The Christ-follower As Disciple & Missioner: Part I

by Pastor Lane

The Great Commission calls Christ-followers to make disciples (Matt. 28.18–20). God’s grace empowers a life to fully experience the gospel of Jesus Christ every day and extend that grace to others. This is the ethos of the Christian life, to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of God (disciple) and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people (missioner).

A clear understanding of the biblical definition of disciple is important to embrace what it means to follow Christ. Several passages guide our teaching and show that a disciple is marked by three distinctives: self-denial, sacrifice, and suffering.

If any man would come after me, he must deny himself, take us his cross daily and follow me. —Luke 9.23

For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him. —Phil.1.29

Self-denial is essential because without it we will impose our will upon our way and not follow Christ. We cannot follow Christ without first denying self. No man can serve two masters (Matt. 6.24). Until you know that you are not your own master, you will not follow Christ as your master. Sacrifice is essential because we will always default to self-preservation and pursue the poshest comforts of life. Jesus modeled a life of sacrifice in all things. Jesus Christ laid down his life for us (1 John 3.16). Suffering is essential because it produces perseverance that develops Christ-like character that results in hope. And hope in Christ never disappoints (Rom. 5.3–5). Jesus was made perfect through suffering (Heb. 2.10), and when we suffer for Christ’s sake we are to rejoice that we have been counted worthy to suffer for his name (1 Pet. 4.13).