Studies

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Discipleship: Helping Each Other Grow

December 9th, 2006

Introduction:

The word “disciple” is very important biblically.  (Read Matthew 28:18-20).  Jesus said to go into all nations and make disciples.  A useful and descriptive term for the process of making and maturing disciples into Jesus’ image is “discipling.”  The Greek text in Matthew 28:19 literally says, “going, therefore, disciple [a verb] all the nations.”  The rest of the verse makes it clear that “teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” is a part of the discipling process.  Thus, a “discipling” relationship is one in which a disciple helps another person to become more obedient to Jesus in attitude, life-style and mission.   

---Teacher / Elder- Gordon Feguson “Discipling- God’s Plan to Train and Transform His People”

Lesson:

Discipleship should have the qualities of a Spiritual Parent.  We all need discipling no matter how old or young we are spiritually.  Discipling resembles that of a Spiritual Parent in at least four measurable ways:

1.       Commitment

2.       Teaching

3.       Personal Attention

4.       Modeling

 

A.      Commitment 2 Corinthians 2:4

·         Colossians 1:28-29 To Present everyone perfect in Christ

·         It takes labor, work and even struggling

·         Goal of Discipler is to help a disciple mature, become a well-rounded disciple and help them spiritually reproduce.

 

B.      Teaching Biblical Truths

·         1 Thessalonians 2:13 Discipling should have the Word of God

·         2 Timothy 3:16-17 The bible is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training –We need to have a teachable heart

C.      Modeling Be an example, Be transparent

·         Goal is for the disciple to imitate the heart and convictions of the discipler

·         1 Corinthians 4:15-16 spiritual fathering in Christ Jesus, there is a father-like urging and calling on to imitate the God-like qualities

·         1 Corinth 11:1 Follow Jesus-like qualities

·         Philippians 3:17 Set a biblical pattern of living

·         Phil 4:9 The things you learn put into practice

·         2 Thessalonians 3:9b A model to follow

·         A discipler walks through life with the disciple, they show them how its done and gently encourages them to imitate

 

D.      Personal Attention Each disciple is unique and needs individual attention

·         1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 a mother’s care, caring and sharing your life, be gentle.

·         1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 Urging, comforting, encouraging as a father

 

 LIFE Group Discussion Questions:

 

  1. Discuss the times when you had a great discipleship partner?
  2. Why did Jesus set up this strategy for maturing his followers?
  3. What does it mean to be your brother’s keeper or sister’s keeper?
  4. Why is it important to demonstrate the qualities of commitment, teaching, modeling and personal attention with discipling times?
  5. Who are people in your life that you want to partner with and call one another higher in Christ?
  6. Is anyone to old to have discipling? 
  7. What does it mean to have consistent discipling times?