Introduction: Some things to know about discipleship

All Christians are called upon by God to not only make disciples, but also disciple makers. This type of relationship requires special attention. The goal is not to finish the lessons on a set schedule, but to become a disciple in the truest sense of the word. That means the person you disciple should become a disciple maker as well. Jesus defined a disciple as one that continues in His Word. (John 8:31) The Bible defines disciple makers as those that take the things they have been taught and commit them to other faithful men that will then continue in it and teach it to others that will do the same. (II Timothy 2:1-6)

What have you learned already in your Christian life that you can pass on to others?

Passing on Bible truths, or teaching them to others, is only effective if you have become a person who practices the truths you have learned. In other words, discipleship is not a list of things you do, but a person you become. Jesus told us that we should let the light of Christ shine in us so that it brings glory unto God and draws men to Him. (Matthew 5:16) As people hear us speak about Jesus it should make them want to follow Him (John 1:37) and admire Him (II Thessalonians 1:10)

Read II Timothy 2:1-6 and notice the levels through which one truth (the same things that thou hast heard) passes. The things that we have heard from our teachers are the things we are to commit faithfully, to other faithful men that shall seek out and find other faithful men to teach. We are to endure the hardness that comes with investing in the life of another person. The soldier, athlete and farmer all endure hardness pursuing the fruits of their labor. The fruits of discipleship are people teaching others about Jesus. (Matthew 28:19-20)

Salvation is free but there is a cost to disciple (II Corinthians 12:15) and to be a disciple. (Luke 14:26, 33)

What barriers are there in my life that keeps me from becoming a disciple and a disciple maker?

To teach the same things that I heard, I have to become proficient in them. The book is a guide, and should support the lesson, but not necessarily be the lesson. The lesson time should be an outpouring of the work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of truth working in your own heart. (John 7:38, Romans 5:5)

Preparation for teaching is critical. Ways to prepare for teaching or being taught:

1. Neither person should come together without first having prayed and asked the Lord for wisdom, guidance and understanding. (James 1:5, Psalm 119:18)
2. Reading the lesson and the Bible in advance of the meeting will allow the Holy Spirit to focus your mind on the topic. (John 16:13)
3. Regular daily and systematic reading of the Bible will allow God to speak to you in other Scriptures about what you are learning and teaching. You need all the Scriptures to help you understand and explain the truth.
4. Study -- to mastery of the subject. Study requires an outlet for use or interest will wane in putting in the work. Teaching someone one on one is the best outlet.
5. Taking an interest in the other person's life and understanding what they face and what they struggle with.
6. Above all, to disciple you must become more like Christ each day. We need the Bible to be continually changing us. I must model the person I want my disciple to become. (John 13:17)
7. The development of Spiritual habits takes time, and therefore takes patience.
8. Things will have to be unlearned, and then new things learned. (Isaiah 1:16-17) Cease to do evil, learn to do well.

This level of Foundations will teach you how to find the person that you will begin to disciple. In addition, it will continue to help you develop your Christian life to be an effective disciple maker. Jesus' method was training men and teaching them about Himself by spending a large quantity of time with them and in the Word. (Mark 3:14)

Read John 12:24-26 Notice that the corn of wheat doesn't live unless it first falls in the ground and dies. Then it not only lives, but brings forth fruit. This is a picture of a person that loves (holds on to and tries to control) his life, versus a person who turns his life over to Christ to be His servant. Verse 26 says that if a person wants to serve Christ, he must follow Him and be with Him. This level of Foundations is about being with Jesus.

What is between me and giving my life to Christ to use in any manner He sees fit?

Application #1

Developing habits of reading, study and prayer are essential to becoming a disciple of Christ and a disciple maker for Christ. Use the personal growth tools in this section, or develop your own system of accountability to help you develop good spiritual habits. (It is vital that you do these weekly and share the devotional thoughts and questions with your teacher.)

Bible Reading

Devotional thoughts or questions