EVERY BELIEVER: MAKING DISCIPLES

 

What is a disciple?

 

A disciple is a devoted follower of Jesus Christ.

 

What are some of the Biblical marks of a disciple?

 

1. Disciples Abide in the Word

 

John 8:31-32: The Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.

 

And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

 

2. Disciples Love One Another

 

John 13:35 – By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

 

3.     Disciples Deny Themselves and Take up the Cross

 

Mark 8:34 – Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.

 

4.     Disciples Make Disciples

 

Matthew 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.

 

Chuck Swindoll – Making disciples isn’t merely a nice option. It’s every believer’s primary mandate.

 

Making disciples is helping another person come one step closer to Jesus Christ.

 

Toney Evans – Loving a person to Jesus until that person can love another person to Jesus.

 

Toney Evans – If two believers each disciples another believer every six months, and those four discipled four more: in 5 years they could reach their community, in 9 years their city, in 14 years our nation, in 16 years our world.

 

5.     How Do We make Disciples?

 

2 Timothy 2:2 – And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

 

a.     Say yes to the call of God to make disciples

 

Matthew 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples.

 

b.     Pray for the Lord to show you the right person to pour into.

 

Luke 11:19 – So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.

 

c.     Invite the person to spend time with you and the Lord together.

 

Acts 16:3 – Paul wanted to have him(Timothy) go on with them.

 

d.     Invest time, prayer, love, and energy

 

1 Thessalonians 2:8 – We were well pleased to impart to you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

 

Core pieces of discipleship: vulnerability, truth of the Word, accountability

 

Every believer needs a Paul in their life, and every believer needs a Timothy.