Discipleship in a nutshell

TEACH.  MODEL.  PRAY.

~  Discipleship in a nutshell  ~

Teach.                       (Information / Proclamation)

What:  The Scriptures.

The Scriptures are foundational to the life of a follower of Jesus.  Most of what is called discipling or disciplemaking, however, is one dimensional.  It is limited to passing on information.  The information is essential: truth about God, about life, about Jesus, about walking with Him.  But if it is limited to facts and information, people have a head full of knowledge, but need help to learn to put that knowledge into action in order to a life that makes a real difference.  “Knowledge puffs up; love builds up.” (I Corinthians 8:1)           

Most of us know a lot more than we put into practice.  We have enough information to live a godly, obedient life.  Anyone who has been faithful for a few years participating in Sunday morning worship, Bible studies, Sunday school, and fellowship meetings  has enough information to begin to live out their faith in very practical ways.  Spiritual maturity must not be measured by participation in information and teaching/learning sessions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Model.                              (Influence / Affirmation)

How:  Live life together.

Teachers, or “disciplers”, must live what they want to pass on.  Observe the progression in Ezra 7:10 – he first had his heart right, then he studied.  He then lived out what he had studied.  Only after obeying and applying the Scriptures to his own life did he pass on what he had learned from his studies.  Too often, speakers and teachers prepare a lesson by compiling information to pass on.  What is sorely needed is the visible, tangible living out of a walk with God based on Scripture. We live out what we are teaching.  Ezra did not teach anything that he was not already putting into practice in his own life.  That is the essence of modeling.         

Jesus trained His disciples by inviting them into the flow of His life, and by going into their circles with them (John 1:35 – 2: 12; Matt 9:10; Mark 1:29-34; Mark 3:14f)                                      

We need to provide a tangible example to those we are discipling by including them in our lives as much as is practical, and to be available to enter into their lives and activities as well.  It is in the context of living life together that we learn how to live godly lives (Proverbs 13:20; Acts 4:13)

Pray.                          (Intercession / Transformation)

Why:  Transformation is God’s work.

New life in Christ and growth in godliness is ultimately God’s work in another person’s life (I Corinthians 3:6-7).  We have the privilege of God using us as His instrument in the lives of others.  But another’s growth in Christ is not up to us; it is up to Him (I Sam  12:23).