Christ's Standard for a Disciple

We were told by the Lord to go make disciples. What is one of those? What do they do? What are some character traits we are looking for in a disciple?

I read somehwere some of these thoughts and I think they apply here very well.

First, we know a disciple is committed to the Lordship of Christ.

Luke 14:26 “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. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.

This means to love the Lord as top priority. Be willing to do God's will in spite of the cost to yourself. Be imitate and obey Jesus Christ as your Lord. Give up all you have which include all your rights and possessions to God.

Second, a disciple is committed to abiding in God's Word.

"If you abide in my word, then you are truly disciples of mine." John 8:31

Abide means to continue in, rely on as a branch does the vine. It implies both getting to know the Bible and consistently obeying its teachings for daily living.

Third, a disciple is committed to loving the brethren.

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." John 13:35

Biblical love is defined as unconditional or not towards the behaviour of another but to their personhood.

Forth, a disciple is one who bears much fruit.

"By this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples." John 15:8

The Bible tells of four types of fruit that a disciple bears are:
a. Fruit of the Spirit - character (Galatians 5:22-23)
b. Fruit of lips - conversation (Hebrews 13:15)
c. Fruit of deeds - conduct (Colossians 1:10, Hebrews 12:11)
d. Fruit of life - converts (John 4:36, Romans 1:13, John 15)