Marks of a Disciple Paper Template (Final)

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Characteristics of a Disciple of Christ Jason Scott DeVane DSMN815: Personal Spiritual Formation (B03) September 2023

Contents Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1 Disciples of Christ Humbly Serve as Christ Served ................................................................... 3 Disciples of Christ Submit as Christ Submitted ......................................................................... 4 Disciples of Christ Love as Christ Loved ..................................................................................... 6 Disciples of Christ Make Disciples as Christ Made Disciples .................................................... 7 Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 8 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 10 ii

1 Introduction When describing and defining what it means to be a disciple of Christ, one must begin with the Scriptures. Fortunately, the Bible has much to say about being a disciple. Even though the term is not found in the Old Testament, the concept of discipleship remains evident in how God’s people were instructed to follow and obey Him. Maregie Belete sees Deuteronomy 10:12- 13 as the backdrop of discipleship in the Old Testament, which includes five proposed imperatives ( King James Version). 1 By adding Genesis 18 to the argument where God reveals his plan to bless the world through Israel, there stands a compelling case for God’s Scripture-wide design of making disciples that follow him. Moving into the New Testament, the Greek word mathetes is found 261 times and translates into the English word “learner.” 2 Most scholars agree and accept this definition while often including synonymous terms such as “follower,” “student,” and “pupil.” A strong relationship existed between a student and his master in Jesus’ day, which resulted in a student following the teachings, life, and aim of their master until they had become like them. 3 These fundamentals will be used as a foundational understanding in determining a concise list of Biblical characteristics of a disciple of Jesus. To form an acceptable list of characteristics, it is necessary to first include some qualifications regarding what a disciple is not. For instance, an understanding of the word disciple in Scripture should not be limited to the focus on twelve physical men whom Jesus walked with for three and a half years. 4 The Scripture easily refutes this narrow view in the 1 Maregie Belete, "Intentional Discipleship Ministry: Presenting Everyone Perfect in Christ." (diss., Asbury Theological Seminary, 2023), 24, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. 2 Opoku Onyinah, “The Meaning of Discipleship,” International Review of Mission , vol. 106, issue 2, (2017): 216-227, accessed September 2, https://doi.org/10.1111/irom.12181 . 3 Ibid., 216-227. 4 Brad J. Waggoner, "The Development of an Instrument for Measuring and Evaluating the Discipleship Base of Southern Baptist Churches." (diss., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1991), 22, ProQuest

Gospel of Luke, where Jesus sends out seventy disciples (Luke 10:1). An additional qualifier details that men and women were allowed to follow Christ and be his students (Luke 8:1-3). Any proposition restricting women from bearing the title of disciple does not hold up to Scripture. Another qualifier that needs addressing concerns whether every Christian should be classified as a disciple of Christ. Bill Hull, who has written extensively on discipleship, places no difference between a Christian and a disciple. 5 Hull sees these terms as synonymous in Scripture. 6 Several Scriptural principles would require explanation should Hull’s argument be accepted. For one, the doctrine of eternal security would require addressing in light of those who no longer chose to follow Jesus (John 6:66). If not following Jesus, would that mean these were no longer Christian? Another startling passage that refutes the idea that disciples are born and not made is found in the Gospel of John (John 15:7-17). Here, Jesus lists some requirements for being a disciple of Christ. Are these then requirements for salvation? Roger Walton rightly suggests that every disciple is a Christian on the road toward transformation in Christ but also observes that every Christian should not be automatically classified as a disciple. 7 These qualifiers help to provide a clearer view when determining potential characteristics. With these qualifiers in mind, it should be noted that the disciples of Jesus were men and women who had accepted him in salvation, submitted themselves to his teaching, and focused their lives on following him to the extent that they might be like him. The continuance of this Dissertations & Theses Global. 5 Bill Hull, The Complete Book of Discipleship : on Being and Making Followers of Christ (Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2014). 25, ProQuest Ebook Central. 6 Ibid., 25. 7 Roger Walton, Disciples Together: Discipleship, Formation and Small Groups (London: Hymns Ancient & Modern, 2015) 7, ProQuest Ebook Central. 2

study will remain focused on examining the characteristics of a true disciple, which ultimately mirrored how Christ’s followers were instructed to be like. Disciples of Christ Humbly Serve as Christ Served The first characteristic of a disciple of Jesus relates to how Christ commanded his followers to live, serve, and interact with others. Andrew Murry, in his book on the topic of humility, makes the point that humility should “be the first and most essential element in discipleship.” 8 It’s hard to argue against Murray’s assertion when viewing the prominence placed by Christ concerning this very point. According to Murray, humility is “taking our place in God’s presence to be nothing but a mote dwelling in the sunlight of His love.” 9 Instead of including a broader list of discipleship marks, Murray addresses additional areas of discipleship but through his lens of humility. Considering that humility lines the path to salvation in Christ, it remains appropriate that this characteristic be recognized first above others (Acts 3:19). As will be seen, the principle of serving humbly was emphasized by Jesus numerous times as he instructed these students regarding their attitudes and actions. Jesus stressed the significance of seeing oneself as a servant to the Lord in all things (Matthew 10:24). Jesus also drew attention to the pride of the Pharisees and challenged his followers to humble themselves so that God might exalt them. Jesus would eventually draw the connection of humility back to himself when he announced that he had come to serve others as a servant of the Lord (Luke 22:26-27). More than just an overall attitude of humility, Christ required the very actions that would be performed by a servant (John 15:15-16). Perhaps one of the most outstanding examples provided by Christ in his servant-minded service relates to when he lowered himself in washing 8 Andrew Murray, Humility: The Beauty of Holiness (Las Vegas, NV: CreateSpace, Independent Publishing Platform, 2014), 14. 9 Ibid., 96. 3

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