Discipleship: Proper Follow-Up (2)
Notes
Transcript
Text: Matthew 28:19-20
When an individual has accepted Christ as their Savior, the whole matter of the “Great Commission” is only ¼ complete.
Step #1: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations - Salvation
Step #2: Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost - Baptism
Step #3: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you – Discipleship
Step #4: Seeing the new convert come full circle to now become the one sharing the Gospel (“Go…”) and seeing individuals through this process as well!
What is involved in discipleship?
Briefly, these things are involved in discipleship…
Assurance
Assurance
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.
Baptism
Baptism
Church Attendance
Church Attendance
And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Our faithfulness in attending our local church isn’t just about us; it’s about others!
But, we must remember:
Church attendance alone does not guarantee success.
We need to go from simple church attendance to church involvement.
Personal Devotions
Personal Devotions
Two of the greatest areas in which a new Christian needs direction are prayer and Bible study.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Note: A formal, “one on one” discipleship will give help in this area.
A new believer should be encouraged to set aside a specific time each day for systematic Bible study.
But, if we are honest, we all need to be constantly reminded and encouraged to do this!
The new believer should understand that Bible study is not merely about “learning the Bible” but about learning about the God of the Bible.
A new believer should be encouraged to “journal” or write down observations, questions, etc. that arise as they read God’s Word.
A new believer should be encouraged to pray before and after they study the Bible.
Before to ask the Holy Spirit to lead them into truth. (John 16:13)
After to ask the Holy Spirit’s help in applying Biblical principles to life.
These are just basic and by no means “all inclusive.”
The Importance of Fellowship
The Importance of Fellowship
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Question: Why is fellowship for a new believer important?
They are going to need to replace the “old crowd” with the “new crowd.”
They are going to need constant encouragement and protection.
We’ll see this again…
They need an example to follow.
They need an atmosphere in which they can comfortably ask questions.
When you have the opportunity to fellowship with others (particularly new believers or “young” believers)…
Speak about things which will be useful for the spiritual edification of the new Christian.
Speak highly of the church and of the pastoral staff.
Talk about the joys of being a Christian.
Introduce the new Christian to other Christians.
Have patience with the new Christian who has not learned to control their vocabulary and habits.
The Importance of Soul-Winning
The Importance of Soul-Winning
I won’t say much about this other than to say that…
A new believer needs to be encouraged to immediately begin sharing his faith with others.
Going back just a bit…One of the things that you can do, immediately after a person accepts Christ, is to have them tell someone.
They will increase in boldness and will grow in their spiritual knowledge as they are confronted with the challenges and questions that arise in active soul winning.
Being an Example
Being an Example
Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.
Every soul-winner – and every Christian for that matter – must be conscious of the fact that they are being watched and consequently should endeavor to be a godly example.
Obviously, the goal is to direct others to follow the example of Jesus Christ and of Him alone.
To understand further the importance of setting a proper example, let’s look at the Apostle Paul’s relationship to the Christians at Thessalonica.
Turn to and read 1 Thessalonians 1:5-7.
There are three important steps to notice from these verses in regard to setting an example for the new Christian.
Paul was the right example. (vs. 5)
Paul was the right example. (vs. 5)
The Thessalonians followed Paul’s example. (vs. 6)
The Thessalonians followed Paul’s example. (vs. 6)
The Thessalonians became examples. (vs. 7)
The Thessalonians became examples. (vs. 7)
To review…
The matter of follow-up and discipleship involve (among other things):
Assurance
Assurance
Baptism
Baptism
Church Attendance
Church Attendance
Teaching the importance of…
Fellowship
Fellowship
Soul-Winning
Soul-Winning
And…
Being an Example
Being an Example
Now, I will admit…
The matter of follow-up and discipleship may not always be glamorous, but it is the vital link that must be provided from birth to maturity.
I’ll close with this…
Follow-up and discipleship require several things…
Time & Effort
Intentionality
