Basic Christianity 104:
Discipleship
Introduction
Every Christian needs to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
To get the most out of this study, please follow these suggestions:
Pray—Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you Learn the basics about discipleship.
Read out loud several times.
First time to pronounce each word
Second time to understand the meaning of each word
Third time to understand the meaning of the whole section
Fourth plus times until you know everything by heart
Write down any and all questions that may arise
Call, text, or email Dr. Gene Behl, Ph.D. 808 345-7532 drgene@thebehls.net
Contact one of the other pastors or elders
Go do
Write out what you believe about discipleship in your own words.
Share with one of the pastoral staff or elders for confirmation and discuss your discipleship experience.
Share with as many people as you can
Share your experiences with The Lord
Share your experiences with others
Who Is a Disciple?
Definition
Webster's definition of a disciple
1 "a pupil or follower of any teacher or school." A true disciple is not just a student or a learner, but a follower: one who applies what he has learned.
2 one who learns, accepts, and assists in spreading the doctrines of another
(https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disciple)
Bible’s definition of a disciple
Those who are obedient and follow Jesus
Luke 9:23 Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Matthew 16:24 then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
Mark 1:17 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”
Mark 10:21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
Matthew 19:21 Matthew 8:22 John 13:36 Matthew 4:19
Many more Bible verses tell us to follow Jesus.
Benefits of Becoming a Disciple of Jesus Christ
We will rule with Jesus
Matthew 19:28 Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Acts 11:26,
We will be reunited with Jesus
Romans 6:5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Matthew 12:49, John 14:6
We will have fellowship with Jesus
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
We will have rest with Jesus
Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Acts 13:52
Many more Bible verses tell us about the benefits of following Jesus
How do I become a disciple of Jesus Christ?
1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Colossians 3:23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
1 Timothy 4:4-6 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.
Prayer
Develop and maintain a healthy prayer life
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 6:18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
There is a lot of information available on prayer. Find what works for you.
Jesus taught us how to pray.
Mathew 6:9-13 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
Find studies about this prayer outline to pray as Jesus prayed.
Suggest reading Barbara Behl’s blog on “The Lord’s Prayer”
Learn to journal. Write down what the Holy Spirit is teaching you as you pray.
There are a lot of prayer meetings and prayer groups that you can get involved with. Find some that work for you.
Always find ways to improve your prayer life. Keep in mind: Although time in prayer is very important, quality (how you pray) is usually better than quantity (time praying).
James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
Bible Reading
Develop and maintain a healthy Bible reading plan
Psalm 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
There is a lot of information available on Bible reading. Find what works for you.
The s.o.a.p. Bible study method by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro is one of the best plans available.
Learn to journal. Write down what the Holy Spirit is teaching you as you read the Bible.
The s.o.a.p. Bible study method by Pastor Wayne Cordeiro is one of the best journaling plans available.
Always find ways to improve your Bible reading
2 Timothy 2:15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Witness
Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Matthew 28:19-20 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Help Build up the Church (Other disciples)
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Ephesians 4:11-12 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Many more Bible verses tell us about how to be the best disciple of Jesus Christ.
Continue to study your faith and beliefs. You can never know too much about your journey with the Lord.
There are a lot of formal and informal Bible base education institutions. Many of these are free to students. (All though tax-deductible donations are appreciated) .
Suggested: Victorious Christian Life Academy