Defining Discipleship Training: Explaining Spiritual Growth

Thoughts on Making Disciples and on Christian Spiritual Growth

Paul J. Bucknell
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Discipleship and Spiritual Growth?

Discipleship describes the learning process by which a believer becomes more and more like Christ. More objectively, looking at the discipleship process, we see the path of spiritual growth. In other words, the steps or process of discipleship is the path of spiritual growth.

Below is a graphic illustration of Colossians 1:10 and a description of how this helps us understand discipleship from one perspective.

"So that you may
walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please [Him]
in all respects,
bearing fruit
in every good work and
increasing in the
knowledge of God."
Colossians 1:10 (NASB)

From the words 'in all respects', we can gather that each area of our lives should be made pleasing to our Lord.

Discipleship describes the process of growing in this way. A mature Christian disciple, then, has been deeply influenced in each aspect of his life by the Lord Jesus Christ. The end result is that he will bear fruit and have good works.

The truths from this verse are further described below.

1. When God is the center of our lives, we live to please Him.

Our life goal is to please Him in each aspect of our lives. If any area of our lives is not pleasing to the Lord, then our whole life becomes out of alignment. Idolatry is treating anything or anyone more respectfully than God.

2. When we please God, we want Him to influence each area of our lives. This is the process of discipleship.

Effective discipleship occurs when each area of our lives is affected by God's teaching and purpose. We need to regularly meditate on God's Word so that it might shine light into our hearts and shape our thoughts and ways.

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