The Marks of a Disciple .

Jesus did more than attract crowds. He made disciples. Furthermore, He commanded His disciples to
make disciples, not just in Israel, but in all the earth. Jesus told them exactly how to make disciples: by
baptizing and teaching full obedience to God’s Word. John’s Gospel identifies three marks of a genuine
disciple

What are the marks of a true disciple?

1. A disciple obeys God’s Word.

- To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my
disciples.” John 8:31

- The first mark of a real disciple is obedience to God’s Word, or the teachings of Christ. What
does it mean to “hold to” the teachings of Jesus?

- Why should God’s Word be a priority in our lives? How would our lives be different if His
Word was our priority?

2. A disciple loves others.

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

- The second proof of true discipleship is love. What is “love?”

- What does it mean to love one another and to lay down your life for another? How can you
love those who are difficult to love?

3. 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 (See also John 15:1-7.)

- 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22,23

- The third mark of real discipleship is fruit. What does God do to those who bear no fruit?
What about those who bear fruit?

- What type of fruit are you bearing in your life? Which fruit of the Spirit is consistently
growing in your life? Which is not?
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