For all the talk about discipleship in evangelical circles, one rarely asks the essential question: Discipled to do what exactly? What am I being discipled for? To know who Jesus is? To understand how salvation works? To be useful in the church? To get married and raise a family? To learn how to parent my kids well? What is the ultimate goal of discipleship?

It’s easy to nod along and say “amen” to one or all of these, but what is the target we are actually aiming for? Let’s stop speculating and ask Jesus Himself. When He gave His disciples their mission, He didn’t leave them to guess. His charge was simple, clear, and exact:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you”

Matthew 28:19–20

Could it be any clearer? The call to make disciples is not about simply teaching what Jesus commanded but teaching observance of what He commanded. Not just knowledge to be memorized, but obedience to be lived out.

Discipleship is about observance. It’s about taking the commands of Christ off the page and putting them into action. Knowing what Jesus said is a start—but living it is the goal.

Discipleship isn’t about knowing about God’s commandments; it’s about doing them. James doesn’t mince words,

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves

James 1:22

Knowing the commands of Christ is a starting point, not the finish line. True discipleship transforms knowledge into action. It’s not enough to nod in agreement during the sermon or say “amen” at the right moments. Discipleship demands that what we hear shapes how we live.

Why Accountability Feels Uncomfortable

For some of us, this idea of obedience and accountability can feel heavy. But let’s remember what the Apostle Paul taught us about the purpose of Scripture

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16

God gave us His Word to equip us—not just to know what’s right, but to do what’s right. And sometimes, that means being challenged. The local church is the training ground where we learn to live in obedience to Christ. It’s where correction happens, not because the church is harsh, but because the church cares.

Teaching, correction, and training in righteousness are not optional add-ons to discipleship—they are essential for helping someone observe and obey the Scriptures. Teaching lays the foundation by clarifying what the Bible says about a particular subject. It provides the knowledge needed to understand God’s will and ways. A husband will not know about his call to sacrificial love and the wife will not be aware of her call to wholehearted submission that form the bedrock of a marital relationship unless someone walks them through Ephesians 5. But teaching alone isn’t enough, because people, being human, will inevitably stray from the path of obedience.

When this happens, correction becomes the loving act of guiding someone back to the truth. When a husband is not caring for his wife the way he should or when the wife is dominating the relationship the way she shouldn’t, correction is necessary. It’s not about condemnation, but about restoration—helping them realign their lives with the standard of God’s Word. This process of being taught and corrected repeatedly, over time, cultivates habits of righteousness. It shapes character and behavior so that a person increasingly walks in step with God’s commands.

This is why discipleship is a journey, not a one-time event. Observing Scripture isn’t just about knowing what it says; it’s about having a community and a process that helps you live it out. Through teaching, correction, and ongoing training, we are equipped not only to understand righteousness but to embody it in our daily lives.

The Church Is a Gift

This is why the church matters so much. It’s not just a gathering place or a spiritual pit stop; it’s a family of believers committed to helping one another grow in grace.

The author of Hebrews gives us a clear picture of what this looks like,

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another

Hebrews 10:24–25

The church is where we’re encouraged to take our next steps of obedience. It’s where we learn to bear each other’s burdens and where the Word of God shapes us together.

But here’s the thing, encouragement isn’t always warm and fuzzy. Sometimes it’s someone lovingly pointing out where we’ve gone off course. Sometimes it’s hearing a sermon that makes us uncomfortable because it exposes something in our hearts we’d rather ignore.

That’s not judgment—it’s grace.

Obedience Is Worship

At its core, obedience (observance) is an act of worship. It’s how we respond to the grace we’ve received in Christ.

The Apostle John writes,

Whoever says ‘I know him’ but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him

1 John 2:4

Strong words, yes, but necessary ones. They remind us that true love for God isn’t just spoken; it’s lived out. Obedience isn’t a burden; it’s a privilege. It’s how we show that we belong to Him, not out of fear, but out of love.

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by all this talk of obedience. Maybe it feels like too much to handle. If that’s you, take heart – you’re not alone. Remember how Jesus ended the Great Commission?

And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age

Matthew 28:20

You’re not expected to obey in your own strength. God Himself empowers you through His Spirit. And He’s placed you in a church family to walk alongside you, encourage you, and hold you up when you feel weak.

A Call to Action

So, discipled to do what exactly? To obey and not merely to know. Not because it’s easy, but because it’s worth it. Not because it earns God’s love, but because it’s how we respond to His love.

This week, I challenge you to think about one specific area where God is calling you to obedience. Maybe it’s forgiving someone you’ve held a grudge against. Maybe it’s stepping into a new area of service in the church. Maybe it’s simply showing up consistently in the fellowship of believers.

Whatever it is, take that step.

You’re not walking alone. You have God’s Word to guide you, His Spirit to strengthen you, and His church to support you. Let’s not just know the commands of Christ—let’s live them out, together. For His glory, and for our good.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it mean to observe Christ’s commandments rather than merely knowing them?

Reflect on practical ways you can live out obedience in your daily life. How does this change the way you approach Scripture?

2. Why is accountability within the church important for discipleship?

Consider moments when you’ve been challenged or corrected in your faith journey. How did it shape your growth as a disciple of Christ?

3. How does the Great Commission’s promise, “I am with you always,” encourage you in moments when obedience feels difficult?

Discuss how the assurance of Christ’s presence changes your perspective on taking bold steps of faith.

4. What area in your life is God calling you to take a specific step of obedience this week?

Share this with someone you trust in your church community and commit to praying for one another as you pursue faithfulness.