Allow me to define transformational discipleship. It is a change of the inner man through the power of the Holy Spirit, under the authority of the Scriptures, that produces real change from the inside out. I would suggest that transformational discipleship is absolutely necessary to live in our post Christian world that seems to be hostile to Christianity.
Today, I would like to look at the theological foundation upon which transformational discipleship stands. First, when we are born again by faith in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit (John 3:1-21; Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:8-10). The Holy Spirit give us a new heart, mind and desire for the Scriptures and for the Lord Jesus Christ. Our old nature which was dead to spiritual things of God no long has authority over born again believers.(2Cor. 5:16-17).
Before we were born again, we were living in the world’s culture and system which is not friendly to the Gospel and the Word of God. We begin to realize this as we start to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ. According to the Great Commission, born again Christians are called to be disciples of the Word and Jesus Christ. The goal is a continual transformational process (sanctification) from the inside out.
Discipleship of this nature must be intentional on our part, of course, with the help of the Holy Spirit. It takes prayer, effort, sacrifice, mentorship to enter into the process of discipleship. Progressing in transformational discipleship means that, over time, we become more and more like our Savior from the inside out. I would suggest it is the continuation of regeneration and sanctification.
The Holy Spirit’s work through the Word and prayer will slowly change the secular worldview we had before we were born again to a Biblical worldview. This is vital to transformational discipleship which transforms us the inside out. We begin to see the world through the eyes of Christ and His Word.
In my next blog post, I will discuss the importance of worldview in our lives.