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
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- 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)
