Before we define what a disciple is, we must clarify what discipleship is not. Discipleship includes learning, serving, and effort—but those things can exist without actual spiritual transformation.

I. Introduction: Clearing the Confusion

Many people think they’re growing in faith because they are doing more, learning more, or trying harder. But activity isn’t always the same as maturity. Sometimes, what passes for spiritual growth is little more than spiritual busyness—or religious exhaustion.

We’ll explore three common misunderstandings about discipleship and why they miss the mark. But we’ll also affirm what discipleship does involve—because we do want people to study, serve, and strive. The difference is this: in true discipleship, these things come from a heart that is learning to trust that God is good.

II. Discipleship Is Not Just Making Smarter Sinners

A. The Knowledge Trap

We’ve often equated discipleship with education. Sign up for a Bible class. Take notes during the sermon. Memorize verses. Learn doctrine. Pass the theology quiz.

And let’s be clear: we want people to know the Bible.

We want people to understand the story of Scripture—not just isolated verses, but the sweeping narrative that runs from Eden to the New Creation. We want them to see how the gospel shows up on nearly every page. We want them to become fluent in the language of grace, redemption, justice, and mercy.

Biblical illiteracy is a real crisis in the church today. Many believers can’t name the Ten Commandments, or think “God helps those who help themselves” is a Bible verse. This must be addressed.

But here’s the warning: Bible knowledge alone does not equal spiritual maturity.

The Pharisees knew their Bibles better than anyone. Satan quoted Scripture to Jesus in the wilderness. And yet neither bore the fruit of love, joy, or compassion. Information without transformation can actually make us harder, not holier.

“Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” —1 Corinthians 8:1

B. When the Head Outpaces the Heart

If we are not becoming more loving as we learn more, something is broken.

We don’t just want smarter Christians—we want more Christlike Christians. We want people who read Scripture and are pierced by it, not just equipped to argue with it.

The test of Bible study is not how much you can recall, but how much you've been reshaped.