Topic 2

We need to start with the great commission that Jesus gave to all His followers. 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, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” If we are to make disciples, we need to know what a disciple is. The original English word “disciple” means a student, a learner, or a follower. The word disciple is widely used in the Bible, so today, most other leaders no longer use the word disciple. Therefore, the word disciple means a student, learner, and follower of Jesus.

A good disciple is constantly learning more about Jesus. The writer of Hebrew says it this way, Hebrews 5:11-14, We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

A good disciple is constantly building a better relationship with Jesus. James 4:8a says, “Come near to God, and He will come near to you.” The more time you allow for Jesus, the more exponentially Jesus will spend time with you. Luke 6:38 says,  Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” God’s measures are greater than ours.

A good disciple is constantly making other disciples. It’s true; there is strength in numbers. You can take a popsicle stick and break it with ease. Take three or four popsicle sticks together, and you will not be able to break them. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and we need others' strengths to help us with our weaknesses. 

One resource to get a greater understanding of discipleship is the Victorious Christian Life Academy at VictoriousChristianLifeAcademy.com.