The Process of Discipleship

 

Purpose of this seminar:

  1. Believers would develop a Biblical approach to discipleship
  2. Believers would have a workable plan for discipleship

 

1. What is Discipleship?

 

Disciple:

1. mathetes (3101), lit., “a learner” (from manthano, “to learn,” from a root math—, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor), in contrast to didaskalos, “a teacher”; hence it denotes “one who follows one’s teaching,” as the “disciples” of John, Matt. 9:14; of the Pharisees, Matt. 22:16; of Moses, John 9:28; it is used of the “disciples” of Jesus (a) in a wide sense, of Jews who became His adherents, John 6:66; Luke 6:17, some being secretly so, John 19:38; (b) especially of the twelve apostles, Matt. 10:1; Luke 22:11, e.g.; (c) of all who manifest that they are His “disciples” by abiding in His Word, John 8:31, cf. 13:35; 15:8; (d) in the Acts, of those who believed upon Him and confessed Him, 6:1-2, 7; 14:20, 22, 28; 15:10; 19:1, etc.

A “disciple” was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; cf. John 8:31; 15:8.

[1]

Mentor:

 

1. Capitalized: a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus’s son Telemachus.

 

2. a: a trusted counselor or guide

Webster’s dictionary

 

A Disciple is: one who Imitates/Patterns/ example from another, who has authority, in such a way that it literally changes his/her live.

 

Discipleship is: Developing disciples by teaching others to be what you already are.

 

2. Principles of Discipleship

 

Two words are used to indicate discipleship:

 

Follow(imitate) and example (pattern)

 

 

Ephesians 5:1

  • Imitate by: Removing sin

 

1 Corinthians 4:16

  • Imitate by: Relationship Building

 

1 Corinthians 11:1

  • Imitate by: Restricting Liberty

 

1 Thessalonians 1:6; 2:14; Hab. 3:17-18

  • Imitate by: Resolute living with joy

 

Hebrews 6:12

  • Imitate by: Reaching higher

 

NOTE: Paul was a team player. The word follower is in the plural.

 

3. Philosophy of Discipleship

 

To see a believer mature in their Christian walk/life by listening, learning and living Biblical principles through the example and exhortation of another.

 

4. Purpose of Discipleship

 

The Spiritual growth of believers.

 

5. Program for Discipleship

 

Ensample – pattern

 

Example of its use in Scripture:

John 20:25; 1 Cor 10:6; 1 Thes 1:7; 1 Tim 4:12; Titus 2:7-8

 

1.        Put together a plan for spiritual growth.

 

2 Thes 3:9; 1 Peter 5:3; Phil 3:17

 

2.       Put together a 3 fold discipleship plan

a.      Very Resourceful People

 

They IGNITE our passion

 

Find a Paul

 

 

 

b.     Very Important People

 

They SHARE our passion

 

Find an Epaphroditus – Philippians 2: 25-30

 

            Brother -                      Close

            Laborer-                       companion

            Fellow Soldier              Comrade (WWII vets)

            Messenger                    Communicator

            Minister to wants          care-taker

 

c.      Very Teachable People

 

They CATCH our passion

 

Find a Timothy (Philippians 2: 20-22)

 

Someone who is:

 

Faithful

 

Follower

 

Reach the reachable and teach the teachable!

 

Those to be aware of:

 

d.     Very Nice People

 

They enjoy our passion

 

e.      Very Draining People

 

They sap our passion

 

 

Aim – Goal, set specific goals

 

Appointment – schedule into daily routine

 

Accountability – people, learn from then pour into another


[1]Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words. Nashville: T. Nelson.