Feb 13, 2026 6 min read Back to Basics: Christian living

Back to Basics: Christian Living: Completing the Journey - Living as True Disciples

From Believers to Disciples – Walking in Complete Obedience to Christ…

The Call to Complete Discipleship

The journey of Christian discipleship is not merely about accepting Christ as Saviour; it is about following Him as Lord in every aspect of our lives. As we conclude this series on Christian living, we must understand that true discipleship requires complete surrender, ongoing transformation, and faithful perseverance until we hear those precious words: "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21, KJV).

The Call to Discipleship: Counting the Cost

When Jesus walked the shores of Galilee, His invitation was simple yet profound: "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19, KJV). This call demands more than intellectual assent to theological truths—it requires a complete reorientation of our lives around Christ's lordship.

Jesus never deceived potential followers about the cost of discipleship. He declared, "If any man come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23, KJV). The cross represents death to self-will, personal ambitions, and worldly pursuits. It is a daily choice to surrender our desires to God's purposes.

In Luke 14:26-27 (KJV), Jesus emphasises the totality of this commitment: "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple." This radical language illustrates that our devotion to Christ must supersede all earthly relationships and attachments.

Foundations: Abiding in Christ

The essential foundation of discipleship is abiding in Christ. Jesus illustrated this truth through the metaphor of the vine and branches: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:5, KJV). Apart from continuous connection to Christ, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value.

This abiding relationship is cultivated through several vital spiritual disciplines. Prayer becomes our lifeline of communication with the Father, whilst Scripture meditation renews our minds and shapes our thinking according to God's truth. The apostle Paul instructs us, "Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God" (Romans 12:2, KJV).

Furthermore, being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us for godly living and fruitful service. It is the Spirit who produces in us "love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance" (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV).

Characteristics: The Mark of True Disciples

Jesus identified the distinguishing mark of His disciples: "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35, KJV). Love for God and love for others are inseparable hallmarks of genuine discipleship.

Obedience to Christ's commands demonstrates the authenticity of our love. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments" (John 14:15, KJV). This obedience is not burdensome legalism but the joyful response of hearts transformed by grace.

A true disciple also bears fruit that remains. Jesus appointed us "that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain" (John 15:16, KJV). This fruit manifests in changed character, souls won to Christ, and lasting impact for God's kingdom.

Growing: The Process of Transformation

Spiritual growth requires intentional effort. Paul exhorts believers to "put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness" (Ephesians 4:22-24, KJV).

This transformation involves developing spiritual disciplines—worship, fasting, meditation on Scripture, and prayer. It means walking in the Spirit rather than fulfilling the desires of the flesh. Paul encourages us: "Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16, KJV).

Living in Community: The Body of Christ

Discipleship was never meant to be a solitary pursuit. The writer of Hebrews warns, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25, KJV).

Within the body of Christ, we bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2, KJV), encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and use our spiritual gifts to serve. Peter instructs, "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God" (1 Peter 4:10, KJV).

Making Disciples: Fulfilling the Great Commission

Every disciple is called to make disciples. Jesus commissioned His followers: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20, KJV).

This mandate involves evangelism, mentoring new believers, and teaching them to obey Christ's commands. The goal is multiplication—disciples who make disciples who make disciples, spreading the gospel to the ends of the earth.

The Cost & Rewards: Counting it All Joy

Discipleship involves suffering and persecution. Jesus warned, "If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you" (John 15:18, KJV). Yet the rewards far outweigh the costs.

Paul testified, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20, KJV). The intimacy of knowing Christ surpasses all earthly treasures.

Furthermore, eternal rewards await faithful disciples. Paul declared confidently, "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day" (2 Timothy 4:7-8, KJV).

Persevering to the End: Finishing Well

The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. We must run "with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith" (Hebrews 12:1-2, KJV).

Trials and testing will come, but they produce endurance and maturity. James encourages us, "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:2-3, KJV).

Our goal is to finish well, to hear our Master say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord" (Matthew 25:21, KJV).

Completing the journey of discipleship means moving from mere belief to active, obedient following of Christ. It requires daily surrender, continual growth, active participation in Christian community, and faithful reproduction of disciples. The cost is high, but the rewards are eternal. As you continue your journey, remember that Christ who began the good work in you will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6 KJV). Press on towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14, KJV), and run your race with endurance until you cross the finish line into eternity…

Key Takeaways:

Discipleship requires total commitment: Following Christ means denying yourself, taking up your cross daily, and placing Him above all earthly relationships and ambitions.
Abiding in Christ is essential: Without continuous connection to Jesus through prayer, Scripture meditation, and the Holy Spirit's filling, we can accomplish nothing of eternal value.
Love and obedience are the marks of true disciples: Genuine discipleship is demonstrated by love for God and others, coupled with joyful obedience to Christ's commands.
Transformation is a process: Growing as a disciple involves intentionally putting off the old nature, renewing your mind, and walking in the Spirit through spiritual disciplines.
Community is vital: Discipleship flourishes within the body of Christ, where believers encourage one another, bear burdens together, and use their gifts to serve.
Every disciple must make disciples: The Great Commission calls us to evangelise, mentor new believers, and teach them to obey Christ, creating a multiplying movement.
The cost is high, but the rewards are eternal: Whilst discipleship involves suffering and persecution, the intimacy with Christ and eternal crowns far outweigh any earthly sacrifice.
Perseverance is crucial: The Christian life is a marathon requiring endurance, faith through trials, and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus until you finish well and hear "Well done, good and faithful servant."