A Disciple's Profile

L i v i n g Wo r d D i s c i p l e s h i p R e s o u r c e
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Gospel-Centered Discipleship............................ 4
A Passion for Discipleship ...................................13
A Disciple’s Profile ...............................................19
Foundations for Discipleship ............................. 23
Small Group Discipleship ................................... 28
Discipleship with Accountability ....................... 39
Disciple-Making Process ..…............................... 43
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OVERVIEW
The entire Christian life is built on the theological foundation of
discipleship and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Sadly today, the centrality of
the gospel and the biblical method in disciple-making has become hazy and
has lost its meaning and purpose.
Today, not only are Christians untrained to penetrate their spheres of

influence; their values have slipped as well. The difference between a
Christian and a non-Christian is now hard to distinguish.
Due to a fragmented understanding on discipleship, most Christians today

display conformity to culture rather than Scripture. As a result, the church is
weak in training and weak in character with no spiritual depth of both
knowledge and wisdom.
While it is undeniable that the church is surrounded by these problems, we

urgently need to regain the biblical purpose and meaning of discipleship.
Disciple-making takes more faith than any other mission in the local church. It
faces a lot of opposition from within and without. Most people in church
today have adopted a consumer-mentality such that the thought of
discipleship becomes boring and unappealing.
Cheap Christianity can usually pull a pretty good attendance on Sunday

morning. It is cheap whenever the people think of themselves as spectators at
a performance. You can always get a crowd, if you demand very little and
put on a show. Cheap Christianity promises a lot but requires a little
(Trueblood, 1983: 19).
We need to re-focus on Christ’s obvious commands to cure the ailments of

Christianity. Short-cuts don’t work. Disciple-making takes time, the results
come slower and it requires commitment and hard work. But the benefits are
worth the wait, time and effort. We must produce healthy, reproducing
believers who impact their world for Christ. How to do that is the heart of this
discipleship material.
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To facilitate interaction in your small group we have

three level questions- OPEN, DIG, and REFLECT.
OPEN questions - designed to cultivate an

interest for learning by allowing group
members to share absolute facts or personal
opinion.
DIG questions - designed to dig into

Scripture by studying the main context and
spiritual principles found in each verse.
REFLECT questions - designed to take spiritual

inventory. Here’s the chance to share your
spiritual jour ney, your tur ning points,
struggles, goals and where you need the
support of your small group.
GOSPEL meditation- The group ends by

meditating on a passage that
communicates God’s saving grace. Each
disciple-maker must lead the group back to
the cross after every discussion.
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GOSPEL-CENTERED DISCIPLESHIP
The entire Christian life is built on the theological foundation of discipleship and
the gospel of Jesus Christ. Churches slip into error whenever they move away
from the gospel as their foundation.
The gospel that saves individuals is also the gospel that grows individuals
through discipleship.
OPEN: Why is it important for every Christian and Church to be gospel-

centered?
Read: Matthew 13:23
DIG: What do you think does the seed symbolize in verse 23?
The seed that plays an important role in every stage of the discipleship process
is the gospel. It is the seed that is sown in reaching people in evangelism and
discipleship.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation for discipleship and spiritual formation
from beginning to end.
Understanding the Gospel
Many Christians have an inaccurate and man-centered understanding of the
gospel. Without a solid grasp on the gospel, a dysfunctional and fragmented
faith is the result.
OPEN: Can you give some examples of ”false-gospels” being taught even in
church? Why is it harmful to the church?
Three things result when we move away from the gospel: legalism,
condemnation, and subjectivism (Mahaney, 2002: 26).
It is crucial for the church to regain a clear and biblical understanding of the
gospel in the 21st century.
The gospel is not only the most important message in history; it is the only
essential message in all of history. Yet we allow thousands of professing
Christians to live their entire lives without clearly understanding it and
experience the joy of living their lives (Bridges, 1994: 46).
OPEN: What happens when a church has no clear understanding about the
gospel? Can you give your personal understanding on the gospel?
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Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3
OPEN: Why do you think the gospel is of first importance for Paul?
Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
DIG: What are the four things that happened to Christ according to the
passage above?
Jesus: died, buried, raised, appeared.

There is an important connection between the gospel and discipleship. Our
theology has a direct effect on our ministry and discipleship. In many ways, our
discipleship is the fruit of our theology. Therefore, Church leaders can use church
growth principles to add people to the church; however, only the gospel can
grow people into disciples of Jesus Christ (Bevins, 2009: 24).
What is the gospel? The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, who is the
Son of God, died for our sins on the cross of Calvary. The gospel is a
declaration of the sinless life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Tim Keller (2008: __ ) skillfully describes the gospel as, The person and work of
Jesus Christ, God fully accomplishes salvation for us, rescuing us from judgment
for sin into fellowship with Him, and then restores the creation in which we
can enjoy our new life together with Him forever.
Read: 2 Timothy 2:8
DIG: What is Paul’s gospel according to the verse above?
Read: Galatians 1:9
DIG: What happens to a person who preaches another gospel? Why is

that fatal?
Doctrines of Grace
For us to be gospel-centered we need to know the doctrines of grace. Men like
Martin Luther and John Calvin fought to bring a reformation to the church
that would bring back the truth about the gospel.
During the Protestant Reformation, five foundations summarized what the
Reformers were trying to do. These were known as the "Five Solas" (Latin for
'only' or 'alone') of the Reformation: the authority of scripture, salvation in
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Christ alone, by Grace alone, through faith alone, and to God Alone Be
Glory (Horton, 1994).
These “Five Solas” serve as pillars for the Christian faith.
OPEN: Describe the importance of the ”Five Solas” for the Christian faith.
A gospel-centered view of salvation must always be Christocentric. Christianity

starts and ends with Jesus Christ. The word Christian literally means “like Christ.”
A gospel-centered theology must be established in discipleship to distinguish a man-
centered gospel from a God-centered view of salvation.
The gospel is not only for saving but for living as well. The gospel is for all of life.
Not only should we have a biblical understanding of the gospel but we should
also apply it to every area of our lives.
REFLECT: How can you apply the gospel in your everyday life?
The gospel is to be applied in our thinking, feeling, playing, working and behaving
and planning.
Believers should memorize the gospel, study the gospel, pray the gospel, sing
the gospel and review how the gospel has changed your life (Mahaney, 2002:
53-71).
This is the reason why the gospel is the foundation for discipleship.
OPEN: How can you benefit from applying C.J. Mahaney’s conviction on
living a gospel-centered life?
There is an important connection between the gospel and discipleship. It is
only when a person grows in his knowledge and experience about the gospel that
he can grow in the discipleship process.
The impact of the gospel in his life makes discipleship exciting and delightful rather
than lifeless or dry.
REFLECT: Can you honestly say that you live a gospel-centered life each
day? If not, how can you start living a gospel-centered life?
Dr. Daniel Akin (2009) declared that we must be gospel-centered in all our
endeavors for the glory of God.
He mentioned the need for Christians to be gospel-centered:
- Being “gospel- centered” means we are “grace- centered.” It means loving

the people Jesus loves and reaching out to those rejected and even scorned
by the Pharisees of our day.
- A radically gospel-centered life will promote a grace-filled salvation from

beginning to end putting on display the beauty of the gospel in all of life’s
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aspects. It will remind us that we do not obey in order to be accepted; we
obey because we are accepted by God in Christ.
OPEN: Why does the gospel make us more gracious rather than judgmental
toward others?
The gospel is not an addition to our ministry or even a starting point; rather,
the gospel must saturate every part of our church’s life.
Each phase of our discipleship process should also be gospel-centered. From
evangelism to discipleship, to prayer and worship, to counseling and mentoring,
the gospel must be central.
REFLECT: What have you learned from our lesson today? How will this benefit
you spiritually?
Note: End by thanking God for His grace in your small group. Dedicate yourselves to
the Lord as you start using A Disciple’s Profile. Pray also for God’s favor and wisdom
for your group next meeting as you learn about the gospel. You could also write the
things you have learned and how it has ministered to you on your journal below.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Romans 6:22-23
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GOSPEL-CENTERED DISCIPLESHIP
GOD IS HOLY
Read: Isaiah 6:3
DIG: Why is the word holy repeated three times?
Repetition in Hebrew signifies importance or emphasis. To repeat a word three times

means it is of super importance.
Although God is a God of love, He does not cancel out His justice and righteousness.
Jerry Bridges (2002:43) says, God does not exalt His mercy at the expense of His
justice. And in order to maintain His justice, all sin without exception must be
punished.
Read: Psalm 33:5; Psalm 89:14; Psalm 97:2
OPEN: Give some observations about the verses you just read.
For God to tolerate wrong would be to deny His own righteousness and justice.
Certainly God is incapable of doing such a thing. He will deal decisively with all evil.
Read: Habakkuk 1:13
If we are going to understand the gospel we need to know that this loving and
compassionate God is also holy and righteous and that He is determined never to
overlook or tolerate since.
MAN IS A SINNER
Read: Romans 3:10-18
DIG: What does it say about the condition of man?
An awareness about man’s inability to change and save himself must be established
in sharing the gospel.
A gospel-centered discipleship can only begin when a person trusts in Jesus Christ as
his Lord and Savior and turning away from sin to follow Christ.
Since God is holy and man is a sinner, Christ needed to be our substitute to
accomplish what we could not.
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1. A perfect life- to accomplish the legal demand of the law (Romans 8:3-4).
2. A perfect death- to pay for the legal penalty of the law (Romans 5:6-8).
DIG: Why is it impossible for man to save himself through obedience to the
law?
GRACE
OPEN: How can man be justified (declared not guilty but righteous by
God)?
OPEN: How was the justice and love of God displayed on the cross?
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13

The beauty of salvation is seen when the justice and love of God meet at the cross of
Christ.
FAITH
DIG: How can a person receive God’s free gift of salvation?
Faith involves: renunciation and reliance
Renunciation means to avoid trusting our own good works to save us.
Read: Romans 4:4-5; 10:1-4; Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9
DIG: Why do these verses command us not to trust in our good works?
Reliance means trusting entirely in the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.
OPEN: What does it mean to entirely trust in Jesus for salvation?
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Elements of Saving Faith:
Knowledge- of the Gospel through God’s word.

Agreement- of your own sinfulness and inability to change and save yourself.
Trust- in Jesus Christ’s perfect life and obedient death on your behalf as the only way
to salvation.
God declares us righteous on the basis of the real accomplished righteousness of

Christ, imputed to us because of our union with Him (Bridges, 2002: 94).
Read: Ephesians 2:8-9
DIG: Why is man saved by grace through faith and not by works?
Grace does not just save and free man from guilt and condemnation but it also
gives us the power to change for the glory of God.
RESURRECTION
What makes the gospel “good news” to us is only because Jesus is no longer dead
but alive. He rose from the grave to prove that God’s wrath and holiness is satisfied
and that He is the true Messiah.
OPEN: To whom did Jesus Christ appear according to the passage above?
Does this strengthen your faith knowing that Jesus is alive forevermore?
Explain your answer.
This demonstrated an acceptance of Christ's service in his ministry and

specifically showed God's acceptance of his sacrifice for all those who would
repent and believe (Dever, 2008: 2502).
REPENTANCE
True saving faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is

more than simply being sorry for sin. It is agreeing with God that you are sinful,
confessing your sins to Him, and making a conscious choice to turn from sin and
pursue holiness.
OPEN: Give some observations about what repentance should involve.
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Salvation is the work of God from beginning to end. Salvation is wholly

dependent upon the work of God's Spirit and grace. God credits His
righteousness to those who put their faith in Christ alone for their salvation,
thereby justifying them in His sight.
REFLECT: Realizing that you have been declared righteous by God because
of your faith in Christ, how has it changed the way you live?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Ephesians 2:4-5
JOURNAL:
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A PASSION FOR DISCIPLESHIP

The 1980 Gallup poll showed that of the 22 million church going evangelicals, only 7
percent had evangelistic training and only 2 percent shared the gospel to someone.
The survey shows that the majority of evangelical churches are weak, untrained and
superficial. A shift has taken place where the church has been discipled by culture
instead.
OPEN: Do you think this survey is still true in most evangelical churches
today? Cite some examples.
Cheap Christianity can usually pull a pretty good attendance on Sunday morning. It
is cheap whenever the people think of themselves as spectators at a performance.
You can always get a crowd, if you demand very little and put on a show. Cheap
Christianity promises a lot but requires a little (Trueblood, 1983: 19).
REFLECT: Do you agree with Elton Trueblood’s statement on cheap

Christianity? Can you see some evidences in yourself as a spectator in
church?
The only solution to this problem is obedience to the Great Commission. The church
needs to prioritize disciple-making.
The real test for a church is how effectively church members penetrate their world for
Christ.
Today, not only are Christians untrained to penetrate their spheres of influence; their
values have fallen as well. The difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is
now hard to detect. The Christian’s behavior displays conformity to culture rather
than Scripture.
Therefore the church is weak in training and weak in character. There is no spiritual
depth of both knowledge and wisdom. Years ago Billy Graham said that 95 percent
of all Christians live in failure and defeat.
REFLECT: How has the world affected your way of thinking and living in some
areas of your life? Has it led to defeat in your Christian life?
A mind-shift must take place to cure the sickness of Christianity. We must produce
healthy, reproducing believers who impact their world for Christ. How to do that is
the heart of this discipleship material.
Disciple-making takes more faith than any other mission in church. It faces a lot of
opposition from within and without. Most people in church have a consumer-
mentality that the thought of discipleship becomes allergic and unappealing.
There will be great resistance and challenges in disciple-making.

But it is the only way Christians could impact their world for Christ. Short-cuts don’t
work. Disciple-making takes time, the results come slower and it requires commitment
and hard work. But the benefits are worth the wait, time and effort.
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OPEN: Give your own definition or idea on what discipleship is.
There are several misconceptions about discipleship. They say, “If you want to be a
pastor, missionary or serve full-time, then discipleship is for you.”
We need to have a re-focus to Christ’s obvious commands. Discipleship is for every

believer in Christ. Gospel-centered discipleship should be central and foundational in
every church. It must produce a gospel-centered, fruit-bearing disciple.
Christ’s mandate is found in Matthew 28:18-20.
Three important actions are found in the text: going, baptizing and teaching.
Going could be understood to mean, “as you are going.” Therefore as you are going
through life, whether you are a student or a business man, this work is for you.
This makes it clear that disciple-making is not passive but pro-active. We engage in
our culture by sharing and living out the gospel.
The disciple-making process starts from conversion to trained disciple-maker. What

happens in between is the process called discipleship. Disciple-making introduces
people to the Savior, leads them to maturity and mentors them to reproduce and be
effective for Christ.
Baptizing requires that a new believer makes a public confession of faith on how
Christ has saved and changed his life.
Read: Colossians 2:12
DIG: What does baptism symbolize or signify to you?
Baptism represents an identification with Christ in His death (Romans 6:4-6) along with
an identification with Christ in His resurrection (Ephesians 2:6).
Dying and rising with Christ signifies death to the power of sin and Satan plus
empowerment to live the new life that Jesus calls believers to live in imitation of Him
(Romans 6:3-11).
Teaching is the method by which disciples of Jesus are continually transformed to

become more like Christ (Matt. 10:24–25; Luke 6:40; Rom. 8:29; 2 Cor. 3:18). Teaching
is the most crucial part in discipleship.
The main command of the text is to “make disciples.” Making disciples means
teaching people to obey all of God’s commands. When a disciple grows, he will
begin to evangelize his world and make disciples.
This is the way we can reach out to the world and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Great Commission without multiplication is evangelism paralyzed neck down.
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Evangelism followed by discipleship is the right way to lead a person to gospel

growth.
Jesus did not just say make converts. He commands us to make disciples. When a
disciple is made, two good things happen: he makes converts and multiplies himself.
Note: End by praying for your small group meeting next week as you learn more
about
being a true disciple of Jesus.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: 2 Corinthians 5:21
JOURNAL:
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A PASSION FOR DISCIPLESHIP
OPEN: What is a disciple?
The English word disciple is derived from the Latin term “discipulus” meaning
“learner” or “pupil.”
Jesus characterized disciples as people of devotion and obedience. Disciples do

more than simply believe; many believed in Christ, yet few surrendered their lives to
Him.
Thousands followed Christ during the height of His popularity but when persecution
intensified in the early church we find only 120 disciples.
Read: Acts 1:14-15
A true disciple displays belief by action.
Jesus’ Definition of Disciples
We get a biblical definition on what a disciple is through the teachings of Jesus. He

was a disciple-maker. We can summarize Jesus’ definition on a disciple as follows.
A disciple:
Puts Christ first before all things (Luke 14:25-35).

Is committed to obey Christ’s commands (John 8:31).
Remains in Christ (John 15:7-17).
Denies self, takes up his cross daily to follow Him (Luke 9:23-25).
Is committed to world evangelism (Matthew 9:36-38).
Loves Christ and others(John 13:34-35).
If a person is not willing to devote himself to such things, Jesus declares three times,
“He cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26-27, 33).
DIG: Based on the verses you read, give your own definition on what a true
disciple is.
God desires that every believer be His disciple. He wants every Christian to
experience gospel growth. Christ commissioned the church to make disciples so that
two things happen: that the church will produce a disciple who is committed to
world evangelization and discipleship.
Only disciples reproduce and multiply. Therefore disciple-making must be the passion
and goal of every local church.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Galatians 2:19-21
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A DISCIPLE’S PROFILE
Read: John 15:7-17
Jesus describes to us the product of the Great Commission or Disciple-Making.
A disciple’s profile has 7 commitments:
1. Committed to Remain in Christ
Jesus’ relationship to his disciples is like that of a vine to the branches. For gospel
growth to take place, a Christian must be committed to remain in Christ. When this
happens the disciple will bear fruit and become more like Christ.
Remain comes from the Greek word “mena”, meaning “to abide or maintain
contact for a sustained time.” A disciple must maintain this relationship up to the very
end.
OPEN: How can you remain in Christ each day?
Each Christian makes the choice daily, “Will I follow Christ today?” Each person is
commanded to respond to the call of Christ in Mark 1:17.
Too many think that when you become a Christian you turn on the spiritual autopilot
(Hull, 1988: 61).
They think the Christian growth is automatic. This is why it is important to know how
we can remain in Christ. Growth is a process, it takes time and discipline.
The daily decision to follow Christ allows the disciple to grow and remain in Christ. By
starting with the conditional if, Jesus clearly reminds us of our ongoing responsibility to
remain in Him.
To remain in Christ, a disciple must be:
a. Committed to Scripture
The disciple has a commitment to Scripture (John 8:31). This commitment is

demonstrated in his attitude toward Scripture.
b. Focused to Study
Read: 2 Timothy 2:15
DIG: What are the advantages of being committed to Scripture?
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Do your best means to be diligent, to make every effort to understand Scripture well
so you can have the ability to apply the Bible to life.
c. Equipped to Battle
DIG: How can a Christian fight his daily battles in the world he lives in?
When a disciple knows the Bible well enough, through study and meditation he can
fight temptation and protect himself against the lies and philosophies of the world.
The disciple is confronted daily with thousands of messages and worldly ideas. A
biblical defense system gives him the discernment to distinguish what is true or false.
Read: Colossians 2:8
DIG: What happens when a Christian does not study the Bible? Why is that
fatal?
If you haven’t studied it you will not be equipped to battle. Every Christian must
make war with the world, the flesh and the devil. The question is: Are you equipped
for the battle? The disciple is; the majority is not.
d. Trained to Defend
Read: 1 Peter 3:15
OPEN: Have you encountered a person who denies the reliability of the
Bible? How did you deal with it?
In order to defend the faith among those seeking to destroy the Christian message,
the disciple must study Scripture to renew his mind.
A commitment to study Scripture allows the disciple to spot counterfeit teaching. He

is also able to answer the basic questions that people ask: “How do you know the
Bible is dependable?” “If God is good, why does God allow suffering and evil?”
“How can you say that Jesus is the only way to God?”
The disciple must possess the ability and knowledge to answer such questions. Study,
fight and defend are the results from being committed to Scripture.
2. Committed to Prayer
Read: John 15:7
REFLECT: How is your prayer life doing? What are the struggles you face in
prayer?
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John 15:7 speaks of effective prayer. A disciple knows what and how to pray. He also
knows what not to ask for, as well.
2 Qualifications of answered prayer: 1. Obedience (1 John 3:22), 2. Praying

according to the will of God (1 John 5:14, 15).
Our relationship with God deepens when there is communion with Him. God
communicates to us through His word, we communicate to Him through prayer.
Read: Psalm 139:23-24
DIG: What do these verses teach us when we pray to God?
A disciple learns to talk to God by listening to what He says first. Prayer responds to
what God has already said. To remain in Christ we need both God’s Word and
prayer.
Most of our failures and problems are a result of our failure to commune with God.
We do not take time to listen to His voice, and understand His perfect will for us.
OPEN: Give an example in your life when you experienced failure or defeat
due to lack of prayer.
It is not wrong to ask God for help. In fact, He wants us to (Matthew 7:7-8). Prayer
becomes wrong when we only want to get things from God. He doesn’t get time to
nourish our souls or a devotion to serve and obey Him.
A commitment to Scripture and prayer are the basics that give a disciple a lifelong
commitment to Christ. The Christian can be effective in using his gifts, talents and
resources when he has this foundation.
about being a true disciple of Jesus.
JOURNAL:
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3. Committed to Obey
Read: John 15:9-10; Matthew 28:20; John 14:21
DIG: Give the reason why we obey God?
Jesus’ command to make disciples in Matthew was “…teaching them to obey

everything I have commanded you…” is so important in making disciples because
obedience does not come naturally (Romans 8:7-8).
Jesus links obedience to love (John 15:9-10; John 14:15; John 14:21). He taught that
love equals obedience. The immature Christian waits until he feels like it before he
obeys. The disciple obeys out of joy because of his love for God.
The difference between a disciple and the “Church-goer” is the disciple’s

commitment to obey God regardless of his circumstance.
A person can only obey when he has experienced the saving grace of God through
faith in the gospel (1 John 4:19). God loved us first by sending His Son, Jesus Christ to
die for our sins.
Read: 1 Timothy 2:5-6
OPEN: Give the reason why we are now able to love and obey God?
The secret to a deeper knowledge of God is found on the path of obedience. Have
you ever wondered why some people seem to know more about God than others?
It is because they have walked down the path of obedience for many years, and
God has taught them much through His word and daily experiences.
4. Committed to Grow
Read: John 15:8; John 15:6
OPEN: How can a person bear fruit?
If the branch remains connected to the vine for sufficient time, it will bear fruit. If the
disciple remains in Christ each day, the disciple will bear fruit (Hull,1988).
When a disciples bears fruit:
1. It glorifies God (John 15:8)

2. It proves he is genuinely saved (John 15:16)
3. It produces more fruit (Galatians 5:22)
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REFLECT: Are there some areas in your life that need to be surrendered to
God in loving obedience?
One of the evidences of a fruit-bearing Christian is the passion and ability to share
the gospel. Some Christians do not evangelize, but true disciples always share their
faith to a lost world.
Evangelism must take place first before we begin making disciples.
REFLECT: Do you share the gospel regularly? What are the challenges you
face in sharing your faith? What can you do to overcome them?
The disciple’s behavior is tested in his ability to penetrate his world for Christ through
sharing and living the gospel. Regardless of his location, whether he is at home, in
the office, in school or at church he will always bear fruit.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: 1Timothy 2:5-6
JOURNAL:
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5. Committed to Glorify God
The Westminster Catechism says: The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy
Him forever.
The purpose of discipleship and the Christian life is to glorify God. It is what every
disciple is called to do wherever he is.
Read: Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 3:20-21
REFLECT: How can you glorify God each day in your life?
The church glorifies God most by making disciples. The church primarily exists to
glorify God by producing disciples who lead people to Christ through evangelism
and discipleship.
6. Committed to Joy
Read: John 15:11
OPEN: What is the difference of joy from happiness?
Joy is different from happiness. Happiness comes and goes with the conditions of life.
Anyone who has a good life can experience happiness without any action from
God.
Joy on the other hand comes from knowing God. Happiness can be lost when bad
things happen but joy can never be altered when it is anchored in God.
Jesus had joy when He went to the cross. Paul wrote with joy while in prison. Many
martyrs and others who have suffered have experienced uncontrollable joy during
times of great suffering.
Read: Habakkuk 3:16-18
DIG: What lead Habakkuk to rejoice in God in spite of the coming invasion
by the Babylonians?
Read: John 10:10
DIG: How can you experience the full life?
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Living the full life Jesus promised is by applying the things you have just learned
about the disciple’s profile. He assures us that when we accept Him as Lord and
Savior and live in loving obedience, His favor and joy would overflow through us.
If you will abide in Him through the word and prayer, if you will obey Him, and bear
fruit as you share the gospel, you will glorify God and be the glad recipient of great
joy.
REFLECT: Give experiences of deep joy in your Christian life. What led you to
feel that way?
7. Committed to Love
Read: John 15:12-14, 17
It would be a joy to love others when a disciple bears fruit as he walks in loving
obedience for God.
Jesus said: “Love each other as I have loved you.” He doesn’t expect us to love
others perfectly but does expect us to imitate Him.
REFLECT: Do you find it hard to love and forgive others? How can you
overcome this struggle?
We ourselves have experienced His love in many ways. That experience must
overflow not only toward our families and friends but even toward our enemies as
well (Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 4:32).
The mark of a disciple is love. Love is clearly seen when we win others for Christ and
love our enemies. Christ’s love for mankind is the greatest display of unconditional
love (Ephesians 5:1-2).
OPEN: How can you display the love of Christ to others?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Ephesians 2:1-10
JOURNAL:
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FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP

Discipleship in the local church must lead us to see the big picture.
The big picture, makes us realize that the church does not exist for itself.
Service and dedication to the church itself is not enough. We need to see the big
picture why the church exists.
What is the big picture?
The Church would make disciples to reach the whole world for Christ through the
gospel.
Jesus gave us four principles to see the big picture:
Jesus is the Example
Christ engaged his culture with truth and righteousness. He was bold yet meek. He
was just yet loving. He was brave yet humble. Jesus modeled to us what it means to
live out truth principles in our day and age.
We need to model the life of Christ into the home, workplace, classroom and all the
areas of life and business.
REFLECT: In what ways can you model the life of Christ at home/school/
workplace?
We must display the life and love of Christ to the world through the way we live.
Remember who you are in the world reflects the real you.
OPEN: Give positive changes that could be made when Christians execute
what they have learned into the world arena.
Discipleship prepares the people for the task. Just as five year olds cannot be
expected to get a job and make a living, the church cannot expect its untrained
members to influence society.
To take Christ’s rule to all of life, God uses the church as the vehicle. We need to
display His love, truth and righteousness to the earth as God’s representatives.
The Cross is the Means:
The cross provides salvation.
First, the death of Christ on the cross along with His resurrection accomplished
salvation for sinful humanity. Why is that important? We are by nature rebellious
toward God (Ephesians 2:1-3). The Bible calls our rebellion "sin." According to
Scripture, everyone is guilty of sin: "There is no man who does not sin" (1 Kings 8:46).
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"All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). And we are
incapable of changing our sinful condition. God's holiness and justice demand that
all sin be punished by death: "The soul who sins will die" (Ezekiel 18:4). This punishment
becomes eternal in hell.
DIG: What has sin done to man’s relationship with God? What are the
consequences of sin?
Jesus is the only one who can forgive and transform us, thereby delivering us from
the power and penalty of sin: "There is salvation in no one else; for there is no other
name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be
saved" (Acts 4:12 NASB).
Even though God's justice demands death for sin, His love has provided a Savior, who
paid the penalty and died for sinners: "Christ ... died for sins once for all, the just for
the unjust, in order that He might bring us to God" (1 Peter 3:18 NASB).
Christ's death satisfied the demands of God's justice, thereby enabling Him to forgive
and save those who place their faith in Him (Romans 3:26). John 3:16 says, "God so
loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
should not perish, but have eternal life (NASB).” He alone is "our great God and
Savior" (Titus 2:13 NASB).
DIG: What did Jesus accomplish on the cross?
The cross provides an example. The lessons that we derive from the cross such as
devotion and selflessness reminds us what our approach should be when we commit
to God’s cause (Mark 8:31).
The struggle between God’s interest and our interest is the major problem why the
church isn’t reaching out to the world as it should be.
REFLECT: Is there a struggle in your life that causes you to choose your own
interest over God’s? Why?
Jesus did not turn away from Calvary and that demonstrated His commitment to the
cross. To those who would become His disciples, He communicated it as a principle
(Mark 8:34).
The call to discipleship is a call to deny self.
To cease to make myself the center of my life and actions is what this is all about. It is
no longer my money, my career, my time. We surrender the right to call the shots.
Self-denial means the sustained willingness to say no to self so I can say yes to God.
Self-denial simply eliminates the obstacles or man’s interests that get in the way of
God’s interests (Hull, 1988; 111).
If following Christ gives me a life of joy then I will enjoy it.
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OPEN: Is self-denial a denial of earthly pleasure so we can experience the

ultimate pleasure-God Himself? Why?
The cross for Jesus is what I must do. My cross is what I must do.
My cross is whatever mission God has given me. I must enjoy it and endure it. I will
pick it up daily and follow after Him, not turning back. In order to please God, Jesus
taught the virtues of commitment and willingness to face even death.
Discipleship is helping people say no to self so they can say yes to God.
Unless Christians understand and apply the cross in their lives, not much will be
accomplished.
The resources made available through the finished work of Christ on the cross must
be appropriated. Dedication, self-denial and a willingness to take up their crosses
must be practiced.
OPEN: Give examples on how self-denial has led you to experience greater
pleasure in God.
Note: End by thanking God for the cross as our means to salvation and for its
example. Pray also for your meeting next week as you learn about the method and
motivation in disciple-making.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Isaiah 53:3-6
JOURNAL:
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FOUNDATIONS FOR DISCIPLESHIP
The Great Commission is the Method
Matthew 28:19 “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."(NIV)
The church is the vehicle for the Great Commission.
It is God’s tool for reaching the world. The key to world evangelism is disciple-making
because it triggers multiplication. It produces nothing if evangelism is not coupled
with disciple-making.
Disciple-making makes it possible for the church to bring the life-saving, life-
changing message of Jesus Christ to reach the whole world for Christ.
The successful completion of the Great Commission depends on multiplication. The
result of reproduction (leading a person to Christ) is multiplication. Multiplication is the
passing on of the baton of discipleship from one person to another.
DIG: What did Paul ask Timothy to pass on? Why is the gospel the most
important message to be passed on?
As Paul faces death, he encourages Timothy to pass the gospel on to faithful men
who will in turn teach others, so that the gospel is preserved for coming generations.
The disciple-maker provides training opportunities to equip his members to do the
work of discipleship. To those whom it is passed must pass it on. Disciplers must pass it
on to the right people, reliable in character and qualified to teach others.
Paul---Timothy---faithful members---others
Your discipler---you---faithful members---others
REFLECT: What steps can you make to be a multiplier someday?
The Coming is the Motivation

Matthew 28:20b “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."(NIV)
DIG: How can this verse encourage you to serve God each day?
The Gospel of Matthew ends, not with a command, but with the promise of Jesus'
everlasting guidance and presence. God is with us, "to the very end of the age."
God is not just with us in the future, but He is with us each day.
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This continues to the end of the age (for this expression, see on Matthew 13:39-40, 49;
24:3; cf. Hebrews 9:26)--the end of history as we know it, when the kingdom will be
consummated.
The final challenge is to sustain the disciple’s commitment by consistent motivation
and proper management. The coming of Jesus Christ provides motivation to assist all
Christians in their work.
The signs of Christ’s coming excite and inspire Christians to press on. The coming of
Christ motivates Christians to serve God faithfully and joyfully.
Christ will also return as judge of the world. God will keep His word. Don’t expect
Jesus to return and say: “Hey guys, I was just kidding about hell and about the
necessity of making your life count. All is forgiven, let’s party” (Hull, 1988: 116).
Read: Acts 17:30-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
DIG: How should these verses affect the way you live?
The Christian is called to hold on, work hard and look up. Make it your goal to hear
His voice saying: Well done, good and faithful servant (Hull, 1988: 116).
Remember, God tests our service by faithfulness.
JOURNAL:
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SMALL GROUP DISCIPLESHIP

It’s important for us to examine the subject of small groups. Attending a group
without understanding its real purpose will defeat the purpose why our small group
exists.
If we don’t know God’s purpose for small groups, we will never reach our goal to
become Christ-like disciple-makers.
Some groups started simply because they were popular. It is not built on a biblical
foundation and fails to be effective in leading people to spiritual growth.
OPEN: Why is it important to have a biblical foundation in our small groups?
For lack of a biblical foundation and purpose, many small groups have failed. Other
groups are activity oriented. They feature numerous games and events but fail to
meet with a gospel-centered purpose.
Without any solid biblical content, these gatherings have actually hindered God’s
intentions for us as individuals and groups.
Read: Matthew 7:24-27
DIG: What promise did Jesus give to those who build on the foundation of
His Word?
The importance of small groups must be realized by every Christian and every
church. Why? Because a Christ-centered fellowship is a basic necessity for spiritual
growth.
The New Testament describes fellowship as something vital to a disciple’s spiritual

growth and essential to the Church’s life.
The church will flourish and Christians will be strong only when there is fellowship
(Packer, 1981: 193).
Intimate fellowship isn’t practical in a crowd of 100 or 1,000. To develop intimate

relationships, where they can “know and be known” the church must create small
groups.
When small groups are founded on sound doctrine and sustained by a clear biblical
purpose the church will thrive and disciple-making can happen.
Why do small groups matter?
Let’s examine four essential goals from Scripture:
1. Created for Sanctification
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Theologian Wayne Grudem (1994:746) provides definition of this crucial doctrine:

Sanctification is a progressive work of God and man that makes us more and more
free from sin and like Christ in our actual lives.
The goal of the Christian life is: Increasing freedom from sin and increasing conformity
to Jesus.
Small groups make it possible for this to occur. However some small groups put more
priority on socializing than on sanctification. The members are also not confronted
with sin or challenged to change. As a result gossip and division takes place.
OPEN: Give some consequences of a small group that has no biblical

foundation.
A group that meets without any biblical purpose of pursuing character

transformation can do more harm than good.
Doctrine must be faithfully taught to provide a foundation for growth. Most groups
have little knowledge about the difference between the doctrine of sanctification
and the doctrine of justification. This confusion has led to serious damage on the
disciple’s understanding about salvation and Christian living.
OPEN: Can you give the difference of sanctification from justification?
Wayne Grudem (1994:723) defines the doctrine of justification this way: Justification is
an instantaneous legal act of God in which he 1.) thinks of our sins as forgiven and
Christ’s righteousness as belonging to us; 2.) declares us to be righteous in his sight.
Justification refers to a Christian’s position before God.
The moment you were born again God justified you. On the basis of Christ’s finished
work, God thought of your sins as forgiven and declared that you were righteous
(Mahaney, 1996: 4).
Read: Romans 5:1-2.
DIG: In three words, summarize the benefit of justification that you find
described in this passage.
Sanctification, on the other hand, refers to our practice before God. It is the ongoing
process of fighting sin and becoming more like Jesus. Though sanctification is the
evidence and goal of our justification, we must never see it as the basis of our
justification (Mahaney, 1996: 4).
Justification is about being declared righteous; sanctification is about becoming

more like Christ. Justification is immediate; sanctification is a gradual process.
Sanctification is a process that lasts as long as we live. Finally, while every Christian
enjoys the same degree of justification, we vary in terms of sanctification.
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You will notice some grow faster than others. But by God’s grace, as you cooperate
with God’s Spirit in the process of change you will become more like Jesus.
REFLECT: How can small groups contribute to the gradual work of

sanctification in your life?
Sanctification cannot be achieved when a person is in isolation from the local

church. Sanctification is intended to take place in the local church—and small
groups contribute to this process.
Read: Hebrews 10:24-25
DIG: How have you benefited from having others “spur you on” in the
faith?
Small groups provide the encouragement, correction, and accountability that help
us remain in Christ.
As important as it is to cultivate a personal relationship with God by practicing the

spiritual disciplines, we need others to help us in our pursuit of sanctification. If you
have a passion for personal change—and every Christian should—then you will be
glad when others challenge you to grow (Mahaney , 1996: 6).
Note: End by thanking God for making you part of your small group. Pray also for
God’s wisdom and direction to be upon your group so each member can
experience spiritual growth.
GOSPEL MEDITATION: 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
JOURNAL:
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DIG: According to Ephesians 4:15, what two ingredients must be present in

our communication with other Christians?
Progress in sanctification will not take place if we are not part of a small group.
To declare that you don’t need to unite with a church to be a Christian will prove to
be destructive and harmful to you.
Disciple-makers have a responsibility to help Christians keep the will of God. When a
Christian is part of a small group there will be progress in sanctification.
This should be the focus of every small group.
When the Word of God is faithfully taught and applied in a small group it will produce
quality disciple-makers who will multiply themselves. When that takes place
numerical and spiritual growth takes place and more people will come to know
Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Read: James 1:22-24
OPEN: How would you feel about someone who got up each day, looked in
the mirror, and walked away without making any adjustments?
REFLECT: How long would that person be presentable to others?
According to James, this is exactly what happens every time you read Scripture (the
mirror) and then walk away without making any changes.
The person who does this does not understand the purpose of the mirror. Likewise, the
person who reads or listens to God’s Word without applying what he has heard
obviously doesn’t understand the purpose of Scripture.
Simply reading your Bible and listening to good preaching won’t make you like Jesus
(Mahaney, 1996: 9).
If biblical knowledge does not lead to obedience it amounts to nothing.
The purpose of the mirror is to help you make changes. The purpose of Scripture is to
lead you to obedience and fruit-bearing.
Those who merely listen to the word, Sunday after Sunday, but fail to apply the Word
in their lives, will experience an increasing degree of self-deception rather than
progressive sanctification.
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REFLECT: Can you identify one verse or passage from the Bible that has
provoked you to change? Briefly summarize
DIG: Meditate on Hebrews 4:12. When you apply God’s Word to your life,
what changes do you experience?
DIG: Meditate on 2 Timothy 2:15. Have you ever been tempted to adjust the
context of Scripture to suit your own purposes?
Small groups are designed for study and application. They create an environment
where Christians can apply God’s truth in a personal, and practical way.
In order to apply God’s Word effectively we must first interpret it accurately.
“Bible study” is not a means to communicate your personal opinions and

preferences. We don’t gather to exchange our opinions; we gather to learn God’s
truth.
The first step is to understand what the author’s original intent was when he wrote to
his original audience.
Only then can we begin to apply that truth to our lives, allowing God’s Word to rule
over us and change us for the glory of God. As your small group looks into the mirror
of God’s Word, you should be making adjustments (Mahaney, 1996: 10).
Each year you should be able to look back and identify specific areas in which you
have changed during the previous year. This is the advantage a small group can
make in our lives.
2. Created for Care
Just as the first is to create a context where every member can pursue growth in
Chris-likeness the second is to create a context where every member can give and
receive care.
DIG: Why is mutual care important for Paul?
Christians have always been characterized by their sacrificial love for each other.
We are commanded to care for each other unselfishly, without favoritism (Mahaney,
1996: 11).
“Carry each other’s burdens,” Paul writes, “and in this way you will fulfill the law of
Christ” (Gal 6:2).
OPEN: In a Sunday-morning meeting, what are obvious limitations on our

ability to express this kind of care?
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If the pastor is in the middle of a message and notices someone crying in the fourth
row, he can’t stop preaching and go minister to that individual.
In a small-group context though, we are not so limited. Here we can both give and
receive specific, personal care. No one needs to be overlooked or neglected. A
large church does not need to sacrifice quality relationships—but it does need to
provide the small groups and service opportunities that make mutual care a reality
(Mahaney,1996: 11).
REFLECT: In what ways can mutual care be a reality in your small group?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Philippians 2:5-11
JOURNAL:
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3. Created for Fellowship
Why are small groups created? A third reason is fellowship. Many small groups use
this word without understanding what it really means. As a result, they aren’t
experiencing one of the important things why they are gathered.
OPEN: Can you give your own definition on fellowship?
Fellowship means to participate together, or to communicate things we hold in

common (Mahaney, 1996: 11).
Our relationship with God the Father, through God the Son, by God the Holy Spirit
should be the greatest common denominator between us as Christians. It is the basis
of true fellowship.
Our relationship with God should be central within our small groups as we show
mutual care for each other.
The depth of our personal relationship with God determines the depth of fellowship
we can experience.
Thus, in order to experience true fellowship, one must have a passionate relationship
and experience with God. Perhaps that is why biblical fellowship is so rare.
REFLECT: How can your relationship with God affect the fellowship you
attend?
A small group fellowship should be a place where disciples can worship, study, pray,
rebuke and encourage each other.
Concerts, games and activities can create a context for fellowship, but they are a
place to start—not a place to remain.
Our main desire when we spend an extended time with another Christian, should be
to know his relationship with God, and how God is revealing himself to him. You
should also share your current experience with God as well, and impart a fresh
passion for God.
REFLECT: With this definition of fellowship in mind, consider your small group.
Are you experiencing biblical fellowship? How much time do you spend in
the meetings talking about your current relationship with God?
REFLECT: When you meet together outside your small groups, how often do
your conversations revolve around God’s work in your life?
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Which of these topics of conversation do you think would promote true fellowship?
___ Your job

___ The passage of Scripture you read this morning
___ Your family
___ The latest basketball game
___ Your new phone
DIG: What “litmus test” for Christian conversation do you find in Ephesians
4:29?
JOURNAL:
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4. Created to Experience the Holy Spirit
Ways to experience the power of the Holy Spirit:
1. Avoid quenching the Holy Spirit by using your spiritual gifts.
Every Christian has been given a spiritual gift by God (1Co 12:1-7). Not to use them
would quench the Holy Spirit.
REFLECT: Are you stirring up the gifts God has placed in you? When He
prompts you to use them to serve others, are you obeying right away? If not,
you’re quenching the Spirit.
REFLECT: What is your response to Him on a daily basis? During the small
group meeting?
But in a church of any size at all, it’s simply not possible for every member to use
these gifts on a Sunday morning.
But they can in a small group. In this smaller and more personal context, each one
can serve according to the gifting of the Holy Spirit. This is the fourth and final reason
why small groups are created.
REFLECT: Can you identify the spiritual gifts God has blessed you with?
Through a combination of doctrinal study, experience, and practice, we should seek

to know the Spirit’s power in “the broadest possible way.”
Read: 1 Corinthians 12:8-10, 28; Ephesians 4:11; Romans 1 2 : 6 - 8 ; 1 Peter 4:11
DIG: What have you learned about spiritual gifts through these verses?
In order to experience and express the gifts of the Spirit, we must develop the habit
of communing with the Holy Spirit (Mahaney, 1996: 14).
Paul ends his second letter to the Corinthian church by saying, “May the grace of
the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be
with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14).
REFLECT: Is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit as much a reality for you as the
love of the Father and the grace of Christ?
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2. Avoid grieving the Holy Spirit by not deliberately sinning against God.
It is very instructive that it is in the context of interpersonal relationships that Paul

wrote his warning, “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God” (Eph 4:30). Now, all sin
grieves God, and Paul could have inserted that warning in the context of sexual
immorality (Eph 5:3-5) or lying and stealing (Eph 4:25,28) (Bridges, 1994: 35).
OPEN: What does grieving the Spirit mean?
They are the sins we commit with hardly any sense of shame or guilt.
The message should be clear.
God is grieved over our “refined” or “respectable” sins just as He is grieved over
sexual immorality or dishonesty (Bridges, 1994: 35 -36).
We need to understand that all sin grieves God and should grieve us.
When we sin, we must respond quickly by asking God to forgive us of our sins and by
turning away from it.
3. Expect the Spirit to be powerfully present in your small group.
This is essential. What a difference expectation can make as we begin our small
group meetings!
Last week’s meeting is history. Tonight’s meeting demands a fresh visitation by the
Spirit of God. Apart from His presence, there’s no point in meeting. Each of us has
responsibility to seek the Holy Spirit and be sensitive to what He wants to accomplish
in the group as we gather together (Mahaney,1996: 14).
Read: 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6
DIG: What two commands does Paul give Timothy regarding his spiritual
gift?
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:19
DIG: Is it sobering to know that your attitudes and actions can extinguish the
Spirit’s activity within the group? Why?
Small groups allow us to be committed together as we are being changed into the
image of Jesus Christ through progressive sanctification.
Together we are experiencing mutual care, genuine fellowship, and the ministry of
the Holy Spirit.
We are no longer consumers and spectators but participants in the small group we
attend.
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REFLECT: Is there anything you can do personally to increase the Holy Spirit’s
power and presence in your small group meetings?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Colossians 1:19-23
JOURNAL:
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DISCIPLESHIP WITH ACCOUNTABILITY

Discipleship without accountability is like running a company without rules or raising
children without discipline.
The absence of accountability in discipleship is like the absence of rails for a train.
Without rails, a fully powered train will never have direction. The train’s energy will be
wasted. For the train to run with direction, rails must be provided.
OPEN: What happens to a Christian who is not accountable to anyone?
For a disciple to reach godly goals and spiritual maturity there must be
accountability.
Teaching people to obey God means providing the encouragement, discipline, and
support for spiritual development. Discipleship with accountability achieves this
purpose. It facilitates growth to maintain godliness and protects people from going
astray.
What accountability does:
1. It Develops Submission
Accountability is necessary because Christians will not work as a loving team without
authority. Humble submission to authority is a test of submission to God.
Read: 1 Peter 5:5-6
DIG: Why is humility important for a disciple?
People who are not willing to humble themselves before God and before His
imperfect leaders cannot be disciples.
Humble submission is important for a disciple since there are differences between
God and His leaders. God’s authority is perfect and God’s leaders are imperfect.
God doesn’t make mistakes, but God’s leaders do.
But in spite of their imperfection their authority to lead and to discipline comes from
God.
We need to submit to them as long as their leadership is not telling us to do

something that is contrary to the character and the Word of God. Their authority
comes from God and to disobey, resist, deny their authority is to rebel against God.
OPEN: Should we obey our leaders only when we want to? Explain your
answer.
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The same principle applies to leaders in the church and also to leaders in other
realms.
Read: Romans 13:1-2
DIG: Why is God commanding us to submit to authorities? Explain your

answer.
2. It Provides Protection
Leaders keep watch over you. It not only means correcting people when they do
wrong but helping them do right. Accountability is dedicated to helping people by
teaching them to live and do ministry the right way.
Discipleship with accountability helps people submit to God and authority so they
become what God wants them to be.
Read: Hebrews 13:17
DIG: What are the roles of our leaders? What are the advantages when we
submit to their authority?
3. It Strengthens Commitment
People can’t keep commitment to Christ without proper guidance and

accountability. Much help is required if a person is dedicated to follow Christ.
There are various ways to categorize this help.
Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:14
DIG: What are the three things we should do to show accountability?
Note: End by asking God to strengthen accountability in your small group. Pray also
for your meeting next week as you learn the three ways to practice accountability.
JOURNAL:
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DISCIPLESHIP WITH ACCOUNTABILITY

3 Ways to Practice Accountability
1. Warning 2. Encouraging 3. Helping
Three distinct need groups - the idle, the timid, and the weak.
1. Warn the Idle
The Greek word for idle means, “to be out of rank or disorderly”. It is like an army
going out to battle while others remain idle inside their camp. This applies to those
who, by rebellion or neglect, are not fulfilling their duty to Christ or His church.
The disciple-maker is to hold this group accountable by warning them of their own
condition.
The word translated for warn means to verbally admonish one who is in error
(Romans 15:14; Colossians 1:28; Acts 20:31). This action is taken when something has
gone clearly wrong. The motive is to restore the brother in love and gentleness
(Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:25).
REFLECT: How would you feel when somebody corrected you in a loving and
gentle way? Do you think this kind of relationship is necessary for spiritual
growth?
2. Encourage the Timid
The word “encourage” in Greek means “to cheer-up, comfort, speak close”. The
word “timid” in Greek means “to be fearful, worried or discouraged.”
DIG: Why should we be unashamed about the gospel? What gives us the
power to overcome persecution?
Perhaps Timothy had become intimidated by the persecution that is happening to

Paul and the church.
In some ways he was threatened, defensive, and ashamed at having to defend

Paul, a prisoner and the "foolishness" which they both preached about a despised
and crucified Jesus.
But such timidity has no place in God's service. Instead God gives a spirit of power,
love, and of self-discipline. These three virtues, each supplied by the Holy Spirit,
should characterize Timothy.
REFLECT: Have you ever compromised to avoid persecution? How can you
make a stand for Jesus when challenges come?
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Sometimes people stop walking with God because of fear, worry and
discouragement. In such cases, support and encouragement are needed to care
for other Christians.
By admonishing the disobedient and by supporting those who are experiencing

spiritual, emotional or physical pain, the leaders prove their love for the small group
or individual.
REFLECT: Is there any trial or situation in your life right now? How can the
group help and encourage you?
3. Help the Weak
The word “help” means “cling to, help, take an interest in.” The word “weak” means
“without strength, to be sick.”
Another dimension of accountability is by helping those with emotional or physical

pain. Discipleship with accountability allows the group to support its weaker
members.
When God’s people help those who are weak, they experience the power of God
and the love of the brethren.
REFLECT: Think of a person/s in your life that would need desperate help. How
can you and the group be a blessing to him/her?
DIG: What are the challenges that the Macedonian churches faced? What
do you admire most about them?
Discipleship with accountability provides wisdom to warn, protect and discipline.

They provide support and the encouragement when we cannot stand for ourselves.
Without it, the church will not have the means to teach people to walk with God.
OPEN: Think of some ways your group can exercise genuine accountability.
JOURNAL:
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DISCIPLE-MAKING PROCESS
Phase 1: Gather Them
Read: John 1:39-46
DIG: Give some observations from the verses you read.
This phase was a four-month introduction to Jesus and His work. The disciples learned
from Him and then returned home to consider if they wanted to go further. Jesus
exposed them to the nature of His ministry.
REFLECT: What were the privileges enjoyed by the disciples whom Jesus
chose? Do you also marvel at God choosing you to be His disciple? Why?
Jesus gathered them to cultivate interest and inspiration. This is the first phase of any
spiritual work.
What happens in this phase?
1. Tell them what
At the end of the four-month introduction period, Jesus first mentioned the nature
and mission of His ministry.
Read: John 4:35
DIG: What is Jesus trying to say in this verse?
Farmers have a period of waiting between their sowing and their reaping, but in the
spiritual realm there is no long wait.
Jesus has come so now, it is the day of opportunity.
Jesus was inviting them to be part of His mission.
REFLECT: What specific mission do you feel God has given you? Do you feel
hesitant or tentative about it?
Jesus didn’t command simple evangelism, but He was calling disciple-makers who
would obey Christ, evangelize their world and multiply themselves by producing
disciple-makers.
2. Tell them why

Jesus has told them what must be done, but He must give them a passion for why in
order to carry on commitment.
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43
Read: Luke 19:10; Mark 10:45; John 3:17
DIG: Why is it important for us to fulfill the Great Commission?
Jesus came down to rescue people and transform their lives for His glory because
people need forgiveness, new life, to be saved from the penalty for sin and eternal
separation from their Creator.
Disciple-making for disciple making’s sake does not please God. We disciple people
because we want them to share the saving grace of Jesus Christ to the people
around them.
We disciple people because we want them to experience the love and joy of Christ
in their lives. Disciple-making is a means to an end; it must never be an end in itself.
Tell them what: for the multiplication of disciples for world evangelization.
Tell them why: for the salvation of mankind.
REFLECT: What have you learned from the “gather them” phase”?
Phase 2: Train Them
The “train them” phase was both introductory and brief. This phase lasted for ten
months as Jesus began to teach and train His disciples.
Read: Mark 1:16-18
His selectivity demonstrated His interest in training them. He planned on passing the
work to them. When Christ’s departure drew near, He spent more time with the
twelve. His first priority was the cross; second was the training of the twelve.
OPEN: Can you cite some examples on how Jesus trained the twelve?
2 ways to train disciples:
1. Show them how
The most effective tool is a model. Whether it is gymnastics, ballet, driving a car,
modeling must be done. Jesus’ commitment was demonstrated by His willingness to
pass His ministry to trained men.
They knew how to teach, because they saw Him teach. They knew how to
evangelize because they saw Him evangelize.
They knew how to cast out demons, pray for the sick, care for the weak because He
modeled it. Since it was modeled to them, they could now do it to others.
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44
REFLECT: What are the things you are able to learn from people who walk
their talk?
2. Do it with them
By choosing the twelve, Jesus identified the best training vehicle. The twelve were a
small group, enough to give variety, but not so many for anyone to be a spectator.
Through the small group, they could experience more time and productivity to
discuss, respond and dialogue with Jesus.
OPEN: Give some advantages of being part of a small group?
Most of the principles and skills that need to be taught can be done in a small-group
context.
The small group is the best way to learn prayer, Bible study skills, giving a testimony,
evangelism and so on. It also allows the people in church to know one another and
give support during crisis or work on a ministry project.
OPEN: What are the things you can learn and develop in a small group that
you cannot in a large group?
“Show them how” and “do it with them” compose the bridge that makes the trip
from knowing and why to doing it and getting it done through others.
OPEN: What have you learned from the “train them” phase?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Colossians 2:13-15
JOURNAL:
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45
DISCIPLE-MAKING PROCESS
Phase 3: Send Them
In this phase Jesus turned more and more responsibility over to His disciples. As He
tells them what and why, He then follows it with demonstrations and evaluations.
1. Let Them Do It
Read: Matthew 10:1
This is the first mission of the twelve without Jesus. They now had to apply the things
they have learned from Jesus in the real world.
DIG: What were they asked to do in Matthew 10:1?
First, Jesus did not ask them to go beyond their training. They still had to work under
specific instructions about what they were supposed to do. Second, they would
return to Jesus for evaluation and affirmation.
The twelve were not totally unleashed. They remained tied to Jesus, but they were on
a long leash (Hull, 1988: 201).
OPEN: What are the disadvantages of unleashing disciples who are not that
ready?
During this phase, the disciples become disciple-makers. They are now ready to
make disciples who would reproduce themselves as well.
OPEN: What characteristics do you think a disciple-maker must possess?
1. Godly Character
The person is evaluated in 1 Timothy 3:1-12
OPEN: Why is godly character important for a disciple-maker?
2. Faithfulness
Read: 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 16:10
These verses teach faithfulness as a non-negotiable qualification for leadership.
3. Spiritual Gifts/ Suitability
The person must possess spiritual gifts that are suitable to the work or ministry.
OPEN: What happens when a person is placed in a ministry where his

spiritual gift is not suitable for it?
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46
4. Effective in Communicating Scripture
Read: 2 Timothy 2:2
OPEN: Why is biblical knowledge important for a disciple-maker?
5. Prayerful
DIG: Why was it important for the disciples to be watchful and prayerful
during this time?
REFLECT: Why is prayer important in the Christian life?
Knowing God’s word and prayer form the foundation for the effective Christian life.
Without it, Bible study will become academic and prayer boring.
The disciple-maker not only reproduces, he leads those who are disciple-makers
themselves. The step of letting them do it is crucial to gauge how ready and
prepared they are to make disciples.
OPEN: How important is it to have opportunities to practice what you have

learned in your small group to the real world? What are some ways you
could do this?
2. Deploy Them
The disciple-maker makes sure that those chosen for deployment have mastered the
necessary skills.
Read: Acts 1:4-8
DIG: Give some observations about the verses you read.
Jesus introduced the twelve to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He explained the
change in their relationship. He would be with them, but not in the same way.
OPEN: What is the reason why Jesus had to leave His disciples?
One of the reasons is for the disciples’ deployment. They could only go so far with
Jesus around.
During the interval He trained them; showed them how, did it with them, then made
them do it and finally deployed them (Hull, 1988: 209).
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47
OPEN: How does God continue to enable His disciples to do the same?
What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit has empowered you?
REFLECT: What have you learned in the “send them” phase?
GOSPEL MEDITATION: Isaiah 53:2-12
JOURNAL:
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48
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Akin, Danny. “Axioms for a Great Commission Resurgence.” SEBTS, Chapel Message, 2009.
Bevins, Winfield. Growth-reproducing Through Organic Discipleship. October 26, 2009.
Bridges, Jerry. The Discipline of Grace. Colorado Springs, CO: Nav Press, 1994.
Dever, Mark. ESV Study Bible: God’s plan in salvation. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008.
Horton, Michael. Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Who Does What in Salvation? Grand
Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1994.
Keller, Tim. “The Gospel in All Its Forms.” Leadership Journal. Spring, 2008.
Mahaney, C.J. The Cross Centered Life: Keeping the Gospel the Main Thing. Sisters, OR:
Multnoma Books, 2002.
Mahaney, C.J. Why Small Groups? Sovereign Grace Ministries, 1996.
Packer, J.I. God’s Words (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press,1981.
Wayne Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing
House,
1994.
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L i v i n g Wo r d D i s c i p l e s h i p R e s o u r c e

A Passion for Discipleship ...................................13

A Disciple’s Profile ...............................................19

Foundations for Discipleship ............................. 23

Small Group Discipleship ................................... 28

Discipleship with Accountability ....................... 39

Disciple-Making Process ..…............................... 43

Today, not only are Christians untrained to penetrate their spheres of

Due to a fragmented understanding on discipleship, most Christians today

While it is undeniable that the church is surrounded by these problems, we

Cheap Christianity can usually pull a pretty good attendance on Sunday

We need to re-focus on Christ’s obvious commands to cure the ailments of

To facilitate interaction in your small group we have

OPEN questions - designed to cultivate an

DIG questions - designed to dig into

REFLECT questions - designed to take spiritual

GOSPEL meditation- The group ends by

OPEN: Why is it important for every Christian and Church to be gospel-

Read: Matthew 13:23

Understanding the Gospel

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:3-5

Jesus: died, buried, raised, appeared.

Read: 2 Timothy 2:8

DIG: What is Paul’s gospel according to the verse above?

Read: Galatians 1:9

DIG: What happens to a person who preaches another gospel? Why is

Doctrines of Grace

A gospel-centered view of salvation must always be Christocentric. Christianity

He mentioned the need for Christians to be gospel-centered:

- Being “gospel- centered” means we are “grace- centered.” It means loving

- A radically gospel-centered life will promote a grace-filled salvation from

GOSPEL MEDITATION: Romans 6:22-23

Read: Isaiah 6:3

DIG: Why is the word holy repeated three times?

Repetition in Hebrew signifies importance or emphasis. To repeat a word three times

Read: Psalm 33:5; Psalm 89:14; Psalm 97:2

Read: Habakkuk 1:13

Read: Romans 3:10-18

DIG: What does it say about the condition of man?

Read: Romans 3:19-20

Read: Romans 3:21-26

Read: 2 Corinthians 5:21; Galatians 3:13

DIG: How can a person receive God’s free gift of salvation?

Faith involves: renunciation and reliance

Read: Romans 4:4-5; 10:1-4; Galatians 2:15-16; Ephesians 2:8-9

Reliance means trusting entirely in the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ.

OPEN: What does it mean to entirely trust in Jesus for salvation?

Elements of Saving Faith:

Knowledge- of the Gospel through God’s word.

God declares us righteous on the basis of the real accomplished righteousness of

Read: Ephesians 2:8-9

Read: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

This demonstrated an acceptance of Christ's service in his ministry and

True saving faith is always accompanied by repentance from sin. Repentance is

Read: Romans 6:11-14

OPEN: Give some observations about what repentance should involve.

Salvation is the work of God from beginning to end. Salvation is wholly

GOSPEL MEDITATION: Ephesians 2:4-5

A PASSION FOR DISCIPLESHIP

REFLECT: Do you agree with Elton Trueblood’s statement on cheap

There will be great resistance and challenges in disciple-making.

OPEN: Give your own definition or idea on what discipleship is.

We need to have a re-focus to Christ’s obvious commands. Discipleship is for every

A Disciple's Profile

A Disciple's Profile