Jesus Christ calls His followers to a life of purpose and power. As His disciples, we are commanded not only to follow Him but to carry out His mission: preach the Gospel, baptize people into Christ, heal the sick, and cast out devils. This commission is central to living as a true disciple of Jesus.
In this blog, we will explore what the Bible teaches about discipleship and how being led by the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill this divine calling.
Jesus’ Command to Make Disciples
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave His disciples what is often called the Great Commission. In Matthew 28:19-20, He said:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
This mandate is not just for the apostles of the early church but for every believer. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ means to actively participate in spreading the Gospel and bringing others into the family of God.
Being Led by the Holy Spirit
Fulfilling Jesus’ mission requires the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples in Acts 1:8:
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
The Holy Spirit empowers us in several ways:
- Preaching the Gospel: The Spirit gives boldness and wisdom to share the message of salvation (Acts 4:31).
- Healing the Sick: Through the Spirit, believers can pray for and see miraculous healings, just as Jesus did (Mark 16:17-18).
- Casting Out Devils: The authority of Christ, given through the Spirit, enables us to overcome demonic forces (Luke 10:19).
- Baptizing and Teaching: The Spirit leads us in guiding others to Christ and nurturing their faith.
How to Be a Spirit-Led Disciple
1. Surrender Fully to Jesus
Discipleship begins with surrender. Jesus said in Luke 9:23:
“If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
This means yielding every part of your life to Jesus and committing to live for His glory.
2. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
To walk in the power of the Spirit, ask God to fill you. Luke 11:13 says:
“How much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Being filled with the Spirit equips you with the gifts needed to fulfill your calling.
3. Preach the Gospel Boldly
Share the message of Jesus wherever you go. Mark 16:15 commands:
“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”
Don’t be afraid—trust that the Spirit will give you the words to speak (Luke 12:12).
4. Pray for Healing and Deliverance
Jesus said in John 14:12:
“Whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do.”
Pray in faith for the sick and those in bondage, believing in the power of Jesus’ name to bring freedom.
5. Baptize and Disciple Others
Lead others to Christ and baptize them as a sign of their new life in Him. Then, help them grow in their faith through teaching and encouragement.
Conclusion
To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to live a life of mission, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Preach the Gospel, baptize people into Christ, heal the sick, and cast out devils—all in obedience to Jesus’ command and through the Spirit’s power.
Are you ready to step into your calling as His disciple? Seek Him today, and let the Holy Spirit lead you into a life of purpose and impact for God’s kingdom.
