Entering Into Newness Through Discipleship and ApostleshipIn the Christian faith, discipleship and apostleship are two essential aspects of spiritual growth and the propagation of God’s message. These two concepts work together to foster a deep connection with Christ and empower individuals to live according to God’s will. Through discipleship, believers grow in their faith and understanding of Christ’s teachings, while apostleship enables them to share the message of the Gospel with others. In this topic, we will explore how discipleship and apostleship can lead believers into a newness of life, offering transformative experiences and opportunities to serve God.
Understanding Discipleship and Apostleship
To fully appreciate the role of discipleship and apostleship in spiritual growth, it is important to first understand what each of these terms means in the context of Christian teachings.
1. What Is Discipleship?
Discipleship is the process of following Jesus Christ and learning from His teachings. It involves a personal commitment to grow in faith, deepen one’s relationship with God, and live according to the example set by Christ. Discipleship is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is a lifestyle that encompasses prayer, worship, and service to others.
The concept of discipleship is rooted in the Bible, where Jesus calls His followers to ‘come, follow me’ (Matthew 419). Disciples are not only called to believe in Christ but also to actively model their lives after Him. This includes loving one’s neighbor, practicing humility, and working toward justice and peace.
2. What Is Apostleship?
Apostleship, on the other hand, refers to the role of spreading the message of Jesus Christ and establishing the Christian faith in different regions and communities. An apostle is someone who is sent by God to preach the Gospel, make disciples, and build the Church. The word apostle comes from the Greek word ‘apostolos,’ meaning ‘one who is sent.’
In the New Testament, Jesus appointed twelve apostles to carry out this important task, empowering them with His authority to spread the Good News. Apostleship is about taking the teachings of Christ beyond the individual level and into the wider world.
The Role of Discipleship in Entering Into Newness
Discipleship is the foundation of spiritual transformation. Through it, believers learn to become more like Christ, and this transformation leads to newness in their lives.
1. Spiritual Growth and Renewal
Entering into newness begins with a commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Discipleship is a journey of spiritual growth and renewal, where individuals surrender their old ways of living and embrace a new life in Christ. This process is often described as being ‘born again’ or ‘renewed in the spirit’ (Ephesians 423). Discipleship involves a continual reshaping of the believer’s character, transforming them into a reflection of Christ’s love, grace, and humility.
One of the key aspects of discipleship is daily prayer and Bible study. Through these practices, believers are reminded of God’s promises and are equipped with the wisdom and strength to navigate life’s challenges. By engaging with Scripture, Christians are able to deepen their understanding of God’s will and align their lives with His purposes.
2. Living According to God’s Will
Discipleship also involves learning to live according to God’s will. As Christians grow in their understanding of God’s Word, they begin to see life from a new perspective. They learn to prioritize God’s kingdom over worldly pursuits and to seek righteousness in all aspects of their lives. Discipleship helps believers become more intentional about loving God and others, serving those in need, and seeking justice in their communities.
The newness of life experienced through discipleship is also characterized by a renewed sense of purpose. Believers recognize that they are not just living for themselves but for a higher calling serving God and building His kingdom on earth.
The Role of Apostleship in Entering Into Newness
While discipleship focuses on individual spiritual growth, apostleship focuses on extending the reach of the Gospel and bringing others into the fold of Christ. Apostleship enables believers to enter into a newness of purpose, one that transcends personal growth and extends to the service of others.
1. Spreading the Message of Christ
Apostleship is rooted in the call to share the Good News with others. The Great Commission, found in Matthew 2819-20, commands believers to ‘go and make disciples of all nations.’ Apostles are entrusted with spreading the message of salvation, teaching others about the love of God, and calling them to repentance and faith in Christ.
Through apostleship, believers experience a newness of mission. They move beyond their own spiritual growth and become active participants in God’s redemptive plan for the world. Apostleship challenges individuals to step outside their comfort zones and engage with the world around them, sharing the hope and transformation they have experienced in Christ.
2. Building the Church
Another key aspect of apostleship is building and nurturing the Christian community. Apostles are responsible for establishing churches, providing leadership, and mentoring new believers. This process of building the Church contributes to the overall growth of God’s kingdom on earth. Apostleship, therefore, leads to a sense of belonging to something greater than oneself a community of believers united in Christ.
In addition to preaching and teaching, apostles also serve as models of faith and leadership. They exemplify what it means to live out the teachings of Christ and guide others to do the same. Through their example, apostles inspire others to embrace the call of discipleship and apostleship, creating a cycle of spiritual growth and multiplication.
The Interconnection Between Discipleship and Apostleship
While discipleship and apostleship may seem like distinct concepts, they are closely intertwined. Discipleship leads to apostleship, and apostleship is rooted in discipleship. One cannot effectively spread the Gospel without first being transformed by the teachings of Christ. Similarly, discipleship is made complete when believers share the Good News with others and help build the Church.
1. From Discipleship to Apostleship
A person who is committed to following Christ through discipleship is naturally inclined to share the message of Jesus with others. As they grow in their faith, they become more equipped to teach others, offer guidance, and encourage others in their walk with God. In this way, discipleship naturally leads to apostleship, as believers are called to share the newness of life they have found in Christ with those around them.
2. The Cycle of Spiritual Growth
The process of discipleship and apostleship is a continuous cycle. Disciples grow in their faith, are called to share the message of Christ, and then, through apostleship, help others to enter into newness through their own journey of discipleship. As new believers are discipled, they, too, are called to spread the message and make disciples, ensuring that the cycle continues. This multiplication of discipleship and apostleship ensures that the Gospel message reaches further and deeper into the world.
Entering into newness through discipleship and apostleship is a transformative experience that leads believers into a deeper relationship with God and empowers them to fulfill their calling. Discipleship provides the foundation for spiritual growth and renewal, while apostleship extends that transformation to others, helping to build God’s kingdom on earth. Together, discipleship and apostleship work hand in hand to create a cycle of spiritual growth, multiplication, and mission, allowing believers to live out their purpose in Christ. Whether through personal commitment or spreading the Gospel, these practices lead to a life that is continually transformed by the love and power of God.
