So What Are The 7 Conditions For Becoming A Disciple of Jesus?

Some may be simple than others and some may be a great challenge for you personally. Keep in mind, we are all works in progress and God gives us the power to be obedient to these conditions as we walk in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. And please don’t forget the great benefits of becoming a disciple of Jesus, which are outlined in depth by listening this http://youtu.be/N3eSw3XeJ8c.

1. A disciple holds Jesus as the object of HIGHEST AFFECTION..

“If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26).

Jesus does not mean literal hate in the previous verse, as this would be a contradiction of His life and teaching throughout the Bible. Jesus is using “hyperbole” here to shock His audience. His point is that we need to place God first in our lives. When we do this we will be the greatest son or daughter our parents could dream of, the greatest spouse, the greatest parent our children could possibly have.

2. A disciple conforms himself to God’s will by DYING TO SELF, by crucifying the flesh or the “old you.”

“And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:27).

Dying to self means being willing to crucify the “old” you. This would include walking away from sinful habits, which will require you to seek the Holy Spirit’s power daily.

3. A disciple PATTERNS his life after Jesus Christ in order to be like Him.

“…Come after Me.” (Luke 14:27).

This is simply the call to follow after Jesus, living your life in obedience to His example.

4. A disciple STEWARDS possessions rather than clinging to them.

“In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33).

This does not mean selling everything you own and giving it to the poor. What it does mean is transferring ownership of everything to God and becoming a manager (steward) of His stuff.

5. A disciple “ABIDES” in God’s Word. (Greek: “meno” = dwell. stay, remain)

“If you abide in My Word, the you are truly disciples of Mine” (John 8:31).

This simply means we do what God’s Word tells us to do, that we are not merely hearers of His Word having good intentions without any positive change.

6. A disciple LOVES others.

“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

This is the call to love others with “agape” love. This word means “unconditional” love. This is not a license for others to abuse you, but a challenge for you to love others the way Jesus loved others–sacrifically.

7. A disciple bears MUCH FRUIT.

“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).

Note, “bearing fruit” proves you are a disciple. This is not a test to prove whether you are good enough to get into heaven. Fruit would include the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. There has been much confusion about fruit-bearing, and this video http://youtu.be/ykSaggTfmh8 should answer most of your questions. May Jesus bless you as you seek to become His disciple through the power of the Holy Spirit.