We are on a mission with Jesus to let people know the hope of the Good News – that there is a God who knows them, loves them and wants them. Jesus modeled the best way to do this while He was on earth—through relational discipleship. He spent three years training His followers to create new disciples. Discipleship goes beyond evangelism. The discipleship process is more than teaching people the right knowledge about God. It means teaching people how to know and be like Jesus—to obey God and seek His best for their lives. It means to invest your life in someone in order to impart the things that God has put into your life.  All Christians are called to be disciple makers and every one of us is responsible to help those around us to grow in faith.

 

Day 1       Matthew 28:19-20

Reflect: What is at the root of Jesus’ command to go and make disciples? Is discipleship really synonymous with becoming a Christian? With evangelism? Why or why not? 

Apply:   Explain this statement: All disciples of Christ are believers in Him, but not all believers in Christ become His disciples. How does this change your view of a disciple?

Pray:    Father, in Your strength, enable me to go and disciple others so that together we come to a fuller knowledge of the truth in Christ Jesus.

   

Day 2      Philippians 3:15-21 

Reflect: Based on this text, how is discipleship and its importance pictured? What may happen if believers do not have mature disciples modeling the Christian walk? 

Apply:   What have you learned from the example of a mature follower of Christ? How have you in turn modeled these things for someone else? How have you seen verse 19 in action? 

Pray:      Holy Spirit, show me the areas of my life where I still need to mature in knowing and following You more closely. Throughout the rest of my life on earth, may I glorify Your holy name in my conversation and conduct.

                                                                 

Day 3     1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 

Reflect: From Paul’s words, what do you learn about making disciples? What is at stake for us and others if we ask, “Can I get away with it?” instead of, “Does this give glory to God?”      

Apply:   Have you ever caused someone to stumble? Can you claim Paul’s attitude in verse 10:33? Why or why not? How confident are you in declaring verse 11:1? 

Pray:    Jesus, help me to live a life that is worthy of You and that edifies my fellow believers in all I say and do.  May I be increasingly conformed to Your likeness.

   

Day 4      Romans 10:14-17 

Reflect: What preconditions does Paul say must exist before someone can believe and put their faith in Jesus? How will this text affect your willingness to share your faith with others?      

Apply:   Who is the Lord calling you to bless by sharing your testimony of what Jesus has done for you? With whom can you create a discipling relationship?

Pray:     Father, thank You for all who have proclaimed the message of Christ in my hearing. May my feet be shod with the beautiful message of peace to share the good news of Christ with others.

 

Day 5    Luke 10:1-2   

Reflect: Why do you think Jesus wanted to send the 72 before He visited these places? How does this play out in our day? In the text, what indicates that God prepares us when He sends us to share about Jesus?    

Apply: What is your understanding of Jesus’ words in verse 2? What does this tell us about the importance of prayer and God’s mission? In what field may God be calling you to work? 

Pray:   Jesus, help me to move beyond my own concerns and into Your mission to see lives healed and restored. Use me in this place so that others may hear the good news of the gospel and be saved by Your goodness and grace.

 

 Put It into Practice!

Week 3: Each One Reach One

Connect with one or two people with whom you can begin a mutually beneficial discipling relationship. Discuss the spiritual growth stages, help each person to determine their current stage and talk about the disciplines to adopt that will help each of you move toward maturity.