Marks of a Disciple: Paper Assignment
Kion D. Bolden
DSMN 815: Personal Spiritual Formation
April 2024
Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
A Disciple’s Faithfulness...............................................................................................................2
Love, The Greatest of These …………………………………………………………………... 4
Embracing Humility …………………...……………………………………….……………… 5
All About Servanthood ………….……..………...…………………………………………….. 7
Embracing the Path of Obedience ……………………………………..……………………….8
Conclusion …………………………………...……………………………...………………… 10
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................12
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Introduction
Christian discipleship embodies the call to follow Jesus Christ and live according to His
teachings. In the New Testament, Jesus not only calls individuals to become His disciples, but
also explains exactly what discipleship means. In order to be a true disciple of Christ, we must
transform our hearts, minds, and lifestyles. It is therefore essential to examine the characteristics
of a disciple of Jesus that should be evident in their lives.
The purpose of this paper is to explore the foundational qualities and attributes that define
authentic discipleship. We will examine the commands of Jesus, the examples of discipleship in
the Bible, and the teachings of early Christian leaders based on Scripture. Our study of these
characteristics will help us gain a deeper understanding of what it means to truly follow Jesus
and live as His disciple today.
Throughout this exploration, we will emphasize how important it is to align our lives
with Jesus' pattern. A disciple is not merely someone who holds religious beliefs; he or she is
someone who lives a life of obedience, love, service, and spiritual growth. This study will
challenge us to evaluate our own lives and evaluate whether our actions and attitudes align with
the calling of discipleship.
The ultimate goal of discipleship isn't simply defining it theoretically, but inspiring and
equipping believers to live out their faith authentically. We can become more effective witnesses
for Christ by embracing these characteristics, reflecting His love, grace, and truth. During this
exploration of discipleship, may we be encouraged and empowered to walk in our Lord and
Savior's footsteps.
In this paper, we will delve into the Christ-centered attributes of faithfulness, love,
humility, obedience, and servanthood. Each of these qualities plays a pivotal role in shaping the
character of a disciple of Jesus Christ. Faithfulness entails demonstrating unwavering
commitment to Jesus Christ, reflecting steadfast devotion and trust in His promises. Love calls
for believers to embody selfless, sacrificial love towards God and others, adhering to the greatest
commandments as taught by Jesus. Humility involves adopting a posture of meekness and
modesty, recognizing our dependence on God's grace and valuing the dignity of others.
Obedience entails submitting to God's authority and aligning our lives with His will, reflecting
genuine love for Him through obedient actions. Servanthood follows Jesus’ example of humble
service, prioritizing the needs of others and demonstrating compassion and generosity.
A Disciple’s Faithfulness
Genuine discipleship with Jesus requires steadfast faith in God, confidence in His
promises, and trust in His overarching plan. The faithful believer seeks to honor God throughout
his or her life, aligning his or her actions, thoughts, and decisions with His teachings and
commands. This includes maintaining a consistent prayer life, regularly studying the Scriptures,
participating in fellowship with other believers, and actively serving in the community. The
writer of Hebrews states, "Without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who
comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him"
(Hebrews 11:6 NIV). In this passage, the writer emphasizes the crucial role faith plays in
believers' relationships with God. Faith is not only essential, but also pleasing to God. Having
faith in God's existence and willingness to reward those who diligently seek Him is essential for
approaching God effectively. It emphasizes the importance of trusting and believing in God's
nature and promises in order to establish meaningful connections.
Faithfulness involves trusting God's timing and providence, despite challenging or
uncertain circumstances. Faithful believers understand that God is faithful to His promises and
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strive to emulate that faithfulness in their own lives, regardless of their circumstances. Gary Tyra
suggests that within Christianity exists a form that, by prioritizing belief as mere mental
agreement, essentially diminishes the lived experience of faith to a purely intellectual pursuit,
devoid of opportunities for fostering trust through personal encounters.1 However, he utilizes
Paul's writings to argue that God the Father, encountered through Christ the Son and by the Holy
Spirit, transcends being merely a philosophical concept with explanatory abilities. Instead, He
emerges as a tangible, spiritual, and personal entity capable of engaging individuals in
meaningful, life-altering interactions.2
Contrary to a skewed practice of moral reflection, Jesus advocated a method for ethical
decision-making that emphasizes adherence to principles, assessment of outcomes, and
development of character. Essentially, Jesus aims to cultivate disciples who, akin to him, possess
the capacity and willingness to discern God's will and act accordingly.3 The Apostle Paul wrote
to the Church at Corinth saying, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must
prove faithful’ (1 Corinthians 4:2 NIV). Thus, Jesus emphasizes the importance of respecting
rules, which provides a foundational framework for moral conduct. However, he goes beyond a
legalistic interpretation of rules, focusing also on the underlying principles and intentions behind
them. He also encourages his followers to consider the consequences of their actions,
recognizing that ethical decisions have implications not only for oneself but also for others and
the broader community. This aspect highlights the interconnectedness of human actions and the
ripple effects they produce. Additionally, Jesus prioritizes the cultivation of character,
understanding that ethical behavior is not merely about adhering to external standards but also
1 Gary Tyra, Introduction to Spirituality: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Faithfulness (Grand Rapids , MI: Baker
Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2023), 33.
2 Ibid, 34.
3 Gary Tyra, Pursuing Moral Faithfulness - Ethics and Christian Discipleship (Westmont, Ca.: Intervarsity
Press, 2015), xix.
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about developing inner virtues such as love, compassion, and integrity. This emphasis on
character formation aligns with Jesus' teachings on the importance of the heart and inner
transformation. Hence, Paul addressed the Christian congregation, urging them with these words:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by
testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”
(Romans 12:2 ESV).
Love, The Greatest of These
Love, as a characteristic of a disciple of Jesus, goes beyond sentimentality or affection.
Essentially, it embodies unconditional love for God and others in a selfless, sacrificial, and
altruistic way. Throughout Jesus' teachings, love was paramount, as shown in his commandments
to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew
22:37-39). Agape love, unlike eros (romantic love) or philia (friendship love), is freely and
unreservedly extended to all individuals, regardless of personal gain or reciprocal attachment.
A disciple of Christ shows love by prioritizing the well-being and interests of others over
his or her own. The act involves showing kindness, compassion, and empathy, even to those
considered enemies or undeserving. It is love that motivates disciples to serve others, to forgive,
and to seek reconciliation. All people, regardless of differences or backgrounds, are embraced by
it within the community of believers and outwardly. Edward Vacek argues that love for God is a
positive duty. Humanity's greatest failure is a lack of love for God, in the objective order.
Atheists are objectively the ultimate sinners, even if one puts aside questions of responsibility.4
Throughout 1 Corinthians 13, the apostle Paul describes love's enduring nature, its
patience, kindness, and humility. The essence of authentic discipleship is love, which reflects the
4 Simmons, Frederick V., and Brian Sorrells. Love and Christian Ethics: Tradition, Theory, and Society.
Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2016.
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nature of God. John Charles Ryle contends that biblical love is not merely about donating to the
impoverished, refraining from disapproving anyone's behavior, or abstaining from criticism of
religious beliefs. Instead, Christian love, prioritized by Paul as the foremost fruit cultivated by
the Spirit in the heart of a believer, is multifaceted. Ryle asserts that Christian love is
demonstrated through actions, including the willingness to endure adversity alongside doing
good deeds, as well as being reflected in a believer's overall disposition and behavior.5
The Apostle John wrote, “let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone
who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God,
because God is love” (1 John 4:7-8 NIV). In cultivating love in their lives, disciples witness to
the transformative power of Christ's love and contribute to the building of God's kingdom.
Highlighting the importance of love, Paul juxtaposed it with other qualities, stating, “And now
these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13
NIV). Love in the Christian context is only present within a heart that has been readied by the
Holy Spirit. This heart, where love flourishes, undergoes a profound change, renewal, and
transformation by the Holy Spirit. The divine image and resemblance lost by Adam during the
Fall have been reinstated within it, albeit in a flawed and incomplete manner.6
Embracing Humility
Among the characteristics of a disciple is humility, a quality of modesty, meekness, and
selflessness. The humble disciple acknowledges his or her own limitations, weaknesses, and
shortcomings without seeking recognition or praise. Rather than prioritizing their own needs and
interests, they serve and uplift those around them. Thus, Jesus said to his disciples, “The greatest
5 John Charles Ryle, Christian Love., vol. 6 (BalneIrio RincJo: Darolt Books, 2020), 6-7.
6 Ibid, 9.
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among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who
humble themselves will be exalted” (Matthew 23:11-12 NIV).
Humility also involves acknowledging one's dependence on God, acknowledging His
sovereignty and wisdom in all aspects of life. Dunnington argues that according to Augustine,
humility is a quality of the will that prepares an individual for a righteous connection with God.
Augustine acknowledges, "The nub of the was to reject my own will and to desire yours."7
Augustine's experience illustrates that merely understanding our humble position cognitively is
not adequate for humility; there must be a transformation of the will, especially the emotional
aspect. For Augustine, humility is fundamentally about the transformation of desires.8 By
cultivating an attitude of openness, teachability, and grace, humility allows disciples to cultivate
meaningful relationships, foster unity, and embody Christ's compassionate love. The Apostle
Paul admonishes the church at Rome saying, “For by the grace given to me I say to everyone
among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober
judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned” (Romans 12:3 ESV).
Humility serves as a cornerstone in exemplifying Christ's compassionate love, enabling
disciples to prioritize the needs of others over their own ego and desires. By humbly setting aside
self-interest, disciples can engage in acts of selflessness and service, thereby manifesting Christ's
love in tangible and meaningful ways. This mirrors Christ's own teachings and character, as
illustrated in Philippians 2:3-4 (NIV), "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of
7 Kent Dunnington, Humility, Pride, and Christian Virtue Theory (Oxford, England: Oxford University
Press, 2019), 35.
8 Ibid, 35.
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you to the interests of the others." Engaging in acts of humility serves as both a trigger and an
indication of growth in spiritual and intellectual maturity.9
Ultimately, Christian humility anchors believers in a posture of openness to God's grace
and service to others. Cultivating humility not only reflects the essence of our faith but also
promotes greater communion with God and fellow humanity, guiding us on the path of spiritual
growth and abundance.
All About Servanthood
Arguably, one of the most impactful displays Jesus exhibited to humanity was that of
servitude. Jesus' demonstration of servanthood stands as a profound example of humility and
selflessness. He said to His disciples, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NIV). Likewise, Jesus says to
Peter, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you,
no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now
that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them” (John 13:15-17 NIV). Despite
being the Son of God, he willingly served, washing the disciples' feet and serving others
throughout his ministry. It exemplified humility as well as the importance of serving others with
love and compassion. Although many acknowledge Jesus' leadership, the emphasis of Jesus'
example is on servanthood, which he urges believers to emulate. Yung suggests that the Bible's
primary teaching emphasizes our calling to be servants rather than leaders. Without this principle
firmly taught and embraced in Christian life, discussions about leadership may inadvertently
foster self-serving ambition.10 In Jesus' servanthood, we are challenged to place others' needs
9 Stephen T. Pardue, The Mind of Christ: Humility and the Intellect in Early Christian Theology (London,
England: Bloomsbury T & T Clark, 2015), 73.
10 Hwa Yung, Leadership or Servanthood?: Walking in the Steps of Jesus (S.l.: Carlisle : Langham Global
Library, 2021), 5.
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above our own and embody the selfless love he exemplified. Serving others and being humble
are the hallmarks of true greatness, as Jesus taught us through his servanthood.
Serving does not only involve tangible acts of service, but also the attitude and mindset
that one adopts during one's life. Solomon wrote, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he’
(Proverbs 23:7 KJV). In all aspects of life, a servant-hearted disciple seeks opportunities to serve
others, showing humility, empathy, and love. Discipleship is characterized by servanthood,
which reflects the selfless love of Christ. It manifests the transformative power of God's love in
the world and embodies the essence of Christianity. Tan argues that servanthood involves more
than simply serving Christ (1 Cor. 4:1) but serving with Christ: being vessels through which
Christ's presence and work manifest. It is about imitating Christ's loving humility and
compassionate care for those we serve by adopting a servant's attitude (John 15:5). Serving
people is also part of our duties as servants of Christ (2 Cor. 4:5).11
Christian servanthood exemplifies the transformative power of selfless love and humble
dedication. Serving others not only reflects Christ's character, but also embodies his timeless
message of compassion and grace. The path of discipleship is illuminated when we serve others
with humility and genuine care, inspiring them to follow in the footsteps of the ultimate servant,
Jesus Christ.
Embracing the Path of Obedience
John Koessler wrote, “True discipleship is also marked by obedience...Obedience is not
optional for the Christian.”12 As a follower of Christ, obedience entails voluntarily yielding one's
will to the authority of God and faithfully following His commands as outlined in Scripture. In
response to Timothy's letter to James, James further emphasizes, "So also faith by itself, if it does
11 Siang-Yang Tan, Full Service: Moving from Self-Serve Christianity to Total Servanthood (Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Books, 2006), 16.
12 John Koessler, True Discipleship: The Art of Following Jesus (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers,
2003), 10.
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not have works, is dead" (James 2:17 ESV), which demonstrates the relationship between faith
and obedience. This posture implies humility and reverence for God, acknowledging His
sovereignty and wisdom. Obedient disciples put God's will first, prioritizing His guidance over
personal preferences or worldly influences in their thoughts, actions, and desires. Jesus said, “If
anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him
and make our home with him” (John 14:23 ESV). In obedience to God's commands, we
recognize that they are for our good and the advancement of His kingdom, and that we do so out
of love and faith in Him. Even when it involves sacrifice or goes against cultural norms, it
involves a continuous journey of surrendering one's own agenda and embracing God's purposes.
Roeger suggests that throughout the Bible, the consistent pattern is for God to issue commands,
expecting obedience first, with understanding often following afterward. It could be likened to
gaining insight in hindsight, as we reflect on our journey and experiences.13 An obedience that
reflects a profound trust in God and a desire to live according to His divine plan is a mark of true
discipleship.
Obedience holds a central position in Christian faith as it signifies aligning one's actions,
attitudes, and decisions with the will of God as revealed in Scripture. For Christians, obedience is
not merely a matter of following rules but rather an expression of love, trust, and reverence
toward God. It demonstrates submission to God's authority and acknowledges His sovereignty
over one's life. James admonishes the Jewish Christian, urging them to, “be doers of the word,
and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22 ESV). Nevertheless, the remarkable
aspect of opting for obedience, as David Young suggests, is that we aren't constrained to serve
solely with our restricted capabilities. He presents both the chance and the strength necessary for
13 Deborah L. Roeger, The Power of Obedience : Reading Scripture Through the Lens of Obedient
Discipleship (S.l.: Energion Publications, 2022), 23.
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obedience, unlocking unforeseen opportunities and offering the breeze to navigate through
them.14 Ultimately, obedience within the Christian journey exemplifies love for God, a longing to
honor Him in every facet of existence, and the confidence that He will continually provide
provisions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, faithfulness, love, humility, servanthood, and obedience are not just
desirable traits, but essential characteristics of true discipleship. Our lives as followers of Christ
should reflect these characteristics, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel. Jesus said
to His disciples, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples…” (John 13:35 NIV). In
Koessler's assertion, the essence of discipleship lies not merely in outward actions but rather in
the transformation of one's inner being.15 It emphasizes that being a disciple of Christ is not
defined solely by the tasks or actions one performs but by the character, values, and identity that
underpin those actions. Moreover, it implies that true discipleship flows naturally from the heart,
shaping how individuals think, feel, and relate to others. In Koessler's view, the authentic
character of discipleship is not solely determined by external behaviors but by the inner
dispositions, motivations, and attitudes that drive them. As a disciple, one must cultivate a deep,
personal relationship with Christ, which impacts and informs every aspect of one's life.
Love motivates us to serve God and others selflessly, while faithfulness demonstrates our
commitment to Christ and His teachings. Humility reminds us that we are dependent on God's
grace and that we must value others over ourselves. As we prioritize the needs of others above
our own, servanthood exemplifies Christ's own example of sacrificial love and compassion.
Lastly, obedience refers to our submission to God's will and desire to align our lives with His
14 David Young, King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship (Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Reflective, 2020), 113.
15 John Koessler, True Discipleship: The Art of Following Jesus (Chicago, Illinois: Moody Publishers,
2003), 3.
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plan. All of these characteristics form the foundation of authentic discipleship, guiding us along
our faith journey and shaping us into the image of Christ. Our lives should reflect the
transformative power of Christ's love and grace as we strive to cultivate these virtues.
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Bibliography
Dunnington, Kent. Humility, Pride, and Christian Virtue Theory. Oxford, England: Oxford
University Press, 2019.
Koessler, John. True Discipleship: The Art of Following Jesus. Chicago, Illinois: Moody
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Pardue, Stephen T. The Mind of Christ: Humility and the Intellect in Early Christian Theology.
London, England: Bloomsbury T & T Clark, 2015.
Roeger, DeborahO L. The Power of Obedience : Reading Scripture Through the Lens of Obedient
Discipleship. S.l.: Energion Publications, 2022.
Ryle, John Charles. Christian Love. Vol. 6. BalneIrio RincJo: Darolt Books, 2020.
Simmons, Frederick V., and Brian Sorrells. Love and Christian Ethics: Tradition, Theory, and
Society. Washington, DC: Georgetown University Press, 2016.
Tan, Siang-Yang. Full Service: Moving from Self-Serve Christianity to Total Servanthood. Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2006.
Tyra, Gary. Introduction to Spirituality: Cultivating a Lifestyle of Faithfulness. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2023.
Tyra, Gary. Pursuing Moral Faithfulness - Ethics and Christian Discipleship. Westmont, Ca.:
Intervarsity Press, 2015.
Young, David. King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship. Grand Rapids, MI:
Zondervan Reflective, 2020.
Yung, Hwa. Leadership or Servanthood?: Walking in the Steps of Jesus. S.l.: Carlisle: Langham
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