If you want to know how to be a disciple of Christ, this article will teach you all the details. This is an important part of being a Christian because living for Him is all that matters.
We are called to take up our cross as disciples of Christ, which means following Him completely, even when facing challenging situations. We must trust God and follow Jesus, sometimes sacrificially.
Once you know how to be a disciple of Christ, you will understand what it means to take up your cross daily. Taking up your cross daily means loving and believing in Him. We need to live a life that honors Him no matter what we face, for He knows the best plans for our lives.
“And calling the crowd to Him with His disciples, He said to them, ‘If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'” – Mark 8:34 (NIV)
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.
What It Means to Be a Disciple of Christ
Being a disciple of Christ means following, trusting, and learning from Him daily. It starts with believing that Jesus is the Son of God. Disciples show love to everyone, just like Jesus loves unconditionally.
We must try our best to do good and obey what God teaches us. The primary purpose of being a disciple is to tell others about Jesus and make them disciples.
However, being a disciple of Christ means putting Him first and even giving up things that are important to you if Jesus asks you to. Jesus wants us to help those in need, and helping those in need also serves Christ. Live out your commitment in a Christ-like manner.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
Why Be a Disciple of Christ?
Christian discipleship is not just a duty but a joyous journey as we learn from Jesus and follow His teachings. When we believe in and become His disciples, we know we will have eternal life with God.
Being a disciple means being a part of God’s family, a child of God. It means giving to a better world for others, a fulfilling and joyful mission.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (NIV)
There are many reasons to be a disciple of Christ. Let us look at four of these reasons.
Friendship with God
Jesus invites us to be friends. This friendship fills our hearts with joy and peace.
“I no longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I call you friends, for everything that I learned from My Father I have made known to you.” – John 15:15 (NIV)
Purpose in Life
Jesus gives us worth. Our mission from Jesus gives us a unique purpose. We all have different skills from God to use for His purpose.
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. – Ephesians 2:10 (NIV)
Growth and Positive Change
Following Jesus helps us grow. Jesus will change your heart and mind so you are more like Him daily. Be transformed by renewing your mind in Christ Jesus.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will. – Romans 12:2 (NIV)
Belonging to a Family
You are a part of a massive family of believers. This family supports us and helps discipline us in our faith.
“Not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
How to Be a Disciple of Christ
Being a disciple of Christ means living as He did and following His teachings. One important part is praying and reading the Bible with God daily. This means setting aside a special time each day to read Bible stories, think about their meaning, and talk to God in prayer.
By doing this, we learn more about what God wants for us and get the wisdom we need to handle life’s problems. This daily habit helps to strengthen our faith and keep us close to Jesus.
Another important part of being a disciple is showing Christ’s love by helping others and being kind. Jesus taught that loving others is a big part of being His follower. We can show this love by doing kind things, helping people who need it, and understanding their feelings.
When we help others and put their needs first, we show Christ’s love and bring people closer to Him. By living this way, we follow Jesus’ command to love each other and show how powerful His love is in our lives.
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” — Luke 9:23 (ESV)
Way #1 – Prayer
It’s also important to encourage them to pray. Teach them how to pray, talk to God about their worries, and thank Him for His blessings. This helps them build a personal relationship with God and feel His support.
Pray with Friends and Family
Being a disciple of Christ means praying with others, like your friends and family. You can schedule a regular time to pray together, share your thoughts, and ask God for help. This helps you grow closer to God and each other.
By praying as a group, you can support each other and learn more about God’s love.
Keep a Prayer Journal
Another way to be a disciple is by keeping a prayer journal. Write down your prayers, thoughts, and things you are thankful for. You can also note how God answers your prayers. This helps you see how God works and reminds you to keep praying.
A prayer journal helps you stay focused and grow in your faith.
Use the PRAY Method
If you are new to prayer, here is a simple way to remember how to pray. The P.R.A.Y. method uses each letter to stand for a different part of the prayer:
P: Praise
Start your prayer by praising God. Thank Him for who He is and all the good things He has done. You can say things like, “God, You are so amazing and powerful,” or “Thank You for loving and caring for me.”
R: Repent
Next, repent by telling God about anything you’ve done wrong and saying sorry. Ask Him to forgive you and help you do better. You might say, “I’m sorry for not listening to my parents,” or “Please forgive me for being unkind to my friend.”
A: Ask
Then, ask God for what you need or what others need. This could be help with school, healing for someone sick, or guidance in making a decision. You can pray, “Please help me do well on my test,” or “Help my friend get better soon.”
Y: Yield
Finally, yield by telling God you trust Him and want to follow His plan. This means you are willing to listen and do what He asks. You can say, “I trust You, God, and I want to do what You want,” or “Help me follow Your plan for my life.”
Whatever you ask in My name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. – John 14:13-14
Way #2 – Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a crucial element that you will want to embrace as you learn how to be a disciple of Christ.
Forgiving Others
Forgiving others is a really important part of being a follower of Jesus. When someone hurts us or makes a mistake, it can be hard to let go of those feelings and forgive them.
Jesus teaches us that forgiveness is key to showing love and kindness. In the Bible, when we forgive others, we’re showing the same love and mercy that God shows us.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14 (NIV)
Forgiving Yourself
Forgiving yourself is also important. Sometimes, we make mistakes and feel bad about them. It’s easy to be hard on ourselves, but Jesus wants us to remember that God’s forgiveness is for everyone.
When we admit our mistakes and ask for forgiveness, God helps us to start fresh and move forward. We must forgive ourselves and remember that God’s love helps us.
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 (NIV)
Way #3 – Sharing the Gospel
Sharing the Gospel means talking about how Jesus has changed your life and letting others know about His love. You don’t have to be a preacher or use big words; you can start by having simple conversations with friends and family.
For example, you might share a story about a time when your faith in Jesus helped or encouraged you. This can help others understand how important Jesus is to you.
Sometimes, sharing the Gospel is just about showing kindness and being a good friend. When people see how Jesus has changed you, they might be curious and want to learn more.
Just living out your faith and being open about your experiences can be a powerful way to share the message of Jesus with others.
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.” — 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
How to Disciple Someone
Discipling someone means helping them learn about Jesus and grow in their faith. First, it’s important to be a good example. Just like Paul said:
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ,” – 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV)
You should show kindness, honesty, and love as Jesus did. When others see you living out your faith, they can learn what it means to follow Jesus.
Next, teach them about the Bible. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus tells us:
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Share Bible stories, read verses together, and discuss their meaning. This helps them understand the Bible’s teachings and how to live by the Word. Encourage them to pray and talk to God.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
Show them how to pray and talk to God about their feelings, worries, and thanks. This will help them build a personal relationship with God.
Finally, help them find a group of friends or a church where they can connect with other people who believe in Jesus.
Being part of a group helps them stay encouraged, learn more about God, and support each other in their faith journey.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds… encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
How to Disciple a New Believer
Learning how to disciple a new believer will help you as you make disciples among many.
Get Them the Tools They Need
If the new believer doesn’t have a Bible, giving them one is a great idea. The Bible is a special book that helps us learn about God and Jesus. You can choose an easy-to-read Bible, like a children’s or beginner’s Bible. Grab some suggestions on how to build a Bible library!
Along with the Bible, they might need a few other things to help them get started.
Some helpful supplies are a notebook for taking notes, colored pens (non-bleeding) or pencils to mark important verses, and a highlighter (non-bleeding) to remember special parts. Learn how to create a color-coding system for highlighting in your Bible.
These tools can make reading and understanding the Bible fun and easier.
Help Them Find a Bible Reading Plan
It’s also good to encourage them to use a Bible reading plan. This plan helps them know what to read daily and makes learning about different parts of the Bible easier.
Starting with short and simple readings (use a 2-year plan or a 5-year plan) can help them get used to reading the Bible daily.
Encourage Them to Ask Questions
Also, remind them that asking questions is okay if they don’t understand something. Learning about God is a journey, and asking questions helps them grow in their faith.
Teach Them
Next, spend time teaching them about the Bible. Jesus told us:
“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
You can read Bible stories together and explain what they mean. This helps the new believer understand God’s Word and how to live according to its teachings.
Learn how to have a quiet time with God in our 8-Week Bible Study Through Psalms.
Help Them Connect with Other Christians
Finally, help them find a community of other believers. Being part of a church or small group gives them friends who can support and encourage them in their faith journey. This community helps them grow and stay connected with other Christians.
“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
More Tips on How to Make Disciples
Making disciples also means helping someone grow in their faith by being a good friend and mentor.
Talk and Support
Have regular conversations where you talk about life and faith. You can ask them how their day went, what they’re learning from the Bible, or if they have questions about God. This helps them feel supported and shows that you care about their spiritual growth.
Include Them
Another important step is to include them in activities where they can practice their faith. For example, you might invite them to join you in serving others, like helping at a local charity or participating in a community event.
By working together and showing love through actions, they can learn more about living out their faith.
Celebrate Progress
It’s also helpful to encourage them and celebrate their progress. Let them know you’re proud of them whenever they reach a milestone, like learning a new Bible story or improving their prayer life. Positive feedback can make them feel good and motivate them to keep growing.
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
Your support can make a big difference in their journey.
Be Patient and Understanding
Lastly, be patient and understanding. Everyone grows at their own pace, and it’s important to be there for them through their ups and downs. Sometimes, they might struggle or have doubts, and that’s okay.
By being a steady friend and showing love, you help them stay on track and continue to grow in their faith.
Conclusion
You now know how to be a disciple of Christ, so it is your turn to make disciples amongst your neighbors, friends, and family members.
Making disciples involves showing others how to follow Jesus by being a good example, teaching them about the Bible, encouraging them to pray, and helping them find a supportive community.
By being a kind friend, talking about faith, and celebrating their progress, you help them grow closer to God. Patience and understanding are important as they learn and develop in their faith journey.
A great way to remember the importance of discipleship is to remember:
“Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people.” – Matthew 4:19
This means that Jesus wants us to follow Him and help others learn about Him, too. By guiding others in their faith and sharing the love of Jesus, we’re doing exactly what He asked us to do.
How will you BE a disciple today and make disciples, as well? Let us know!
“Love each other as I have loved you.”- John 15:12 (NIV)
