{"id":52347,"date":"2020-03-05T21:43:22","date_gmt":"2020-03-05T18:43:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=52347"},"modified":"2025-07-08T23:54:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T20:54:06","slug":"are-you-truly-a-disciple-of-the-lord-jesus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/03\/05\/are-you-truly-a-disciple-of-the-lord-jesus\/","title":{"rendered":"ARE YOU TRULY A DISCIPLE OF THE LORD JESUS?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people claim to follow Jesus, but not all have truly become <\/span>His disciples<\/strong>. According to Scripture, becoming a disciple involves more than just believing in God or attending church. It demands a <\/span>complete surrender of your life<\/strong>, including your desires, plans, and identity.<\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Following Jesus Begins With Denying Yourself<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the first and most essential requirements Jesus gave for discipleship was this:<\/p>\n

\u201cIf anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Luke 9:23)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

To deny yourself means to let go of your personal will<\/strong> and replace it with God’s will. It means you no longer live for what pleases you, but for what pleases Christ.<\/p>\n

This aligns with what Paul said:<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me\u2026\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Galatians 2:20)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you’re still living in your old lifestyle\u2014clinging to sinful habits, worldly friendships, and selfish ambitions\u2014you have not yet denied yourself.<\/strong> That means you’re not truly a disciple yet.<\/p>\n

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2. Denying Yourself Also Means Letting Go of Worldly Attachments<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sometimes, your biggest obstacle is not your own will, but the influence of others\u2014your family, friends, or even your children.<\/p>\n

Jesus was clear:<\/p>\n

\u201cHe who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Matthew 10:37)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In other words, no relationship\u2014no matter how close\u2014should be more important than your obedience to Christ.<\/p>\n

This teaching echoes the First Commandment<\/strong>:<\/p>\n

\u201cYou shall have no other gods before Me.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Exodus 20:3)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Today, your “god” might be your child, spouse, business, or image\u2014but if you\u2019re not willing to lay all those things down for the sake of Christ, you\u2019re not worthy of Him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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3. Discipleship Demands Separation From Sin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

You can\u2019t truly follow Jesus and continue living in known sin. Whether it\u2019s fornication (sex outside marriage), masturbation, pornography, bribery, drunkenness, or dishonest work\u2014if you still hold onto these and refuse to repent, then according to Scripture, you are deceiving yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers… nor thieves… will inherit the kingdom of God.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(1 Corinthians 6:9\u201310)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You may serve in church, sing in the choir, tithe faithfully, and still be disqualified if you\u2019re not living in holiness<\/strong>. God is not interested in religious activities\u2014He desires obedience and purity of heart<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u201cPursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Hebrews 12:14)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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4. Excuses Aren\u2019t the Solution\u2014Repentance Is<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some people say, \u201cI\u2019ve tried to stop sinning, but I can\u2019t.\u201d They ask for prayers to overcome, but in truth, many haven\u2019t yet made a real decision to deny themselves<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Biblically, there\u2019s no prayer that can replace your personal decision<\/strong> to turn from sin. God gives grace after<\/strong> you choose to obey Him:<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(James 4:7)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cDraw near to God and He will draw near to you.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(James 4:8)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Victory over sin begins with a decision, not emotion. The power to walk in freedom comes after repentance<\/strong>, not before.<\/p>\n

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5. If You\u2019re Ashamed of Jesus, He Will Be Ashamed of You<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Some people are afraid to let go of worldly fashion, behavior, or language because of how others might perceive them. They don\u2019t want to look \u201ctoo spiritual\u201d or offend their friends. But Jesus warned:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father\u2019s, and of the holy angels.\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Luke 9:26)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Being ashamed of Christ\u2014whether in your appearance, your speech, or your life choices\u2014puts your salvation at risk<\/strong>. You cannot follow Jesus in secret and expect to be recognized by Him on the day of judgment.<\/p>\n

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6. Salvation Requires Turning Away From Sin<\/strong><\/h3>\n

True repentance is more than feeling sorry. It\u2019s a complete turning away<\/strong> from sin and turning toward Christ in obedience:<\/p>\n

\u201cLet the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him\u2026\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Isaiah 55:7)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cRepent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out\u2026\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Acts 3:19)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

If you repent and leave your sins, then<\/strong> the Holy Spirit will empower you to walk in victory.<\/p>\n

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7. Your Choice Determines Your Eternity<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Finally, ask yourself: is there anything you’re unwilling to surrender for Jesus?<\/p>\n

Jesus warned:<\/p>\n

\u201cFor what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?\u201d<\/strong>
\n(Matthew 16:26)<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You can gain the respect of people, wealth, popularity, or comfort\u2014but if you miss Christ, you\u2019ve lost everything<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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What Should You Do Now?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve been walking in compromise or pretending to follow Jesus without real surrender, today is the day to repent. Choose Him above all else\u2014no matter who approves or disapproves.<\/p>\n