What is a disciple? I think Dallas Willard offers a helpful definition.
"A person who by the power of the Spirit has arranged their life under the life and teachings of Jesus"
A couple quick things that I like about this definition.
- A person does not become a disciple by their own power. It is God's gracious initiative. It is by the Spirit's power that we grow.
- Discipleship is arranges your LIFE. We have tendency to compartmentalize our spiritual life and our normal life, or our church life and our during the week life. Discipleship flows into all areas of life. It is all encompassing. It is an overarching identity.
- At the heart of discipleship is being under the life of Jesus. We are disciples by virtue of our union with Christ. As a disciple, our new life is found in Christ. We are united to his death, wherein our old self is dead, and united in his resurrection, where we now have new life. If you want to see this. Read Paul's letters (especially Ephesians).
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