What is Discipleship?

The call for discipleship has veered off course. Many have projected their ministries as discipleship but have primarily focused on strategies. While some of these are indeed proper ways to do discipleship, those are mere forms, lacking substance. The true essence of discipleship lies in teachings about Christ Jesus, His church, salvation, and many other biblical truths. That’s the short answer to our title’s question.

In today’s context, discipleship has been centered around activities like food, games, and camaraderie, which have neglected the true essence of Christian fellowship. True fellowship is built on shared faith, belief, and a deep understanding of God’s word. It is a call for partnership, as illustrated by the passages below, which offer a comprehensive explanation of this concept.

The apostle Paul writing to a church said, “I am filled with gratitude for your constant remembrance in all my prayers for you all. I pray with joy because of your PARTNERSHIP in the gospel from the very beginning until now.” (Philippians 1:3-5)

Note that the word “partnership,” translated from the Greek word “koinōnia,” is the same Greek word translated as “fellowship”. So the ultimate objective of discipleship is to establish a fellowship or partnership.

How did the Philippians partner with Paul? First, they shared a common faith (as evident in Philippians 1:25-30). Second, they diligently supported Paul’s ministry (as demonstrated in Philippians 4:15-18).

See Acts 2:41-47, “Those who received his word were baptized, and approximately three thousand souls were added that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teachings and FELLOWSHIP, breaking bread and praying together. Awe filled every soul, and many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles. All who believed were united and shared everything in common. They sold their possessions and distributed the proceeds to those in need. Day by day, they attended the temple together and shared meals in their homes. They received their food with joy and generosity, praising God and being well-liked by everyone. The Lord continued to add to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Doubtless, Christians’ fellowship is a partnership that involves sharing God’s grace. The Apostle Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 6:6-7, stating that those who learn the word should share all good things with those who teach. He warns against deception, emphasizing that whatever one sows, they will reap. In this partnership, servants of God’s word and learners are equal partners in the ministry. It is crucial to not shortchange each other but to share all good things. Hebrews 13:16 further underscores this principle, encouraging us not to neglect doing good and sharing what we have, as such sacrifices are pleasing to God. The same truth about fellowship is evident in Romans 15:26-27 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.

Next passage, “For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of TAKING PART in the relief of the saints— and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.” (2 Corinthians 8:3-5)

In the context of Corinthians, the same Greek word for fellowship and partnership was translated “taking part.” This implies that fellowship requires involvement and, once again, a genuine concern for the common good.

Next, consider Ephesians 3:8-10, the apostle Paul said, “To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to bring to light for everyone what is the PLAN of the mystery hidden for ages in God, who created all things, so that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.”

In this passage, koinōnia refers to God’s plan that enables Christians to grasp the truths of His mystery. This passage serves as a call for a deeper understanding of God’s word. As Paul explained in Romans, “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” (Romans 10:14-15) Christians are called to honor those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel. Jesus Christ declared, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives the one who sent Me.” (John 13:20) Be cautious not to reject or malign those who faithfully serve God’s word.

As you can see, fellowship isn’t just about spending time together. It does not simply involve playing games, eating together, but more importantly, sharing each other’s burdens, studying, and understanding God’s word.

In John’s epistle, he declared, “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life— the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us— that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have FELLOWSHIP with us; and indeed our FELLOWSHIP is with the Father and with His son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-3)

John emphasizes that genuine Christian fellowship cannot be devoid of God’s truth. Christians can only be in fellowship with fellow believers. Paul declared, “Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Isn’t this truth a contradiction with our present order of the church? Are you certain you have been fellowshipping only with believers every Sunday? Isn’t that the reason so-called churches today are chaotic? In your discipleship programs, are you imparting God’s truths? Have you been diligently studying Scripture accurately? While many Christians dislike theology, it is the cornerstone of true Christian fellowship.

The Book of Revelation concludes with Christ Jesus’ final words to the church. It explains the fulfillment of all prophecy, as Scripture states, “And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also, He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’ And He said to me (John), ‘It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this inheritance, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.’” (Revelation 21:5-7)

Unfortunately, as long as Christians have diverse interpretations of God’s Word, the truthful teachings of Christ Jesus will never be universally proclaimed. However, this does not mean that we cannot know God’s truth by our own. We simply need to study the Word of God diligently.

Once more, Paul cautions Christians, “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Rom 16:17-18) Mind you, Paul wasn’t referring to what has been taught today but the teachings of his generation— the Scripture.

John emphasizes the significance of adhering to God’s truth. He asserts that those who disregard Christ’s teachings do not have God. Conversely, those who remain steadfast in his teachings are blessed with the Father and the Son. Additionally, John warns against accepting individuals who bring false teachings into one’s home or offer greetings, as such actions can contribute to their wicked deeds. (See 2 John 1:9-11.)

Discipleship centered around God’s word is the true essence of discipleship. It involves learning and living in accordance with His teachings. Jesus Christ affirms, “If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32) Discipleship is not a program or strategy; it is a call to follow Jesus Christ and abide in His Word.

In John 6, after Jesus Christ unveiled truths about Himself and the purpose of His coming, His large following dwindled. Scripture stated, “When many of His disciples heard it, they said, ‘This is a difficult saying; who can listen to it?’ (John 6:60). After this, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him” (John 6:66). Are we superior to Christ Jesus? Are we more adept at presenting God’s truth that we measure ministry success based on the number of people joining Christian programs? Or perhaps these programs fail to impart the challenging truths about following Jesus Christ? Perhaps these programs lack substance; they are designed to entice people rather than teach them to bear their crosses and follow Christ Jesus? Christ’s parable of the sower cannot be a mistake. Consider that only one type of soil is suitable—the one that listens to God’s word and comprehends. Perhaps Christians ought to carefully assess their programs if they have gained widespread acceptance. Verify if their programs indeed are aligned with God’s word. Christians’ ministry is never measured by numbers but by substance.

Peter’s message at Pentecost was a resounding success, attracting three thousand souls to faith. Could this number be a majority compared to the vast crowd gathered at Pentecost? Scripture declares, “And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved, for the Lord will carry out His sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.’ And as Isaiah predicted, ‘If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah’” (Romans 9:27-29). Paul further emphasized God’s words, stating, “So too at the present time, there is a remnant, chosen by grace” (Romans 11:5). A remnant certainly does not represent the majority; rather, it is a small remaining quantity of a total number. Do you dare say Scripture was wrong? Or perhaps, Christian ministers today are better than Jesus Christ? Instead of focusing on the ninety-nine who never realized they too were lost, let’s focus on the one sheep that was lost but has returned. Isn’t that the teachings of Christ Jesus in His parable of the lost sheep? (Luke 15:1-7)

Jesus Christ declared, “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

Be cautious, as the Bible, particularly in Proverbs, twice warns, “There is a way that appears to be right to a man, but its end leads to death.” (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25)

Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share freely, for you freely receive. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!