matthew 16:24-25 pp Mark 8:34-35 pp Luke 9:23-24; Mark 6:8; Luke 14:26-27; Luke 17:33; John 12:25
The purpose of discipleship is to become Christlike
Ephesians 4:22-24 See also Matthew 5:48; Luke 6:40; Romans 8:29 God's purpose in election; Romans 12:1-2; Romans 13:14; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Corinthians 7:1; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 1:28; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 3:17 the purpose of Scripture; 1 Peter 1:14-15 a call to holiness; 2 Peter 1:5-7; 1 John 3:2-3
Examples of secret discipleship
John 3:1-2 See also John 7:50; John 12:42; John 19:38-39
See also
1660 Sermon on the Mount 4020 life of faith 5941 secrecy 6744 sanctification 7620 disciples 8102 abiding in Christ 8206 Christlikeness 8207 commitment 8266 holiness 8342 servanthood 8453 obedience
