Before Jesus ascended to the Father, He said to go and make disciples. Ever since then it’s been the mission of every believer to proclaim His name and extend the Kingdom of God. Is He worth it living as His disciple?
What are the benefits of discipleship? The process of discipleship is rewarding because, besides helping other people grow in their faith, it also helps us to grow and develop our own. Discipleship can cause mutual growth, and it honors God which is a joy to do.
The rewards of discipleship are like opening a present on Christmas day. And if you’re eager to know what’s inside the present, here is a brief list of discipleship benefits followed by descriptions of each.
Benefits Of Discipleship
When it comes to the benefits of discipleship, some of the best ones come from serving and loving one another. Benefits include:
- Sharing the Gospel
- Growing in Humility
- Developing Identiy in Christ
- Building Relationships with Other Believers
- Continued Sanctification
Sharing the Gospel
Discipling others by sharing the gospel is a command of scripture and when we are obedient, the result is the joy that comes from God. It is glorifying to God and the fruit of abiding with him.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.
Matthew 28:19-20a
It requires a level of sacrifice that is always involved in human relationships and people won’t always want to listen but the reward is in joyful and loving obedience to God.
Not only that but there is so much joy to be found in sharing faith with another person. Every time I get to spend time with someone discussing theology or the Bible it fills me with joy to rejoice in the glory of God together. Discipleship provides that opportunity to rejoice in the Lord through the reading of his word, prayer, worship, and discussion.
Growing in Humility
Discipleship involves patience, understanding, and dying to yourself consistently. When you are discipling a new believer, you will probably be asked a lot of questions.
Some questions you’ll be able to answer easily, while others will most challenge you in your own walk with God. Moments like this create opportunities for humility to grow.
Sometimes it is tempting to take credit when we are discipling others or to consider ourselves higher than we ought to, especially since that person is coming to us with their questions. Ultimately, our only boast is in the Lord who has given us the grace to disciple in the first place.
Developing Identity in Christ
Another benefit of discipling others is helping others recognize their identity in Christ and, in turn, better understanding our own. I’ve found that in most things, teaching gives us a new perspective on what we already know, and that can be true of discipleship.
In this process, some old lies may come up that you have to work through, and it can be very discouraging. Jesus refers to people such as these as “poor in spirit.”
The world sometimes views people like this as weak, but He welcomes those who are “weak” into His Kingdom.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.”
Matthew 5:3
Building Relationships With Other Believers
Another amazing benefit of discipleship is we get to grow in our relationships with one another. God’s always intended for us to live in fellowship with each other.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.”
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
In the book of Acts, we see believers coming together to support each other as the body of Christ. Their selflessness has always inspired me to love my brothers and sisters in Christ well, and to pour into those I am discipling well.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Acts 2:44-47
In Galatians, there is an instruction to bear each other’s burdens. When we stumble, God gives us brothers and sisters to remind us who we are in Christ.
Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:1-2
Continued Sanctification
While in technicality discipleship is intended to serve others and help them on their journey of sanctification, this process will still result in further sanctification in your own life.
First, teaching others has a way of helping us think through concepts differently. You will likely find yourself learning more about Scripture as you teach.
Second, as the person, you are discipling processes various topics or sin issues in their own life you may find yourself being convicted of similar things in your own life.
And so, the sanctification process isn’t completed until we enter into heaven and in the meantime, we will continue to be sanctified through God’s work in our lives, and this can even come through those we are supposed to be discipling.
Remember, again, that just because you are discipling someone else doesn’t mean that you have all the answers. You are both being sanctified in your walk with the Lord. You are just at different points in that journey.
Discipleship is such a rewarding process and one that is commanded by God. I hope that you are moved to begin pouring into those around you as well.