Discipleship
‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.’
Reading: Galatians 5:16–26; John 15:1–8; Luke 9:23
1. What does it look like to be a disciple of Christ and of others faithful believers? And how does this change over the various seasons of life?
To make more of thee and less of me (John 3:30), this comes with dying to self by taking up one’s cross and following Christ daily (Luke 9:23). “Imitation is the name of the game” as we are to become more like Christ through the growth of discipleship (1 Cor 11:1).
Availability changes, who is discipling you changes, and who you might be discipling changes. Growth looks different throughout the seasons of life, as there are so many areas to grow in.
2. What does it mean to “walk by the Spirit” in the context of daily discipleship? (Gal 5:16) (Colo 2:6)
To abide, to remain in, to keep in step with (Gal 5:25). To make every action of ours conform to that of the Spirit and not the flesh. Along with renewing (Rom 12:2) our minds to be more like Christ, focusing on the kingdom above.
3. How does our security and fullness in Christ translate into practical, day-to-day faithfulness?
Sometimes we must rest in the truth that our mind knows rather than the false feeling of our heart in the moment. His promise is that if we abide in Him, He will abide in us(John 15:5). And that the good work He starts in us He will finish(Phil 1:6). So resting and meditating on the promises of God by the power of the Holy Spirit is what enables us to remain faithful.
4. Name some challenges that hinder spiritual fruit in regards to discipleship, and how do we overcome them? (Luke 9:23)
Obviously, sin and being self-centered play a huge role in hindering one’s discipleship. Another huge issue at hand is being unplugged from the local body and being held accountable to other trusted believers who know you well. Some more might be worldly distractions, burnout, and/or lack of desire.
All of these issues can be overcome by Spirit and the help of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Mortifying the flesh is a slow and ongoing process throughout the entire earthly life of a believer. So we cannot expect large change overnight with some of these distractions; however, we must be pushing forward, running the good race while keeping in mind that it is a marathon, not a sprint.
5. What are the tangible signs or outward proofs that we are bearing fruit in our life? And how can we discern if our actions are motivated by true love for God or by legalism?
Your desires start to change, Your security in things change, Your identity changes. Other people notice these things and their are many physical ways of tracking this such as prayer life, daily word time, generous giving, and serving others. (John 14:15)
Are your actions done because of your view of God or of man? Are you seeking praise for your behavior and deeds? Can you work behind closed doors in secret for the Lord or must everything be in the spotlight before others?
“True discipleship consists in the heart being drawn after Christ in all His excellency, so that the soul cleaves to Him with a holy affection.” – Jonathan Edwards
*** The above verses and questions are meant to be used as either a devotional reading and reflection or as a group study tool. The color text is only a suggested line of thoughts by myself trying to give a simple answer and example to follow. Feel free to use this in whatever capacity that best helps you grow further in Christ.***
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