The Markers of a True Disciple

The Markers of a True Disciple

by

Bryan Craig

 “For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-6

God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12).  It is a treasure chest full of life nuggets.  As one of our Board members has said, “You will never get to the bottom of Scripture.”  It is an endless supply of wisdom, encouragement, and life.  This is why His Word is the cornerstone of the life of a disciple and why our main endeavor in The Journey is to create “self-feeders”.  On my lifelong mission to be a “God-seeker,” God is always showing me new things every day, as I seek him with an open heart.

Sometimes, however, I sense the Holy Spirit is downloading something so important that He prompts me to share it with others.  This was the case a few days ago when God gave me special insight into the passage referenced above, as Paul was encouraging the believers in Thessalonica.  What struck me immediately was Paul’s assertion that he and the other leaders saw some things in the believers that proved that they were disciples, true followers of Christ.  We often talk about what it means to be a disciple.

I saw these specific markers that were important to Paul’s assessment of a believer who has been chosen, who is one of His disciples:

“…because our gospel came to you not only in word…”

• People who are truly disciples have a high regard for God’s Word. They submit to His Word, His Gospel, His truth. I don’t believe you can be a true disciple if the Word is not a major part of your life.

“…but also in power…”

• When someone comes in contact with the Living God and surrendered to Him, there is a powerful transformation. A sinful, selfish person is being given a new life, and they are changed forever. It is tangible and nothing short of a miracle.  Later in 1 Thessalonians 1:9, it says “you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.”  That’s powerful!

  “…and in the Holy Spirit…”

• The Holy Spirit should be evident in the life of one following Christ. As believers, we should affirm His presence in other believers and they in us.  And as you know if you’ve been through The Journey, some of the best evidence of the Holy Spirit is the “Fruit of the Spirit” as listed in Galatians 5:22-23 (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control).  And we also know that the pathway to this fruit is “abiding in Christ” (see John 15).

“…and with full conviction.”

• When someone becomes a disciple of Christ, they have newfound convictions. First, there is a deep conviction of sin.  The Holy Spirit reveals things that need to go, and there is a strong desire for repentance and reconciliation.  Second, a disciple of Christ begins to have conviction for what is right and for the truth.  God changes their worldview.  Consequently, the word “conviction” is translated as “assurance” in the King James version.  So, when a believer begins to see evidence of all of these changes in his life, he can have full assurance that he belongs to Christ.  He need not worry about his eternal destination.

“…you received the word in much affliction…”

• Discipleship comes at a price. When you start belonging to Christ, you are part of His team, identified with Him, and as such, you are a target for the world and the enemy.  They are “anti-Christ.” So, a disciple can expect afflictions and opposition.  If you do not feel the tension of opposition from the devil and the world, and therefore, have no affliction, you should be concerned.

“…with the joy of the Holy Spirit…”

• Perhaps one of the final tests to see if we are disciples of Christ is whether we are full of joy in the midst of our afflictions. The fruit of the Spirit within us is not dependent upon our circumstances.  It is a permanent part of who we are and to whom we belong.

  “…you became an example to all the believers…”

• Disciples of Christ are His ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20). It says in 1 Thessalonians 1:8 “your faith in God has gone forth everywhere.” So, it is clear that God is raising up Disciples for a work beyond themselves.  When people start living as authentic disciples, people around them take notice and begin to have a desire to imitate them.  It sparks a fire which spreads in supernatural, unexpected ways.  This is exciting to Paul as he writes about it.

So, my fellow Influencers, what would Paul write about your life.  Do you see evidence in your life that you have been chosen for God’s work, that you are one of Christ’s disciples?  If not, what’s holding you back?  If you want to change this, I encourage you to fall on your knees and tell Jesus you want to be on His team.  Tell Him you want to turn from idols and start serving the living and true God.

If you do this, you will begin to see His Word come alive in the power of the Holy Spirit, and you will become a living testimony.  You will begin abiding in Him and bearing fruit for His Kingdom, with deep conviction.  Your life will make a major difference in the lives of others.  It won’t be easy, but He will be with you every step of the way, to the very end.