What is Discipleship?
Abusive disciplers and “spiritual coverings”
Because immature, corrupt Christians have abused their roles as spiritual fathers or mothers, some have concluded that it is sinful to be discipled by men – “you must get everything from Jesus”, is what I’ve heard. But this is contrary to the Bible. Jesus told us to make disciples and to teach them – they are to follow us as we follow Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1 KJV).
Those who abuse their roles simply aren’t following Christ – they’re in it for everything Paul said he wasn’t. If a discipler isn’t following Christ, according to the Word of God, he is in sin, a deterrent, a terrible example and a stumbling block to God’s children. Jesus warned:
Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea (Mark 9:42)
Jesus is serious about those who disciple his flock. The role of a discipler is not something to be taken lightly. If you mess with one of his children, be sure there will be hell to pay.
I will agree that because of the level of corruption in the body of Christ, there isn’t many faithful, godly Christians to follow. But in this last hour, new believers, who really have a passion to follow God, get trained by him, directly, because our Father is a loving God who won’t allow his children to be abandoned (Psalms 68:5).
Misconceptions about disciplers
- Disciplers must have the gift of teaching. This isn’t true – there’s no mention in the bible that a mature believer must possess the spiritual gift or office of teaching. This comes from another misunderstanding that discipleship is about strictly teaching.
- Disciplers are mentors. Mentorship is similar to discipleship, but lacks a lot. For one, a mentor is a trusted counselor or teacher – one who advises in specific areas like: job, school, business – they usually focus only on a few areas. Being a disciple requires a deeper level of trust since the discipler addresses deep, tender personal issues like: identity, character, past wounds, personal sins etc. Disciplers will face many more issues that mentors will not – it’s important to understand the difference between the two.
What should disciplers teach? Disciplers must take care not to teach false doctrines, self-centered gospels, traditions of men, but simply the commandments of Jesus Christ in his Word the Bible. Here are a few:
- Love God and everyone else (Matt 22:36-40, 1 Cor 13:1-7)
- Have faith in God for and about everything
- Make disciples
All the above come from my continual studies on discipleship. I hope this helps you understand true discipleship and our call to make disciples and teach them all that our Lord commanded us.
Stay connected for part two of discipleship.
Praise God!
Im praful from Mumbai,India
My few doubts are cleared by reading this message. Waiting for part 2 of diciple.. Jesus bless you all.
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