THE THREE MARK OF A
DISCIPLE
Jesus spoke of three marks that would
cause His disciples to stand out from the crowd and identify
them as His.
1. ABIDING
IN THE WORD
Read John 8:31. The word “abide
means “to remain” or “to
continue." If you and I will abide . . . remain . . .
continue in His Word, we would be following God’s will. Jesus
means more than just learning from Him – He means
“obedience” – the ordering of our life
accordingly to His Word. It’s not enough to read,
study, or even memorize the Scriptures it must be translated
into a changed lifestyle. In this way, we show that we are truly
His disciples.
2.
DEMONSTRATING LOVE
Read John 13:34-35. Love is both an attitude and an
expression – read Matthew
22:37-40. Love is sacrificial giving of ourselves to
others. The description of love is not given in abstract terms,
the Bible gives a concrete example – read I John 4:11-12.
The same sacrificial love God expressed to mankind is the same
kind of love believers must express to others.
The ESSENCE of love is sacrificial giving.
The EXAMPLE of love is God’s love for man.
The EXTENT of love is unlimited – read Luke 9:24.
3.
BEARING FRUIT
Read John 15:5,8. The expected result of our attachment
to Jesus is fruit-bearing.
Paul wrote what that fruit
would and should be – read Galatians 5:22-23. Fruit is
produced in our lives by Jesus working in and through us as
disciples.
Remember: John 15:5 “apart from me you
can do nothing”
