"DISCIPLESHIP" Lesson 138

Lesson 138: “DISCIPLESHIP”

I was born and raised in a tiny Texas town and never strayed very far from the boundaries of the Lone Star State. I gave my heart to Jesus at the age of 10, understanding this was my passage to Heaven. I knew that if I confessed with my mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’, and believed in my heart that God raised Him from the dead that I would be saved (Rom. 10:9-10). However, at this young age I did not understand Matthew 22:37, “Love the Lord your God with all your mind”. I knew my soul had been saved but wasn’t exactly sure what my soul was or where it was located. I didn’t know if it were part of my physical body or floating along outside of my body. Now I knew what my heart was and where and what functions it performed. I also knew this was the “only” part of a teenage body you “gave” to your boyfriend in the 1950s! As far as the mind, well that had to be on school studies, dress code, make-up and dealing with peer pressure didn’t it? It took years for me to realize that God looks at the heart of man ( 1 Sam. 16:7), searches every heart (1 Chro. 28:9) and can create in each a pure heart (Ps. 51:10). I learned to hide His Word in my heart (Ps. 119:11), to allow God to search me and know what is in my heart (Ps. 139:23) and to seek Him in order that I might find Him (Jer. 29:13). Only then would He give me a new heart (Eze. 36:26) and I would be blessed (Matt. 5:8).

For you who are on the edge of your chair waiting for all the dirt in my life to spill out over your computer, or for you that are becoming bored with my personal testimony, set your mind at ease. My long, sad life history is not the main topic of this study. Instead I will turn to an appeal to all Christians to become a disciple. Discipleship is a major step in the new believer’s life that is neglected in most groups. We are all faithful to go and witness, tell the good news and bring people to church, bible study, programs, revivals and whatever it takes to “get people saved”. When a person is saved we rejoice, clap our hands, pat each other on the back for a job well done, shed a few tears and say hallelujah! Then we go our separate ways with a warm feeling that God is pleased that we have aided in the building of His Kingdom. Of course He is pleased but can you imagine His displeasure when we leave the new believer to work out his own answers to the million questions he must have? For some, without proper guidance, it could take a life time. For others, the warm glow of salvation waxes cold and they think, “is this all there is”? Many drift back into the world in search of the friends and fellowship they gave up to become a Christian simply because the fellowship among their new church body is lacking. But, we say, “I told them to ask me anything and I would find scripture to answer their questions”. We MUST understand that if one does not know the scripture, they do not know what to ask! “And how can they hear without someone preaching to them” (Rom. 10:14).

Many new Christians have never been inside a church and probably do not own a bible. Take them on a tour starting with where to park not only their cars but themselves once inside the building. Remember in some churches there are long time members that have a “pew” marked as their territory and do not want it invaded. How humiliating and discouraging would this be if a first time person wandered into this forbidden zone? These “set in their ways” cannot be budged; however, we can save a new-comer from the embarrassment of their inconsideration. If your church offers Sunday school or bible study classes bring them (do not point the way) to the class and introduce them. I strongly believe there is a pressing need for a “beginner’s” bible class, regardless of the beginner’s age in every congregation. It may be a surprise to learn that new believers do not know where to find the index of the books of the bible so they may find the books. Explain how to use the concordance, a valuable tool for any bible study. Some are not comfortable in “church” and may say they will never attend. Do not push! Badger! Condemn! Have a get acquainted party, ask them to your home or ask if you may come into theirs to read and study the bible to come to an understanding of God and His Word. Plan weekly small group bible studies for new members and mature ones that you may have a balance in the studies. Don’t wait for a crowd! If there is only one that needs disciplining then plan for this one as you would a hundred. Remember this is not for your glory but for the glory of God. Abraham pleaded for Sodom to be spared for the sake of 50 righteous people. He had to continue to lower the figure from 45, 40, 30, and 20 and finally down to 10. Sadly, there were none righteous for which to save the city, however, Lot was spared and “drug” out of the city by angels (Gen. 16:33, 19:15-16). Is God depending on you to save a city or one new born Christian?

As mature members of the body of Christ, we are now designated teachers, servants of Jesus Christ (Jude 1). As the Lord’s servants we must be able to teach and gently instruct (2 Tim 2:24-25). Be prepared at all times to correct, rebuke and encourage with great patience and careful instructions (2 Tim. 4:1-5). We devote ourselves and pray that God may open a door for our message of the gospel that we might proclaim it clearly. Be wise and make the most of every opportunity, full of grace and seasoned with salt so that we may know how to answer everyone (Col. 4:2-6). There is one body, one God who is over all and He has given us gifts through which we teach, to prepare God’s people for the works of service so the body of Christ may be built up. Then no one will remain infants but grow up into Christ (Eph. 4:4-16).

Paul was relating his story to King Agrippa about a bright light and a voice stopping him on his way to Damascus. “The Voice” said He was sending Paul to people to open their eyes and turn them from darkness (Acts 26:12-18). Granted, this message is so that people might be saved, but applies also in discipleship. We need to be continuously turned away from darkness that we may continue to walk in the light. We should teach that all have sinned and fall short (Rom. 3:23) but there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). Repentance is not a one time occurrence but an ongoing, life time experience, wherein we continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil. 2:12-13).

When a believer is baptized the pastor usually says we are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We should teach a new person who the Holy Spirit is! He helps in our prayers, worship, witness and work. He will make our sins known to us so we may confess them. He will make us know and experience God’s presence. He strengthens us in our weakness and comforts us in our troubles (Rom. 8:25-27, Gal. 4:6, Eph. 6:18, John 14:15-17).

People need a role model, particularly when they find themselves in a new environment. Jesus showed us an ethic of imitation as He washed His disciples’ feet (John 13:1-17). He called us to follow His example in being a servant. As we learn from Jesus’ example, so others will learn from our actions and experiences. Share your testimony of when you were saved and how/what/who helped you to learn and grow. Help the person ask, “what does the bible say about this matter”? Together study the scripture teaching on the subject. Be prepared! Have pamphlets, books, articles and a good concordance to help find what you need quickly. Avoid two traps while disciplining the new member. Do not “dismiss” a person needing further help without referring them to another helper. Do not openly or unconsciously invite the person to become dependent on you. However, leave the door open and never make the person feel cut off or abandoned. The church should provide training to learn to use the bible, develop a personal testimony and guide people to commit themselves to Christ (this would be good for mature Christians also in some cases).

It is hard to sum up Paul’s writings in 10 easy steps, but if I were asked to do this I would say: 1) Balance your life, 2) Do not make holy huddles, 3) Make a trail, 4) Meet needs, 5) serve, 6)bring gladness, 7)listen, 8) care, 9) share, 10) stick your neck out for someone. From my own personal experience, when you decide to take on disciplining someone, don’t be surprised to find that you will be the one to learn new and wondrous revelations from God’s Word. Look around! There is someone waiting for your help!