Make Disciples: Teach Them
We’ve been talking lately about Jesus’ instruction to us to make disciples. We’ve learned that it’s not a one-time event but more of an ongoing process that’s going to require a little more effort on our part. Last week we discussed how Jesus modeled and practiced discipleship as an example to imitate with several steps are parts in the process.
Jesus’ Example of Discipleship
-
- Teaching
- Modeling/Acting as an example
- Loving others
- Connecting with others
- Correcting them
- Serving and outreach
- Inviting others to walk alongside to do the same
This week I’d like to give more practical insight into our role of discipleship and what it might look like as we follow Jesus’ example of these same steps. Today’s post will focus on what it means to teach as you disciple others. We’ll discuss ways to practically do this, and I’ll share loads of resources with you! (Consider bookmarking this page as a future reference for your discipling journey!)
Discipleship involves teaching
The word disciple, as a noun, actually means a learner or a student, and as a verb, it means to teach or to instruct. Thus, the first and foremost thing we should be doing after we win people to Christ is to ensure that they are being taught. We can do some of the teaching ourselves by answering questions, sharing what God is teaching us, and studying along with them in a bible study or small group. Additionally, we can lead them to teaching via inviting and taking them to church with us or encouraging them to find a good, teaching church home of their own.
Overall, Jesus sent his disciples out TO disciple, to teach and tell others about himself and to make followers. He calls us to do the same.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20 (NLT)
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” Mark 16:15 (NIV)
“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” Mark 16:20 (NIV)
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8 (NLT)
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14 (NLT)
“Parents, don’t be hard on your children. Raise them properly. Teach them and instruct them about the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (CEV)
“Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.” Titus 2:2-8 (NLT)
“You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.” Titus 2:15 (NLT)
“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2 (NLT)
“He said to his disciples, “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.”” Matthew 9:37-38 (NLT)
“These were his instructions to them: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.” Luke 10:2 (NLT)
Take Some Practical Steps: What to teach…
Provide resources and tools
Provide additional resources and tools for them to continue to learn and grow by referring them to helpful websites or apps (such as the Bible App, Bible.com, BibleGateway, Biblehub, Blue Letter Bible, etc.), sermon podcasts, books, blogs, commentaries, and reading plans/devotionals. Other excellent resources for discipleship are the BibleX Reading Plans and the Bible Project (I HIGHLY recommend both of these!).
Teach them to read their bible
Teach them to read their bible and have a regular quiet time. This is the most important step! Teaching them to dig into the scriptures on their own will help them to be self-sufficient and to develop a faith of their own without operating on a “borrowed” faith. Getting them into God’s Word will get them immediately hearing directly from God.
(Here’s a free resource for my blog subscribers: 10 Steps to an Effective Quiet Time.) Below are some other helpful posts for reading, understanding, and studying the bible.
Tips for Spending Time With God
Tips to Start Reading the Bible on a Regular Basis
Tips for Understanding the Bible
Scriptures for Understanding the Bible Better
Prayer to Help Understand the Bible
A Different Approach to Bible Reading
Teach them about a concordance
A biblical concordance is an alphabetical listing of words with a listing of scriptures in which that word occurs (or scriptures that are about that topic). Small concordances are often found at the back of a bible. They can also be available in book form or found via multiple online resources as well. You can also show them how to search the web (for example, google “Scriptures about _____”).
Teach them how to hear from God and recognize his voice
Most people don’t immediately know what God’s voice sounds like, but it’s important to learn his voice and listen for his direction and correction. Below are some posts to help learn how to hear from God and recognize his voice.
What Does God’s Voice Sound Like?
Recognizing Prompts of the Holy Spirit
Stop and Take Time to Listen to God
God Talks Like Bumblebee the Transformer
God’s Voice vs the Devil’s Voice
Teach them how to pray
Guide them and help them learn how to pray. Teach them how to directly communicate with God. Lead them to resources like the posts below as well as showing them how by example—pray with them.
How to Pray: Using the Lord’s Prayer as an Example
How to Pray: Speaking From the Heart
How to Pray: Be Specific, Bold, Expectant, and Thankful
Prewritten Prayers Are Not Less Heartfelt
What are the benefits of corporate prayer?
When Somebody Makes a Prayer Request
Teach them to praise
Praise is an immensely beneficial communication with God. It gives God “his part” and sets our priorities, it invites God’s tangible presence, it sets the mood for learning, it helps with our emotions, it reminds us of who God is and what he can do, and it can also be a weapon that we can use. Below are some helpful posts on praise.
Why You Should Always Start With Praise
God From A to Z (includes some examples of how to praise)
Praise Music Is a Spiritual Anti-Depressant
Teach them how to journal
Show them how to take notes over what they are learning as they read the bible or hear from God. This will be an important resource for them as they learn and hear from God, and it will prove beneficial to them (and to others) in the future as well.
The Importance of Writing Things Down
Make a Habit of Taking Notes During Your Quiet Time
Keeping a Written Account Can Help You and Others
Give them some ownership
When teaching, it’s a good idea let them have some choices or lead the direction in deciding what to learn, what to study, or what questions to ask in order to increase their involvement and to help them be more invested.
Don’t feel ready to teach?
In order for someone to follow your lead just have to be one step ahead (and remember Jesus is the one actually leading and who we actually follow). You don’t have to be a theologian, biblical scholar, seminary student, or pastor. Just teach what you know. Share what you yourself are learning. Share what you’ve already learned and what God is doing and has done in your life.
“Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story…” Psalm 107:2a (NIV)
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
Later we’ll discuss the other steps Jesus took in the discipleship process and how we can practically imitate those steps as well.
How have you been able to teach others? What are some things that you have found helpful? Share them with us by leaving a comment below.
Please note: I reserve the right to delete comments that are rude, disrespectful, sarcastic, offensive, or off-topic. By posting on this site you agree to my Comment Policy.
P.S. If you liked this post, you might enjoy receiving new posts delivered right to your inbox each week! Sign up here.
If you know anyone that could benefit from this, please pay it forward! Share this post via the sharing links below. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)
