If you are a Christian and a follower of Christ, then it means you are also a disciple of Jesus Christ. Although you may call yourself a disciple, have you taken time to think about what that means? Is it merely accepting Jesus as Savior, and that is your ticket to heaven, or is there something more. Yes, salvation is a gift given to us, and it is not something earned. But the result of salvation is bearing fruit in keeping with repentance. It is becoming more like Christ, and an essential part of becoming more like Him involves learning. We are not merely converted, but the result is to produce fruit by learning from Him.
Jesus Himself has made it clear that discipleship involves learning. Matthew 11:28-30 says “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
The meaning of the term “disciple” refers to a student, pupil, or apprentice. The Greek term used for this word refers to a “learner” or “adherent”, someone on a more committed level. When you become a follower of Christ, then it means you are a disciple, and that includes becoming a learner. Amen!
Let us look at three ways we can learn as a disciple of Christ.
Firstly, learning from God.
If we are to learn from God, it means we are to conform to the words of Christ. Following God, according to scripture, is what distinguishes a real disciple of Christ from someone who is not. Jesus says in John 8:31 “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
A true disciple will always have a passion for the word of God. They will be dedicated to follow scripture and act in ways that are pleasing to Him.
John 6:45 says “It is written in the Prophets, And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me”. So, it is not only to hear from God but also to be taught by Him. Hearing and “learning” from the Father.
This learning requires you to read and meditate on scripture. Not a mere religious reading instead digging deep into the word, memorising scripture, and searching out the truth of the word. This will change your life. Amen!
Secondly, learning to walk with Him
Not only learning about Him, His gospel message, and His statutes but also learning to “walk” with Him. When Jesus taught His disciples, He took His disciples and walked throughout Gallilee and Israel, ministering to people, speaking to the masses, healing and teaching them about ministering. By walking with Jesus, they learnt about being like Jesus; representing Him in every way. After all, we the church are the body of Christ.
Likewise, we are to follow what Jesus did and follow the example of the other apostles who gave us the word of God through the Holy Spirit. They are an example for us to follow. As they walked according to the words of Jesus, we are to follow the same patterns. The apostle Paul says in Philippians 4:9 “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Hallelujah!
God has set examples for us through God’s chosen vessels like Paul and others in scripture. By imitating them, we are also imitating Christ. The apostle Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 1:6 says “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,”
So as you read scripture, follow the examples of Christ and His apostles learning to walk with Christ.
Thirdly, learn to do what is good.
Finally, learn to do what is good. Titus 3:14 says “And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.”
We need to devote ourselves to doing good. This is something we need to learn to do. When we do this, then we are shining the light of Jesus, bringing glory to our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)
3 John 1:11 says “Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.”
When you imitate good by following the ways of Christ, then it shows you are from God, but whoever does the opposite and does evil and has not seen God.
So friends, learn to do good, learn to what the Lord requires of you, to do good, to do justice, to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8).
So in conclusion, not only are we to be a disciple of Christ by name but one who learns from God through the word, learning to walk with Him and learning to do what is good. It does not stop at learning, but it must lead to a changed life. We must follow Him entirely because not only is He our teacher, and our Master but also Lord. So, let us submit fully to the authority of Christ and allow Him to encompass our life as we continue to learn from Him and be a true disciple. Amen!
God bless.
