10 Qualities of a Disciple
Several years ago we sat down as a staff to talk about the future of our church and how we could lead the individuals and families that God has brought to us into the life He has for them. Out of that conversation we realized that the most important thing we could do as leaders is to follow Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 28, “Go and make disciples.” This is how 10 Qualities of a Disciple was born. Since that time the journey of moving people from being believers to becoming fully committed disciples has become the most important message of our church. These 10 qualities are some of the most life-giving and life-transforming messages of the bible.
Quality 1
Passionately Committed to Jesus Christ
God is calling you to come close and learn from Him. One of the primary indicators that you have become a disciple is when your passion shifts from worldly desires to Jesus.
Luke 14:25 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”
Quality 2
Extraordinary Love for People
Jesus modeled extraordinary love for all people, and He came to teach us how to do the same. He came to break down the barriers that separate us. We are meant to be a light to the world — demonstrating the Father’s heart so that all may be reconciled back to Him.
John 13:34-35 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Quality 3
The Heart of a Servant
True greatness begins with humility. The Bible tells us that to be great, we must serve others. And humility is at the center of the heart of a servant. We must decrease so that Christ’s character may increase in us.
Matthew 23:11 The greatest among you must be a servant.
Quality 4
Sensitive and Submitted to the Holy Spirit
The more connected you are to the Holy Spirit, the more connected you are to God. He is the presence, power and anointing of God. When you receive Jesus as Lord, His Spirit comes to live inside of you—to cleanse you of your past and give you a new life.
John 14:16-17 “I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it does not see him or know him. But you know him, because he lives with you and he will be in you.”
Quality 5
Governed by the Authority of God’s Word
God’s Word is truth. Disciples have made a decision that they must elevate the Word above their feelings — even when it’s difficult. Acting on His instruction releases anointing over our lives and takes us to another dimension in our relationship with Him.
John 8:31-32 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Quality 6
Lives Morally Pure
Because God is a good Father, He invites us to share in His character. As followers of Jesus, we have been forgiven and made holy. But because God is holy and we are made in His image, we’re also called to live like Him.
1 Peter 1:15-16 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
Quality 7
Evangelistically Bold
When we receive Christ, His Holy Spirit comes to live inside of us. Many people in the world are searching. They need someone who’s bold enough to share their faith and show them the love of the Father. Now is the time to stand out and be different — to share the great news about Jesus!
Mark 16:15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Quality 8
Engages in Biblical Community
God said that it is not good for man to be alone. He wired us to function best in the context of biblical community. We are the family of God through faith in Jesus, so we don’t have to run this race alone.
Acts 2:42 They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
Quality 9
Just and Generous
What we put our hope and trust in guides our thoughts and decisions. When money rules us, it steals our hearts and affections away from the Father. God isn’t interested in what we acquire for ourselves. What matters to Him is what we do that has eternal significance.
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.”
Quality 10
Lives on Purpose
The only way to know your purpose is to know God. Lean on Him and He will equip you to fulfill the very task He has called you to complete.
Ephesians 1:11-12 It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
Get Your Book
Do you simply believe and do ‘the church thing,’ or are you passionately pursuing what it means to be a fully committed disciple of Christ? Pastor Dennis Rouse takes us on a journey to discover the answer in his new book, 10. Learn what it takes to move from a believer to a disciple. Get your book for the series and for small group participation.
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