Biblical Understanding of Discipleship and Growth

Introduction: The Importance of Biblical Discipleship and Growth

Discipleship and growth are not optional for a healthy church—they are biblical mandates. The text highlights that true growth is not about numbers but about spiritual maturity, holiness, and a deepening relationship with Christ. Growth is a sign of life, and for Christians, it means increasing in faith, love, and obedience to God.

Key Scripture:

- 2 Peter 3:18 – "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."

  - This verse sets the foundation for the lesson, emphasizing that growth in grace and knowledge of Christ is a lifelong pursuit that brings glory to God.

Cross-References:

- Ephesians 4:15 – "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."

- Colossians 1:10 – "So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God."

 1. Understanding Biblical Growth: Beyond Numbers

The text explains that growth in a church is not merely about increasing attendance or baptisms but about the spiritual maturity of its members. True growth is evidenced by a deepening relationship with Christ and a life that reflects holiness.

- Key Points:

  - Growth is a sign of life: Just as a living tree or animal grows, a living Christian should grow spiritually.

  - Spiritual growth continues until death interrupts, meaning it is a lifelong process.

  - The Bible calls for growth in faith (2 Corinthians 10:15), maturity (Ephesians 4:15), and holiness (1 Peter 1:5-11).

- Scriptural Support:

  - 2 Corinthians 10:15 – "Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand."

    - Paul’s desire for the Corinthians was that their faith would grow, leading to a broader impact for the gospel.

  - 1 Peter 2:2 – "Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation."

    - Peter encourages believers to desire spiritual nourishment for growth in salvation.

- Cross-References:

  - Hebrews 6:1 – "Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity…"

  - Philippians 1:6 – "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

 2. Growth in Holiness: The Evidence of True Discipleship

The text stresses that one of the most important signs of growth is increasing holiness, rooted in self-denial and a commitment to godly living. Neglecting holiness leads to hard-to-grow disciples and confusion within the church.

- Key Points:

  - Holiness is a vital concern for the church, as it reflects a life honoring Christ.

  - The text compares a church neglecting holiness to a garden where weeds are never pulled—ungodly behavior must be addressed through discipline.

  - Examples of growth in holiness include:

    - Older members taking responsibility in evangelism and discipling younger members.

    - Younger members showing love by serving older members.

    - Increased prayer and ministry focused on evangelism.

    - Members sharing the gospel with outsiders and relying less on church programs for spiritual growth.

- Scriptural Support:

  - 1 Peter 1:15-16 – "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’"

    - Holiness is a command for all believers, reflecting God’s own nature.

  - James 2:20-24 – "You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone… Abraham’s faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did."

    - True faith produces works, including a pursuit of holiness.

- Cross-References:

  - Galatians 5:22-23 – "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control."

  - Titus 2:11-12 – "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age."

3. Practical Signs of Growth in a Church

The text provides practical examples of how growth manifests in the lives of church members. These signs demonstrate a maturing faith that impacts relationships, ministry, and personal devotion.

- Key Examples:

  - Sharing the Gospel: Members actively share the gospel with neighbors and friends, showing a burden for the lost.

  - Intergenerational Discipleship: Older members mentor younger ones, and younger members serve older ones out of love.

  - Prayer and Evangelism: Increased prayer for ministry opportunities and a focus on outreach.

  - Sacrificial Living: Members make sacrifices to serve others, such as giving up time or resources.

  - Reduced Reliance on Programs: Members take initiative in their faith rather than depending solely on the church’s programs.

- Scriptural Support:

  - Matthew 5:16 – "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

    - Jesus calls believers to live in a way that points others to God through their actions.

  - Titus 2:3-5 – "Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live… to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children…"

    - Intergenerational mentorship is a biblical model for discipleship.

- Cross-References:

  - Acts 2:42-47 – "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer… And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

  - Philippians 2:3-4 – "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."

4. The Role of the Church in Fostering Growth

The church plays a critical role in fostering growth through sound biblical teaching, gospel-centeredness, and intentional discipleship. However, the text warns against churches where the pastor’s thoughts overshadow God’s Word or where the gospel is diluted.

- Key Points:

  - The church must focus on expository preaching, gospel-centered teaching, and biblical theology.

  - Church membership should involve meaningful relationships, not worldly personality cults centered on the pastor.

  - Growth is ultimately God’s work, not the result of human effort alone.

- Scriptural Support:

  - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 – "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

    - Paul reminds us that God is the one who brings growth, not human leaders.

  - 2 Timothy 4:2 – "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

    - Sound preaching is essential for spiritual growth.

- Cross-References:

  - Ephesians 4:11-13 – "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature."

  - Colossians 2:19 – "They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow."

5. The Ultimate Goal: Glorifying God Through Growth

The ultimate purpose of growth is to glorify God. As Christians grow in Christlikeness, they reflect God’s character to the world, drawing others to Him.

- Key Points:

  - Growth in Christlikeness brings glory to God, as He is the one who enables it.

  - A healthy church is marked by members who live in a way that honors God, even among unbelievers.

  - The text emphasizes that growth should lead to a witness that attracts others to the gospel.

- Scriptural Support:

  - 1 Peter 2:12 – "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

    - Peter calls believers to live in a way that glorifies God through their actions.

  - John 15:8 – "This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples."

    - Bearing fruit through growth glorifies God and proves our discipleship.

- Cross-References:

  - Romans 12:1-2 – "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."

  - 2 Corinthians 3:18 – "And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Application: Cultivating Growth in Your Life and Church

- Personal Reflection: Examine your own life for signs of growth in holiness, prayer, and evangelism. Are you craving “pure spiritual milk” (1 Peter 2:2) and growing in your faith?

- Church Involvement: Look for ways to disciple others and be discipled. Mentor younger believers, pray for ministry opportunities, and share the gospel with outsiders.

- Avoid Pitfalls: Guard against relying on programs or personality-driven ministry. Focus on sound biblical teaching and gospel-centered living.

Prayer: Lord, we pray for growth in our faith, holiness, and love for You. Help our church to be a place where members grow in Christlikeness, reflecting Your glory to the world. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. What are some practical ways you’ve seen growth in your own life or in your church community?

2. How can we balance numerical growth with spiritual growth in our church?

3. What steps can we take to ensure our church remains focused on sound biblical teaching and gospel-centered ministry?