Blueprint for a Disciple: Step 1 – Knowing Christ

 When we talk about following Jesus, many people associate this with simply believing in Him. However, true discipleship goes beyond belief. In John 8:31-32 (NLT), Jesus says, “Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” This passage reminds us that it is not enough to merely believe in Jesus. To be His disciple, we must continue in His Word, embrace His teachings, and live according to them.

Tony Evans captures this truth when he says, “Notice you can believe in Jesus but not continue in His word and, thus, not function as a true disciple.” This distinction is critical to understanding the difference between being a casual believer and a devoted disciple.

Discipleship requires dedication, growth, and transformation. Step 1 in the Disciple Blueprint is “Knowing Christ,” which is foundational for anyone who seeks to follow Jesus truly. Knowing Christ isn’t a superficial acknowledgment of who He is; it’s an intimate relationship that shapes every aspect of your life. This step is divided into seven lessons designed to help you grow in your knowledge of Jesus and your commitment to His call.

 

Lesson 1: Understanding the Gospel

The journey of discipleship begins with a clear understanding of the gospel—the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. The gospel message is simple yet profound: Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth, lived a sinless life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again to offer eternal life to all who believe in Him.

The gospel is the heart of our faith. It’s not just a one-time message we hear when we first believe; it is the foundation upon which our entire relationship with Christ is built. Understanding the gospel means realizing that salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLT) says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”

It is an invitation into a relationship with God, reconciled through Jesus’ sacrifice. As you grasp this truth, you begin to see how deeply loved you are by God and how central Christ’s work is to your life.

Lesson 1 is located here: https://discipleblueprint.com/understanding-the-gospel-the-good-news-of-salvation-through-christ/

Lesson 2: A Disciple Grows in Faith

Once we understand the gospel, the next step is to grow in our faith. Faith is more than just intellectual belief; it is trust and reliance on Jesus as Lord and Savior. Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) defines faith as “the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

Growing in faith means learning to trust Jesus in every area of our lives. It involves deepening our dependence on Him, not only for salvation but also for daily guidance, provision, and strength. As we walk with Him, we face moments that challenge us to trust God more fully. These trials refine our faith, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him.

When we grow in faith, we move beyond surface-level belief into a life that reflects our confidence in who Jesus is and what He has done.

 

Lesson 3: Developing a Personal Prayer Life

Prayer is the lifeline of every believer. Developing a personal prayer life is essential to knowing Christ more deeply. Prayer is not simply a religious activity; it is a dynamic conversation with God, where we express praise, thanksgiving, confession, and supplication.

In Philippians 4:6 (NLT), we are encouraged, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Prayer goes far beyond asking for things. Through prayer, we align our hearts with God’s will, seek His guidance, and express our devotion to Him.

As we develop a regular habit of prayer, we experience God’s presence in a more tangible way, deepening our relationship with Him. Prayer transforms our hearts, allowing us to grow in intimacy with Christ as we walk with Him daily.

 

Lesson 4: A Disciple Knows Jesus through the Word

To truly know Christ, we must immerse ourselves in the Bible. The Word of God reveals Jesus’ character, teachings, and purpose. As we read and study the Bible, we learn more about who Jesus is, what He values, and how He calls us to live.

John 1:1 (NLT) tells us, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is the living Word, and through the Scriptures, we encounter Him personally. By studying the Bible, we not only gain knowledge about Jesus but also allow His truth to transform us.

Knowing Jesus through His Word is crucial for anyone who wants to live as His disciple. It provides us with guidance, wisdom, and strength to follow Him faithfully.

Lesson 5: A Disciple Abides in Christ

Abiding in Christ is about maintaining a continuous, intimate connection with Him. Jesus teaches in John 15:4 (NLT), “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.”

Abiding is more than just believing; it is remaining in close fellowship with Christ. It means allowing His presence to shape every part of your life. When we abide in Christ, His love, peace, and joy flow through us, and we become more like Him. This intimate connection enables us to bear fruit in our lives, growing in spiritual maturity and reflecting His character to the world.

Lesson 6: Embracing Christ’s Love

As disciples, we are called to not only understand Christ’s love but also embrace it fully. Ephesians 3:18-19 (NLT) urges us to “may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”

Christ’s love is unconditional, sacrificial, and unchanging. Embracing Christ’s love means accepting it, trusting in it, and allowing it to define your identity. It also compels us to share that love with others. As we experience His love, we are transformed by it, and it motivates us to live in a way that reflects His heart for the world.

Lesson 7: Obeying Christ’s Commands

True discipleship is marked by obedience to Christ. Jesus said in John 14:15 (NLT), “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Obedience is a natural outflow of our love and devotion to Christ. It’s not about following rules out of obligation but about aligning our lives with His will out of a desire to please Him.

Obeying Christ’s commands shows that we trust His wisdom and lordship in our lives. As we learn to obey Him, we grow in spiritual maturity and become more effective witnesses of His grace.

Conclusion

Step 1 of the Disciple Blueprint is foundational to becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ. Knowing Christ involves understanding the gospel, growing in faith, developing a prayer life, knowing Him through the Word, abiding in His presence, embracing His love, and obeying His commands. Each of these lessons builds upon the next, leading us into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Now that you’ve been introduced to this journey, I invite you to take action. Reflect on where you are in your walk with Christ. Are you ready to move from merely believing in Jesus to becoming His disciple? If so, commit to engaging with each lesson and allowing Christ to transform your life. Join us on this journey of becoming fully devoted followers of Christ—true disciples.