Some people think discipleship is about forcing yourself to do what you don’t want to do. Grit your teeth. Show up. Fake the smile. Resist the temptation. Do the right thing, even if you hate it.

There is some truth here. Discipleship absolutely involves effort. There is no formation without intentionality. The idea that spiritual growth happens effortlessly is a myth.

“Make every effort to add to your faith goodness…” —2 Peter 1:5

“Train yourself to be godly.” —1 Timothy 4:7

We do want people to try. We want them to press in, to resist sin, to discipline their time, to pursue holiness. But discipleship is not only about effort. It's not just behavior modification. It’s not just acting against your will.

B. Real Transformation Is Inside-Out

The goal of discipleship isn’t simply to act differently. It’s to become a different kind of person.

Dallas Willard put it this way:

“The true sign of discipleship is when the things Jesus would do, if He were you, begin to happen naturally out of who you are becoming.”

You don’t just bite your tongue—you learn patience. You don’t just act generous—you become generous. You begin to do what God wants you to do—not out of obligation, but because you’ve come to believe God is good.

It’s the difference between forcing yourself to eat spinach… and discovering you actually like it.

That’s what Paul meant when he said:

“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” —Romans 12:2

Transformation is not gritting your teeth. It’s trusting your Father.

V. So What’s the Point?

Here’s what we’re saying—and not saying.

We do want believers to:

• Know their Bibles deeply
• Understand the grand story of Scripture
• See how the gospel echoes across every page
• Be active in church life and service
• Prioritize community and worship
• Give generously and serve joyfully
• Try hard—because growth requires effort

But we must be clear: discipleship is not just about knowing more, doing more, or trying harder.

It is about becoming a person whose life flows from trust in the goodness of God. A person who abides in Christ. A person who lives in step with the Spirit. A person who begins to want what God wants.

VI. Preview of What’s Next

In the next chapter, we’ll begin to answer the big question: What is a disciple, really? If it’s not just being smart, busy, or disciplined—what is it?

We’ll see that a disciple is someone who is:

• With Jesus
• Becoming like Jesus
• Doing what Jesus would do—if He were living your life

Because discipleship isn’t a task list. It’s a relationship.