The Mark Of True Discipleship

THE MARK OF TRUE DISCIPLESHIP

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: John 13:31-35

"Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, Romans 5:5, Galatians 5:22, 1 John 4:7-12, Colossians 3:12-14

INTRODUCTION:

In His final moments with His disciples, Jesus chose not to talk about power, miracles, or position. Instead, He gave them a simple yet powerful commandment: to love one another. This commandment is not just a suggestion but a divine standard that identifies true followers of Christ.

The world has many definitions of love—often rooted in emotion, conditions, or self-interest. But the love Jesus commands is unconditional, sacrificial, and rooted in truth and grace. It is this love that distinguishes the believer from the rest of the world.

Our Lord reveals that love is the proof of discipleship. Without love, our titles, gifts, and spiritual activities are meaningless. In this sermon, we will examine how to walk in the love Jesus expects and how it becomes the true mark of a disciple.

1. UNDERSTANDING CHRIST’S DEFINITION OF LOVE

a) It is a new commandment (John 13:34)

Jesus presents love as a divine obligation, not an option.

b) It is patterned after His love for us (Ephesians 5:2)

We are to love with the same depth, forgiveness, and sacrifice.

c) It goes beyond feelings (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

Love is action and commitment, not emotion alone.

d) It reflects God’s nature in us (1 John 4:8)

Anyone who truly loves reveals the character of God.

Biblical Example: Jesus forgave Peter after denial and restored him in love (John 21:15-17).

2. LOVE AS A SIGN OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY

a) Immature believers struggle to walk in love (1 Corinthians 3:1-3)

Strife and division show lack of maturity.

b) Mature Christians pursue peace and unity (Hebrews 12:14)

They let go of offence and choose reconciliation.

c) Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8)

It doesn't magnify weaknesses but offers grace.

d) Love puts others first (Philippians 2:3-4)

It removes selfish ambition and promotes unity.

Biblical Example: Joseph showed love by forgiving his brothers and providing for them (Genesis 45:1-8).

3. LOVE UNITES AND BUILDS THE BODY OF CHRIST

a) The church grows stronger in love (Ephesians 4:16)

Every part functions well in the atmosphere of love.

b) Love fosters service and care (Galatians 5:13)

Believers are to serve one another through love.

c) Love eliminates comparison and envy (James 3:16)

Unity thrives where love is genuine.

d) Love is the bond of perfection (Colossians 3:14)

It brings completeness and wholeness to the church.

Biblical Example: The early church demonstrated love through shared possessions and unity (Acts 2:44-47).

4. LOVE AS A TESTIMONY TO THE WORLD

a) Love is the believer’s ID card (John 13:35)

It is how the world recognises Christ in us.

b) Evangelism without love is hypocrisy (1 John 3:18)

Love must be shown in deeds, not words alone.

c) Love draws people to the Gospel (Romans 2:4)

God's kindness leads to repentance.

d) A loving church reflects heaven’s atmosphere (Psalm 133:1-3)

Where there is love, God commands blessing.

Biblical Example: Jesus' love for the woman caught in adultery turned judgment into mercy (John 8:1-11).

5. HOW TO GROW IN CHRISTLIKE LOVE

a) Stay connected to God daily (Romans 5:5)

The Holy Spirit pours divine love into our hearts.

b) Meditate on the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17-19)

Understanding His love empowers us to love others.

c) Practice forgiveness daily (Matthew 18:21-22)

Unforgiveness is a major blocker of love.

d) Serve others with humility (John 13:14-15)

True love is seen in humble service.

Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan demonstrated Christlike love by caring for a wounded stranger (Luke 10:30-37).

CONCLUSION:

The true measure of our Christianity is not how much we preach, sing, or serve—it is how well we love. Jesus made it clear that love is the proof of our discipleship. This love is practical, selfless, enduring, and divine.

Let us make love our highest goal, and through it, draw many to Christ. For as we love one another, we become living epistles of God’s heart to a broken world.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Lord, baptize me afresh with the spirit of love.