Image (c) depositphotos.com/ jbryson
At church and with other Christians we hear a lot about the disciples, discipling, and making disciples. What does that mean? Can you do it too?
James 1:22 says, “ Do what God’s teaching says; don’t just listen and do nothing. When you only sit and listen, you are fooling yourselves.” Each Friday we’ll look at one way your family can apply God’s Word, doing what it says as you walk through life this weekend and next week (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).
How to be a disciple
Last week we talked about what discipleship meant and what a disciple was. Do you remember? Briefly review this post as you ask the question, “What do disciples do?”
Disciples follow their teacher and leader. As Christians, we are disciples of Christ Jesus. There are lots of ways we can learn more about Him and how to follow Him.
- Read the Bible. Memorize verses and think about what it says (Joshua 1:8).
- Pray (Ephesians 6:18)
- Go to church and meet with other believers (Hebrews 10:23-25)
- Try to love God with all your heart, mind, and strength (Matthew 22:37-39)
- Serve others like God served us (Matthew 25:31-36)
How to disciple someone else
Jesus charged all believers with these words:
“So he [Jesus] came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me. So go and make followers of all people in the world. Baptize them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach them to obey everything that I have told you to do. You can be sure that I will be with you always. I will continue with you until the end of time.’”
Matthew 28:18-20 (ERV)
We know we are all supposed to make disciples. How do we do that?
Start by telling people about Jesus. How has He changed your life? How was your life different before Jesus? See more in this blog post.
The second part of discipling is to help people to grow in their faith. See the list above for ways you can grow in your faith. Other Christians need to do these things too. We all need help and encouragement to keep doing these things and keep growing. The best way to do this is by having a partner or small group that encourages you and keeps you honest in keeping at these things. It is a good idea to find someone who has been a Christian longer than you to be that person. You can be that person for someone else too.
“Do what is good. Set an example for them in everything. When you teach, be honest and serious. 8 No one can question the truth. So teach what is true. Then those who oppose you will be ashamed. That’s because they will have nothing bad to say about us.”
Timothy 2:7-8 (NIRV, read more here)
Remember that a disciple spends time with their teacher. They learn how to live life not only from the things the teacher says, but also by living and serving alongside their teacher. Invite those you tell about Jesus and encourage to live for Him to serve alongside you. (See 1 Corinthians 4:15-17 and John 13:14-16.) How can you share God’s love together?
Not sure who to disciple? Pray about it. Ask God to show you who you can encourage in their walk with Christ. Then start looking around. Who is watching you so they can do the things you do? They might be who God wants you to tell about Jesus and disciple. Start by praying for that person.
Share your discipleship stories below. What is something you’ve learned by discipling others?
