A disciple is a follower of Jesus Christ, learning from and living like Him, and leading others into the same relationship. Here at Friendship Bible Church, we use the acronym F.R.I.E.N.D.S. to picture what discipleship looks like:
F – A disciple Follows Jesus. A disciple is committed to following Christ in order to be transformed by Him, walking as He walked, and caring for others as He cared. (Matthew 4:19; John 8:31–32; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 7:13; Acts 2:42)
R – A disciple Reproduces. A disciple multiplies, making disciples who make disciples, influencing, teaching, training and equipping others. (Matthew 28:16–20; Luke 6:40; 2 Timothy 3:17)
I – A disciple Invests in people. A disciple faithfully practices the “one anothers” with others, investing time in and serving others on the pathway of discipleship. (Matthew 10:42, John 13:34–35, Acts 2:2, Romans 12:10, Romans 15:14, Ephesians 4:2,32)
E – A disciple Evangelizes. A disciple introduces others to Jesus, by word and example. A disciple is burdened to see souls saved locally and around the world. (Matthew 9:9)
N – A disciple Needs Jesus. A disciple increasingly learns they can do nothing apart from Christ, seeking Him in God’s Word, and communicating with Him through prayer. (John 15:5, John 16:24, Romans 10:17)
D – A disciple is Devoted to living like Jesus. A disciple dies daily to self, and strives daily to obey His commands. (Luke 6:46–49, John 12:24–26; Galatians 2:20)
S – A disciple is Sure. A disciple knows that Jesus is the only way to God and eternal life, and wants others to have this same confidence. (Matthew 7:13–14; Matthew 6:24)