5 Characteristics of a Fruitful Disciple
by Steve Stinnette — Palau, Micronesia
OCT. 30, 2020
Photo by Zbynek Burival
In John 15, Jesus teaches his disciples about the characteristics of a disciple. The disciples had been with Jesus for the last three years. Now Jesus told them there would be a change in their relationship: He is leaving, and the Holy Spirit is coming. He will be with them, but in a completely different way. He teaches that His relationship to His disciples is like that of a vine to the branches.
The absolute necessity for effective ministry is stated in John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” The non-negotiable for fruit-bearing ministry is remaining in Christ. As a branch depends on the vine, a disciple will bear fruit by remaining in Christ; indeed, he cannot avoid bearing fruit. In John 15, Jesus gives five additional characteristics you want to see developed in your own life, and in the lives of your disciples:
5. A Disciple Loves as Christ Loves (15:12-13, 17)
This is My command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, that someone would lay down his life for his friends… This is what I command you: Love one another.
We may feel defective, or that fruit-bearing ministry is impossible during a pandemic. But as long as we remain in Christ, we cannot avoid it!
The absolute necessity for effective ministry is stated in John 15:5 — “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” The non-negotiable for fruit-bearing ministry is remaining in Christ. As a branch depends on the vine, a disciple will bear fruit by remaining in Christ; indeed, he cannot avoid bearing fruit. In John 15, Jesus gives five additional characteristics you want to see developed in your own life, and in the lives of your disciples:
1. A Disciple Glorifies God (15:8)
My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.
2. A Disciple Bears Fruit (15:8, 16)
My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples. You did not choose Me, but I chose you. I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain.
3. A Disciple is Obedient (15:10)
If you keep My commands you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commands and remain in His love.
4. A Disciple Has Joy (15:11)
I have spoken these things to you so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.
We may feel defective, or that fruit-bearing ministry is impossible during a pandemic. But as long as we remain in Christ, we cannot avoid it!
Steve Stinnette is the Leadership Development Coordinator for the churches in Micronesia. Born and raised in Virginia, he moved to Micronesia in 1979, and he and his wife Anne now minister from the island of Guam.
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