What are the characteristics of a True Disciple?
“A Christlike mindset” describes a true disciple.
A real disciple is always concerned with the personal application of Truth first. Then he becomes willing to share what he has learned. God’s Truth must first be personalized in a disciple’s life, before it can be shared. It’s one thing to know God’s principles in your head, but it’s something totally different to walk out those principles in your everyday life. Paul’s life was an example of the fruitfulness of a true disciple.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Romans chapter 15:
18 And I will not be presumptuous to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me. For many non-Jewish people are coming into faith’s obedience by the power of the Spirit of God, which is displayed through mighty signs and amazing wonders, both in Word and Deed. Starting from Jerusalem I went from place to place as far as the distant Roman province of Illyricum, fully preaching the wonderful message of Christ.
True disciples not only “talk the talk, but walk the walk!”
What are the characteristics of a true disciple?
A spiritual or a faithful believer is a person who not only has been born again, but who is also abiding in and walking by the power of the Holy Spirit, thereby producing fruit.
Jesus spoke in John chapter 15:
1 “I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser.
2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.
The true disciple has allowed the kratos strength of God to rein in his emotions and will, so that his works are done through God’s empowering, not the flesh.
Paul wrote in 1st Thessalonians chapter 5:
23 Now, may the God of peace and harmony set you apart, making you completely Holy. And may your entire being—spirit, soul, and body—be kept completely flawless in the appearing of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One.
24 The One who calls you by name is Trustworthy and will thoroughly complete His work in you.
The true disciple’s motive for speaking, his strength for working, and his reason for living is simply the Love of God which causes us to Love others deeply with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and sincere faith. He is more concerned about what Christ thinks of him, than what others think. Christ’s Presence in this believer brings about “a peace that passes all understanding”.
The true disciple will be filled with the fruit of the Spirit as evidenced by: Love (Agape), joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance. These characteristics all manifest themselves in humility. And besides this… add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience Godliness; and to Godliness brotherly kindness, all resulting from Agape Love.
This disciple radiates God’s Holiness. Consequently, the world hates him as they did Jesus in His earthly ministry.
Peter wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Peter chapter 1:
10 For this reason, Beloved ones, be eager to confirm and validate that God has invited you to salvation and claimed you as His own. If you do these things (written above), you will never stumble.
11 As a result, the Kingdom’s gates (portal) will open wide to you as God choreographs your triumphant entrance into the Eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Messiah.
As we mature as true disciples, our fruitfulness will abound!