Making disciples isn't about running a program; it's about doing life together with intentionality with people up-stream, alongside, and down-stream from us!
The Word:
What's the difference between friendship and discipleship?
Philippians 4:9 ESV
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
What does it mean to “practice” something?
Recap: What are the things Disciples do together?
1. Word
2. Fellowship
3. Worship
4. Prayer
1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV
8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
Break down Paul's statement in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: "So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well." This is the heart of discipleship.
Discipleship includes 3 categories of people:
"Up-stream": Someone who is pouring into me.
"Alongside": Someone I am doing life with.
"Down-stream": Someone I am pouring into.
Challenge:
Find someone to disciple you
Who’s your “one”
Last week: In your phone, make a note and write down the name of a friend of yours who you know needs to hear the gospel. Commit to praying for them this week.
This week: look for opportunities to serve them (with no strings attached)
