The Community of Disciple-Making

The Big Idea

Big Idea: Disciple-making thrives in community

Our scripture tonight will be Act2:42-47 when we get there, but we only got through one point last week in the method of disciple-making so we need to finish that up first

Point two: Modeling Christlikeness (1Cor11:1)

1 Corinthians 11:1 NASB95

1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.

Disciples learn by observing our lives, not just our words

Our character, integrity, and faith shape those we disciple.

Authenticity in our walk with Christ inspires others to follow.

Reflection and application

Questions

Applications

Point 3: Equipping for Multiplication (2Tim2:2)

2 Timothy 2:2 NASB95

2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Paul’s model is to train others who will train others

Disciple-making is about multiplication, not just addition

We empower disciples to make disciples, creating a ripple effect.

2 Timothy 2:1–2 — Passing on the Faith

Paul tells Timothy to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Q: What does it look like to rely on grace for strength rather than relying on yourself?

Timothy is told to entrust the message to “faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Q: How can we recognize “faithful” people who are ready to be entrusted with God’s word today?

Application/Reflection

Personal Reflection: Are you living a life worth imitating in your faith and character?

Practical Step: Choose a specific scripture (e.g., Psalm or Gospel passage) to study and share with someone this week.

Community Challenge: Create a discipleship plan in your small group, identifying who you’ll teach and how you’ll equip them.

Now that ends last weeks lesson and now we can get to tonight’s lesson.

Do you remember the big idea from earlier?

The Big Idea:

Disciple-making thrives in community that supports, encourage and grows together and our scripture passage is Act2:42-47.

Acts 2:42–43 NASB95

42 They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.

Acts 2:44–45 NASB95

44 And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common; 45 and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.

Acts 2:46–47 NASB95

46 Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Why do you think the early church was “continually” devoting themselves to these practices? What do you think these practices look like for us today?

If you start a fire do you put one log or multiple logs on the fire? You put multiple and they keep the fire going longer and hotter together. Community devotion keeps the fire of faith alive too as we will see as we go through this tonight too.

Point 1:

Early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship and prayers (Act2:42)

Disciple-making happens best in relational, communal settings.

We grow as disciples when we learn and live out faith together.

What practices in our church, our fellowship today help you feel most connected to Christ and to others? How can we help others to feel that?

Point 2:

Can you think of a time when someone in the church met a need of yours, maybe even without you asking, how did that impact your faith (Nick, Texas).

The early believers share their lives generously, meeting each other’s needs (Act2:44-45).

Disciple-making requires vulnerability and mutual support.

Community creates a safe space for spiritual growth.

Why is vulnerability so difficult, even among Christians?

Point 3:

How do you think outside, and be honest, would describe our community of believers, if they spent a week among us?

The early church’s unity and love drew others to faith (Act2:47).

Like a lighthouse does not shout out, it just shines out and lights the way of safety, as Christians that is what we are light, a light to lead people to the safety in Christ.

A vibrant, disciple-making community is a powerful witness to the world.

Our collective faithfulness invites others to encounter Jesus.

What could we do as a church that would naturally cause others to ask, “Why are they different?”

Reflection &

Personal Reflection: Are you actively participating in our faith community? Or are you on the sidelines?

Practical step: Invites someone to our small group, or to church, or church event to help build community.

Community challenge: Organize a service project to demonstrate Christ’s love in our area, plan it out, get people to engage and help with it.