discipleship

Becoming a Disciple

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;” (John 8:31)

The subject is discipleship. The key word is “if”. you see, it is up to you whether you become a disciple or not; discipleship is more than believing--it is following; it is obeying; it is working. The Bible says, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved…” (Acts 16:31); being saved is not the sum of discipleship, but one earmark of discipleship is seen in the verse above: “If ye continue in my Word…”, continuing in the Word of God is good evidence of discipleship.
There are six verses in the New testament that describe what it means to be a disciple, three are found in Luke, and three in John. As for now though, we must focus on this one, which may be paramount to the others, or at least lead us to practice them. Just for the record, they are: (In Luke) Luke 14: 26~Luke 14:27, and Luke 14:33 and three in John--Jn. 8:31~Jn. 13:35 and Jn 15:8. These are, however, parenthetical for now, as we want to focus on staying in the Word of God.

It is said that Michael Jordan claimed to “eat, drink, and sleep” basketball. He became great because he continued, at all times, in all ways, to focus on the game. We need this sort of tenacity concerning the Word of God. We need to eat, drink, and sleep in the Word; we need to allow it to permeate our lives in every way, and consume our thoughts and actions. Only then can we hope to be considered a true disciple. If you wish to become a disciple of Christ, this is a great place to begin, if not, that is up to you.

Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Psa 1:1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
Psa 1:2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
Psa 1:3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

There are several other verses to that effect:
Col. 3:1-3; Phil. 4:8; Josh. 1:8, etc.