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ADVANCE:THE KINGDOM ON THE Move WEEK ONE: What is Discipleship? Page 4 WEEK TWO: Imitating Christ In Discipleship Page 8 WEEK THREE: Personal Discipleship Page 13 WEEK FOUR: The Person of Discipleship Page 18 WEEK FIVE: The Practice of Discipleship Page 22 WEEK SIX: Discipleship Needs Page 26 Group Discovery Bible Study Page 31 3
Week 1 WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP? And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:18-20 ESV You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 2 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV Discipling is the teachings of Jesus to others. Discipling is the practice of what Romans calls mutual faith: working together to inspire, encourage and instruct one another. (Romans 1:11-12). This is the strength of the church; without it, we will fail personally and corporately. The church community typically focuses on making converts rather than making disciples of Jesus. In giving us the Great Commission, Jesus said to go into the entire world and make disciples, not just. What then is a proper definition of the term disciple? 4
We believe it will help us to consider Luke 6:40 which states, A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. (Luke 6:40 ESV) A disciple is someone who is becoming more like Jesus as they the Word of God. Typically, newer believers will imitate older believers whom they look up to, or with whom they associate. Every believer is a for other believers, even if they don t want to be. In 1 Peter 5:1-3 (NASB) leaders are told,...i exhort the elders among you..., shepherd the flock of God among you...nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock; not just telling people what to do, but rather, showing them what to do. Personal discipling is the one-on-one personal instruction of the Christian life by word and example. Being a DISCIPLE is being willing and able to learn from someone else who has more than you. Being a DISCIPLER is being a spiritual for someone else who is younger in the faith than you. Discipling is working and walking alongside someone, inviting them to learn from you and your life example while you imitate and obey Christ. Remember, at whatever level you are in the Christian faith, there is always someone who can learn from you. The key is to be a loving and growing Christian! So, every Christian can be both a disciple and a disciple-maker! 5
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: DISCIPLING IS MODELING AND EXPLAINING THE TEACHINGS OF JESUS TO OTHERS. Who has been instrumental in discipling you, based on this definition? JESUS SAID TO MAKE DISCIPLES, NOT JUST CONVERTS. Why is this so important? EVERY BELIEVER IS A ROLE MODEL FOR OTHER BELIEVERS. Who is a newer or younger believer in your life that looks to you as a role model? 6
2 TIMOTHY 2:1 SAYS TO BE STRONG IN THE GRACE THAT IS IN CHRIST JESUS SO THAT WE CAN PASS ON WHAT WE HAVE LEARNED. What are some specific areas in your life where you struggle to rely on the grace of Christ? Who might god have placed in my life to disciple? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 1, 7, 27, 29 7
Week 2 IMITATING CHRIST IN DISCIPLESHIP One of the main reasons people leave their churches is they have no real relationships! Discipleship is the means for relationship building! We are meant to be in. God created us to be in relationships with one another in community. Discipleship is the key to that community, and how we love one another in community is proof of our discipleship! Common mission builds community. A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35 ESV Why else should a more experienced Christian walk alongside new and less mature Christians? Because we are called to be imitators of Christ! Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV The name Christian implies that we are like Christ. So, if we want to be like Christ, we need to look at what Jesus did. 8
Jesus alongside others to disciple them and show them His ways. In order to be like Christ, we need to follow His example in walking with others, obeying and teaching His commands. Jesus had a concern for. We need to be concerned with our spiritual growth as well as Christian formation in the lives of others. The Bible is clear on this. We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. Romans 15:1-2 ESV This is not about arrogance or being judgmental; rather, it is realizing Christianity is a growth process. More experienced and mature Christians are called to walk alongside new and less mature Christians to help them grow so they can glorify Christ. So, how do you become a discipler like Jesus? In Matthew 4:18-22 Jesus calls Peter and Andrew to follow Him. They drop their fishing nets and follow. The first step to discipleship is acknowledging that all Christians are in a growth process. The second step is to yourself and seek after God s plan. We can do a lot of churchy stuff in our lives, but it really all comes down to obedience to God s plan. 9
For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 1 Corinthians 7:19 ESV Disciples obey and teach what Jesus taught! We become DISCIPLE-MAKERS by being DISCIPLES who then model and teach God s Word to others! 10
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: MANY PEOPLE LEAVE THEIR CHURCHES BECAUSE THEY LACK REAL RELATIONSHIPS. What are some ways that you have cultivated relationships with others in the church? What are new ways you could do so? CHRISTIAN MEANS FOLLOWER OF CHRIST. When did you first start following Christ? How do you know how to follow Christ? JESUS HAD A CONCERN FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH. What in your life affects (positively or negatively) your concern for the spiritual growth of others? 11
THE DISCIPLES IN MATTHEW 4 IMMEDIATELY STOPPED WHAT THEY WERE DOING AND FOLLOWED JESUS. (REMEMBER, THEY WEREN T FISHING AS A HOBBY BUT AS A LIVELIHOOD!) What are some things that would be hard for you to walk away from if Jesus asked you to? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 3, 12, 15, 31 12
Week 3 PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP We believe both and discipleship are needed for healthy spiritual growth. These two types of discipleship each have unique roles and they complement each other. Corporate Discipleship comes through preaching, conferences, group studies, training, etc., and will often be led by a believer who has the gift of teaching. Personal Discipleship, is one on one and is more like spiritual parenting or mentoring. ANY believer can practice personal discipleship. THE FOUR KEYS TO PERSONAL DISCIPLESHIP: 1 : Teaching God s Word is an essential component common to both corporate and personal discipleship. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV 13
God does not want the Bible to be seen simply as an academic text, but rather as a revelation of His character. The Bible is a means by which humans can know Him. 2 : This has to do with the heart attitude of the discipler in regards to the spiritual welfare and development of the disciple. For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you. 2 Corinthians 2:4 ESV This is a commitment that goes beyond just presenting God s Word. This type of commitment and compassion led Paul to write that he would gladly spend and be spent and endure all things for the spiritual wellbeing of those he discipled. 3 : The discipler is a model to the disciple in ways that go beyond that of a teacher and student. How do you teach patience or faithfulness or passion? Paul reminds the believers at Philippi that Christlikeness was modeled for them, not just told to them: Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17 ESV What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9 ESV 4 : We are not simply interested in academically presenting bullet points to a disciple. Each disciple will need to be guided, sometimes uniquely, in their spiritual walk. 14
But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 ESV Each discipler will have unique and personal experiences that the Holy Spirit can bring to mind and use in the discipling process. 15
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Why do you think corporate (group) discipleship is so much more prevalent in churches than personal discipleship? THE BIBLE IS NOT JUST INFORMATION ABOUT GOD, BUT OUR MAIN WAY OF KNOWING GOD. What are some of the most important things God has revealed to you about Himself through the Bible? PAUL WRITES TO THE CHURCH AT CORINTH ABOUT THE GREAT ANGUISH HE FEELS IN LOVE FOR THEM. Can you share a time when you were deeply affected out of concern for other believers? 16
CHRISTLIKENESS NEEDS TO BE MODELED, NOT JUST TAUGHT. What are some dangers of teaching Christlikeness without modeling it? NEW BELIEVERS NEED NURTURING LIKE NEWBORN BABIES. What are some of the first things you learned as a believer to help you grow in Christ? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 16, 17, 18, 30 17
Week 4 THE PERSON OF DISCIPLESHIP Discipleship is more than just being an example; it is being a lifelong learner and instructor of the Christian faith. You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:10-16 ESV A discipler is simply any Christian who invests in the growth of other Christians. Churches in our culture often operate with a big box mentality rather than in a personal, intimate way. To be a discipler, you must be willing to have one-on-one, tailor-made conversations with growing Christians. There is a common myth that only people who have a spiritual for discipling can disciple. And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ. Ephisians 4:11-12 ESV 18
There is no spiritual gift of discipling. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:19 ESV This is a command to all believers! -God has not intended for every believer to be gifted as an evangelist. -God has not intended for every believer to be gifted as a teacher. -But God has intended for every believer to be a disciple maker! Every Christian should be available to the Holy Spirit as a and as a. All believers are called to these things, despite giftedness! 19
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: DISCIPLESHIP IS PARTLY ABOUT BEING A LIFELONG LEARNER. What are some ways you can pursue learning in Christ throughout life? DISCIPLE-MAKERS NEED TO BE GROWING (IN PROCESS) CHRISTIANS. What would a discipleship relationship look like if the discipler stopped growing? THERE IS NO SPIRITUAL GIFT OF DISCIPLING. What does that truth tell us about God s plan for advancing the gospel? What are some opportunities to minister that you have passed up because you did not feel gifted to address them? 20
What must all disciple makers be equipped with if not a spiritual gift for discipling? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 2, 4, 6, 10, 20 21
Week 5 THE PRACTICE OF DISCIPLESHIP Be From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. Matthew 4:17-22 ESV Jesus intentionally called people to repent and follow. He also sent His disciples out to be intentional on mission. Be And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, Who do people say that I am? And they told him, John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets. And he asked them, But who do you say that I am? Peter answered him, You are the Christ. Mark 8:27-29 ESV And Jesus stopped and commanded him to be brought to him. And when he came near, he asked him, What do you want me to do for you? He said, Lord, let me recover my sight. And Jesus said to him, Recover your sight; your faith has made you well. And immediately he recovered his sight and followed him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Luke 18:40-43 ESV 22
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 ESV Jesus did his disciple-making in a relational environment, an environment where real teaching, shepherding, transparency, and accountability could be fostered. Every relational situation in our lives is an opportunity to respond like Jesus! Create a Reproducible Process. Jesus created a process that can be learned and repeated. He initiated relationships and led people to pray and study God s Word. As you seek to disciple others, create a plan! 23
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: JESUS WAS INTENTIONAL ABOUT DISCIPLESHIP. DISCIPLES DON T HAPPEN BY ACCIDENT! What are some specific areas of your spiritual life that you are intentional about? DISCIPLESHIP IS VERY RELATIONAL. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 ESV Can you share a time when knowing someone well made it easier to minister to them? EVERY RELATIONAL SITUATION IN OUR LIVES IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO RESPOND LIKE JESUS! What are some relationships you need to strengthen as you look to advance the kingdom of God? 24
JESUS CREATED A DISCIPLESHIP PROCESS THAT CAN BE LEARNED AND REPEATED. What are some processes from your everyday life that you have learned and repeat? What are some processes in your spiritual life that you have learned and repeat? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 5, 11, 17, 32, 37 25
Week 6 DISCIPLESHIP NEEDS Part of being intentional and relational is determining where the people around you are in their spiritual journey. Pre-Salvation Group This group is hearing about God, Jesus, the Scripture, etc. but has not yet professed Jesus as Lord. How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news! Romans 10:14-15 ESV We are called to share the gospel with those who have not yet believed! GROUP # 1 The first group is New Believers. The typical new believer begins the Christian life with a learner s disposition. If this period of openness to personal discipleship is not taken advantage of, most new believers will adopt the lifestyle that is being modeled for them by the other believers they know... which may not be a good thing. GROUP # 2 Christians living the life. Defeated Christians know something is wrong or missing but may not know what it is. Disciplemakers should come alongside defeated Christians to remind them of the joyous, victorious life that believers have in Christ! 26
GROUP # 3 Believers who seem to have in their faith. These are Christians who have stopped growing and may not realize that anything is wrong. Maturing disciples need to come alongside this group and challenge them toward Christlikeness. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, Hebrews 10:24 ESV GROUP # 4 Believers who hunger to know more about abiding in Christ and spiritually mentoring others. Nothing in this entire discipleship process will work apart from the Holy Spirit! The Holy Spirit encounters with others who need to be discipled. And the Spirit said to Philip, Go over and join this chariot. Acts 8:29 ESV And while Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, Behold, three men are looking for you. Rise and go down and accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them. Acts 10:19-20 ESV The Holy Spirit creates spiritual in the person to be discipled. For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13 ESV The Holy Spirit gives wisdom, and to the disciple and the disciple-maker. 27
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESV We cannot follow Christ and lead others in Christ if we are not indwelled by the Holy Spirit and submitting to the Holy Spirit s guidance in our lives. 28
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS: AND HOW ARE THEY TO BELIEVE IN HIM OF WHOM THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD? (ROMANS 10:14) Who do you know that needs to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ? MOST NEW BELIEVERS WILL ADOPT THE LIFESTYLE THAT IS MODELED FOR THEM BY THE OTHER BELIEVERS THEY KNOW. What are some spiritual things that were modeled for you when you first believed in Jesus? Can you describe a time in your life when you recognized that you were living in defeat as a believer? 29
Can you describe a time when a fellow believer encouraged or corrected you in the faith and you hadn t even realized anything was wrong? Have you ever experienced a time of great passion for abiding in Christ and passing the faith on to others? What was God teaching you leading up to that time? What did God teach you through that experience? Further reading in the book Make Mature Multiply: Becoming Fully-Formed Disciples of Jesus by Brandon D. Smith Chapters 5, 8, 14, 24, 25 30
GROUP DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY Prayer Steps 1 and 2 Each tells something they are thankful for - an opportunity to praise God. Each shares an item, event, situation that is causing stress - an opportunity to seek God s provision of peace. Steps 1 and 2 teach simple and specific prayer. Allow each person to participate even if just a statement or phrase is offered. The Holy Spirit Step 3 Recount something that God taught them this week - helps teach God is working in each life at all times. Step 3 encourages personal time with God, an alert heart and mind for God. Remind the group regularly that the Holy Spirit is charged with bringing conviction, guidance, insight and teaching as we live and study. The Scripture Step 4 Engage the scripture - encourage each person to read and learn from God s word. Have someone read Scripture out loud while others follow along in their Bible. 31
Have someone else read the same passage out loud again. This time have everyone listen to the reading. Ask a volunteer to retell the passage, have others fill in any points left out. Step 4 directs each person to personally engage scripture not just a teacher. Reading, listening, retelling and discussing Scripture engages the individual deep into God s word. The Discussion Step 5 Following the reading, listening and retelling of scripture, engage the following questions and allow for discussion. Keep time in mind be flexible to allow true discussion and wrestling with the scripture. 1. Did anything in this passage capture your attention? What and why? 2. What did you like about this passage? 3. Did anything bother you? Why? 4. What does this passage tell us about God? 5. What does this passage tell us about Man? 6. What does this passage tell us about living to please God? 7. How will you be obedient to God s word this week? (I will statement) 32
Step 5 allows and encourages open discussion, disagreement, research and defense of the scripture. Engaging the passage allows each person to grow in understanding and confidence. Commitment Steps 6 and 7 Knowledge of God s Word must translate into obedience. This next step begins with a statement and a question: God s Word is true, what must we change in our lives to obey God? Allow for comments. Identify those who need to hear what God said to the group. Encourage them to share what they learned with that person. Identify people who are in need. Identify ways to meet those needs in the next week, close in prayer. Step 6 and 7 bring obedience to the forefront of the discussion. Belief in God and His word demands response. 33
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