Baptism is just the beginning of your new life as a disciple of Christ. The word “Christian” is mentioned only 3 times in the New Testament but the word “disciple” is repeated over 260 times. What does it mean to be a disciple? How do you grow as one? In this last lesson we will explore what the Bible teaches on this very important topic.

Note: We need to acknowledge God’s authority in our life and live in obedience to His word. Whatever the consequences we are called to receive His word and practice it in our daily life.

Note: Just as Christ was totally surrendered to His Father so we must be totally surrendered to Christ. We are to be connected to Jesus as the vine and the branches.

Note: As we spend time with Jesus each day part of our devotional time should be re-consecrating our lives again to Him. Unless this active act of surrender is done, our “self” will want to make a comeback. This is vital to our connection with Him!

Note: A life living for itself is wasted. Only a life that is given away in service for others can be used by God. He who is absorbed with his own needs and pleasures cannot be a true disciple of God.

Note: Just as in a physical body the head or the brain controls each part, so all of us that make up the body of Christ must also be controlled or surrendered to the head, which is Christ.

Note: For example, suppose at a church luncheon someone spills a glass of water. One who has the gift of prophecy would say, “I told you not to place that water so close to the edge of the table.” One with the gift of leadership would begin directing others to go to work. One with the gift of service would grab a mop; a teacher would explain the significance of water in the Bible. An encourager would try to build that person up. The one with the gift of generosity would buy him a new water bottle to use and the one with mercy would show compassion and sit next to the person till they felt better.

Note: We all have a role to play in building up God’s church. God has given to each man a special gift to be used according to His ability. It is not God’s will that a few carry all the responsibilities of the church while others have none.

Note: “Love for souls for whom Christ died means crucifixion of self. He who is a child of God should henceforth look upon himself as a link in the chain let down to save the world, one with Christ in His plan of mercy, going forth with Him to seek and save the lost. The Christian is ever to realize that he has consecrated himself to God, and that in character he is to reveal Christ to the world. The self-sacrifice, the sympathy, the love, manifested in the life of Christ are to reappear in the life of the worker for God.”

Desire of Ages, p. 417

Note: The secret is to always keep our eyes focused on Christ. We do this by praying to Him, reading His word and co-operating with the Holy Spirit in our lives. One who is losing heart almost always is not spending time with Christ alone.

Conclusion: A disciple is one who is surrendered to the Lordship of Christ and leads others under that same Lordship. The priority of a disciple is seeking and serving God. God wants us to serve and encourage one another in the faith and has given each one special spiritual gifts to help build the church up. God wants us to protect the unity of the church for it is through this agency that God works for the salvation of others. As His representative we are called to love and serve others. There is no higher calling.