True Discipleship By John Koessler: Summary

John Koessler’s book, True Discipleship is a rock-solid introduction into what Christian discipleship is. This material in this book can be used as a Spiritual road map for Christians to follow. The high respect for Scripture that the author uses helps the authenticity of its message. He does not try to explain away tough Bible passages that lot of Christians will ignore and he does a great job of harmonizing the sovereignty of God. He takes this harmony and translates it into the obligation of disciples; to obey and cultivate in grace. My paper will revolved around what the author writes about the lifestyle qualities of true discipleship. The book explains that they are obedience, abiding fruit, and love. These are the areas that I feel

Koessler says, “discipleship comes before obedience.” This profoundly states that obedience is the consequence of truly being a disciple, but it is not the foundation. Koessler also states that “there are two kinds of obedience, legalistic obedience and grace obedience.” He says that legalistic obedience is kind of compliance that is engrained in our accomplishments and humanly efforts. Grace-rooted obedience distinguishes that righteousness is a gift that can only be received, the gift the Holy Spirit provides for us. It cannot be earned and/or netted as a wage. This is the kind of obedience that I should be able to understand and practice. In obedience and faith, I can believe that God’s commands are for my own good. I have to trust Him in that; his perspective is much better than mine. I want to focus on the fact that He loves me and wants to help me, and that He won’t give me unnecessary burdens. As our Creator, He has the wisdom to know how I should live, what works best and what causes the most happiness in the long run. I want my obedience to express faith in His wisdom and love. Obedience is what He made me for, and my life will work better if I am in tune with Jesus. Obedience will help set me up for the next important attribute, abiding in

That fruit will be love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. The author references John 15:7-8 (NIV) where it explains that this is how our union with Christ is maintained, by the Word. If we abide in Him, He will abide in us. Christ offers His Word for us to receive and put to good use (create good fruit). It’s apparent that finding the glory of God will create the kind of fruit that’s necessary to being a devout Christ follower. Essentially, it comes down to becoming like Jesus. My spiritual fruit should show itself in my life as a change in my character and worldview. I should be spending time with Jesus and getting to know Him better, making His thoughts become my thoughts. I want His purpose to become my purpose,