Episode 29: Making Disciples

The command of Jesus upon His departure was to “go and make disciples.” What is a disciple? How do we make disciples? Are we fulfilling the command of Jesus in this matter? To make a disciple is different from making a convert. Jesus said “it is enough for a disciple to be as His master.” The thought in discipleship is conformity to Christ in all matters. Many have seen the demands of discipleship and pursued the matter in many ways. Did Jesus give us instructions for how this is to be carried out? How does discipleship fit into God’s overall plan?

• All aspects of God’s working must be seen together (no contradiction)
o Discipleship addresses the individual part of God’s working
o The church (assembly) emphasizes of the corporate part
o The Family of God speaks of the corporate structure and atmosphere
o The Body of Christ speaks of the corporate expression of God’s grace to others
o The Bride of Christ speaks of the ultimate goal in eternity
• The basic thought in discipleship is to be like his master in all things (Luke 6:40)
o In nature (born of God)
o In character (conformed to His image)
o Devoted to Christ (ready to be married to Him for all eternity)
o A learner, follower, and reproducer
• Discipleship must be worked in the context of the church (Eph. 4 & 5)
o God has given grace to men to make disciples, preparing them to minister to others
o Christ is the One who disciples us to Himself by the Holy Spirit through men (Eph. 5)
o God’s way is multiple channels of grace, not just one man
• To be a disciple of Christ:
o Alive to God by the Spirit
o Under the authority of Christ
o Able to receive the grace of God through men
• To be useful in God’s hands to disciple others to Christ
o An example of a disciple
o Sensitive to the Holy Spirit (living relationship)
o Devotion to Jesus above every other relationship (Luke 14:26)
o Dead to self-interests, willing to suffer (Luke 14:27, Rom 6)
o Personal involvement with others in real life experience

http://www.ntchurchsource.com/literature/read/discipleship/

• Additional resources at  http://www.ntchurchsource.com/
• Theme song “Will Your Anchor Hold” sung by J. Ashley Milne
• Comments and questions welcome. Email [email protected]