Discipleship For Us

Q: What was 1 take away you took from this class?

Q: Was there a question you felt didn’t get answered or a topic that you felt wasn’t included?

Discipleship has many dimensions, but I’d like to address two.

People

Content

1. People: Advancement into “smaller groups”

Jesus had a special relationship with Peter James and John.

They were called up onto the mount of transfiguration.

They were asked to pray with Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane.

Paul was personally interested in the ministries of Timothy and Titus.

There’s an important internal step I think we need to make internally here for discipleship to take that next step in our Christian walk.

It’s good that we are interested in investing in the life and ministry of the local church, but should also consider how we can be invested in the life and ministry of individuals in the church.

The personal aspect there I believe is important on both ends.

2 goals:

Being known for the advancement of our personal fruitfulness and ministry.

Knowing others for the advancement of their fruitfulness.

Being known helps us address weaknesses and strengths directly. Strengthening weak knees with a special care, and encouraging strengths to be exercised for the good of the body.

How can I be Peter, James or John?

An older more mature brother or sister in the faith.

An elder

Myself

Who are your Peter, James, and John?

Often our Peter, James, and John are right in our home.

Husbands as we lead and love your wives.

Parents as we raise our children.

Someone here in the church who is younger in the faith.

These relationships rarely start without a bit of intentionality.

“I’d like to be discipled.” Letting one of the elders or myself know that is a good way to start.

Ask someone directly. “Would you grab coffee with me?”

“I’d like to disciple someone.” It’s not prideful. It’s stewardship.

We’d be very glad to help you find someone to meet with.

6 items that are easier to do in “smaller groups”

Deeper Content: “Let’s read this together!”

Discussion: “What did you take away from...?”

Encouragement: “You’re not alone. This is the hope we share.”

Example: “Would you like to come over? Would you do this with me?”

Challenging: “Here’s something worth pursuing.”

Correction: “Is this behavior/ belief consistent with the call of Christ and the gospel?”

2. Content: Advancement into “practical theology”

Let’s not forget to finish!

Christian Discipleship:

The Head: What lies do I believe? What truth do I need to believe?

The popular reasoning of the world.

The Work of God (past).

The character of God (present).

The promises of God (future).

The Heart: What do I love that I shouldn’t? What don’t I love that I should?

The Fear of Man

The Fear of God

The Body: What am I doing that I need to stop? What am I not doing that I need to start?

Prevalent sins and temptations in our time.

What does faithfulness look like?

In my home

In my church

In my community.

Christian Witness

Opportunity

Pray

Engagement

Love

Tell

Invite

Proclaim