Genesis 3:7
Transition into Sunday Night Discipleship Training:
“Once Adam and Eve declare their autonomy, they at once realize that each of them has the capability and the will to decide independently what is good and what is evil. Since the other person has chosen to defy God to advantage self, how can he or she be trusted not to abuse the other in self-interest? They cover themselves because a relationship cannot survive in an environment of distrust” (Waltke). Genesis 3 explains why we are so hesitant to be vulnerable and intimate with one another. We are driven into seclusion from shameless authentic accountability and discipleship with one another.
This manifest itself in abrasiveness, flamboyance, shyness, intellectualism, withdrawal. This is why discipleship relationships are so important.
Neither the Scripture nor Christ ever distinguished between being a Christian and being a Disciple.
“Our problem is that we have made peace with an unbiblical distinction. Christian leaders have sent the message that you can be a Christian without being a disciple. We expect that only a small percentage of Christians will ‘graduate’ into the category of discipleship” (Greg Oden in Discipleship Essentials).
To believe is to follow. For Jesus, Christianity is discipleship. Jesus never spoke of someone “believing” in Him, but always spoke of people “following” Him. Saving faith is synonymous with following Christ or discipleship.
God has told us to make disciples, yet the Church has settled primarily to a program approach. In addition to public teaching, Disciples are made in relationships, through personal, eyeball-to-eyeball invitation.
God created us for a relationship with himself and with one another. A small discipleship group is a place to learn how to grow and change through accountability, transparency, and interaction in a safe and consistent environment.
In large groups: Interaction is difficult; accountable and specific application is difficult; long-term focus is difficult (a specific habitual sin); transparency is very difficult.
Making Disciples Jesus’ Way
Disciple-Making is an intentional relationship in which we walk alongside other disciples in order to encourage, equip, and challenge one another in love to grow toward maturity in Christ. This includes equipping the disciple to teach others as well.
Jesus made disciples by selecting a few into whom He poured His life.
When Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), He instructed them to emulate what He had done during His three years of ministry.
Jesus, it must be remembered, restricted nine-tenths of His ministry to twelve Jews, because it was the only way to reach all Americans” (Eugene Peterson). Jesus’ commitment to isolate Himself aggressively to a few was His commitment to reach the world.
Hypothetically consider living for only 16 more years.
Keith Phillip’s chart compares the numeric difference between one person a day coming to Christ and one person a year being discipled to maturity.
Jesus’ massive vision to reach many lead to His “tiny” focus.
Year Evangelist Discipler
1 365 2
2 730 4
16 5840 65,536
The Family in Scripture
God envisioned an intergenerational chain of disciples linked together through personal investment.
Making Disciples Paul’s Way
“What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well” (II Timothy 2:2).
Discipleship is a relationship where we intentionally walk alongside a growing disciple or disciples in order to encourage, correct, and challenge them in love to grow toward maturity in Christ.
The Model: Relationships (vulnerability) – Truth (God’s Word) – Accountability (Application stated and measured).
Recommended Reading
For Those Searching or Questioning Their SalvationWhat is the Gospel? by Greg Gilbert
The Book of I John
The Book of Matthew
General DiscipleshipThe Book of John
The Book of James
The Book of Philippians
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp
Discipleship Essentials by Greg Ogden
Disciplines of a Godly Man by Hughes
The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges
HumilityHumility by Mahaney
The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges
Trusting God/God’s Sovereignty and Providence/How to Suffer for the Glory of GodTrusting God by Jerry Bridges
It’s Not Fair by Wayne Mack
Sexual PurityThe Way of Purity by Mike Cleveland
Overeating or Obesity/Self-ControlAt the Master’s Table by Mike Cleveland
LegalismThe Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges
The Prodigal God by Tim Keller
The Tale of Two Sons by John MacArthur
IdolatryThe Pleasures of God by John Piper
Desiring God by John Piper
Idols of the Heart Elyse Fitzpatrick
MarriageWhat Did You Expect? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage by Paul Tripp
When Sinners Say I Do by Dave Harvey
Strengthening Your Marriage by Wayne Mack
Reconciling God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Our Accountability to God by A.W. Pink
Biblical WifeThe Excellent Wife by Martha Peace
Helper By Design by Carolyn Mahaney
Biblical HusbandsWhat Did You Expect? By Paul Tripp
ParentingAge of Opportunity by Paul Tripp
Don’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger Plowman
Shepherding A Child’s Heart by Tripp
AngerThe Heart of Anger by Lou Priolo
Loneliness and DepressionOut of the Blues by Wayne Mack
Remember:
Consistency in Scheduled Meetings; Ask Specific Questions; Do More by Doing Less; Underline and Discuss; Specific, Measurable Action Steps
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