The Diligence of Discipleship

I have observed in thirty-plus years of pulpit ministry that there is a weakness in the process of discipleship in the Church of Jesus Christ. This book is not primarily about showing that weakness; rather, I will define biblical discipleship and provide a simple-to-grasp but difficult-to-do five-step process to transform converts into maturing disciples of Jesus Christ.

The thrust of this book is to come alongside the Christian and offer a workable plan for bearing much fruit. Jesus said “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples” (John 15:8 ESV). The reader should not assume that to read through this book once will suffice. I encourage particular, repeated exposure to at least Section Two, The Process of Discipleship. Memorizing and practicing the five steps in this process will cause the fruit to begin to “grow and show.”

In “The Diligence of Discipleship”, our goal is to glorify God in our lives; that is the goal of the Christian life; nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. We will learn some verses, and we will learn some processes to incorporate in our lives. I guarantee if you stick with this, if you take notes, if you do the homework, it will be the hardest exercise you have ever submitted yourself to. Ever. Why? Because we are talking about nothing less than the total transformation of who you are. But it will also be the most rewarding; biblical discipleship is the opportunity to improve your relationship with the Father and your relationships with others.

To know the Word of God is not enough, even if we can quote it extensively, we do not impress the Father. We must do the Word of God. I could have built this five-step process of discipleship from any book of the Bible, indeed from every book of the Bible. The Scriptures I chose are consistent with the teaching of the whole Bible. Jesus instructed His disciples to make disciples, ... teaching them to observe (obey) all that He commanded. Step one is from Romans 12:1-2. We are not to be conformed to the pattern of this world any longer, but we are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds; and we are to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice to God. Step two is from Second Corinthians 10:5. We are to discipline ourselves to take every thought captive and to not let it escape our bodies unless, and until it is obedient to Christ. Step three is from Ephesians 4:29-32. We are not permitted to say anything unless it is designed to benefit others; and we are to get rid of all bad behavior, replacing it with good behavior. Step four is from First Corinthians 10:31. We are to glorify, or honor God in all that we do. Finally, step five is from Philippians 1:27. Our life should look like the biblical Jesus to a watching world. Simple, right?

It is said that God loves you just the way you are, but he loves you far too much to leave you that way. With all that God has done for us in redemption, there is yet much that remains for us to do in sanctification. Transforming who we are of necessity forces us to admit that we need to change. I have encouraged my students, as I have done myself, to attach a sticker to their mirror with this quote: “You are looking at the problem”; and another sticker in their workplace with this quote: “You must participate in your own rescue.” The first quote is from a former employer of mine and the second from a river-raft guide. I took the title of this series from 2 Peter 1:5; the New American Standard Bible reads “applying all diligence ...” All diligence; the diligence of discipleship. It is your responsibility, as a Christian, to do the hard work of transformation to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. We will learn more about what that really means and how to do it. “A disciple is not greater than his teacher, but everyone when fully trained will be like his teacher” (Lk 6:40).