Steps to Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

In recent posts we’ve focused on discipleship and Jesus’ instruction to us to make disciples. First we talked about discipleship not being a one-time event but more of an ongoing process. Then we focused on the steps Jesus took to model discipleship for us. Last week we spent some time on looking at how we can teach others and some examples of how and what to teach. This week we’ll look at some steps and practical ways to follow other parts of Jesus’ example of discipleship.

Jesus’ Example of Discipleship

• • Teaching (previous post on how to do this)
  • Modeling/Acting as an example
  • Loving others
  • Connecting with others
  • Correcting them
  • Serving and outreach
  • Inviting others to walk alongside to do the same

Discipleship involves modeling for them as an example

In order to be a model, you can follow Jesus’ example and the example of his disciples and followers before us. Remember…it’s a multiplication process! Show others how to live and follow Christ by your own actions, attitudes, and behaviors. Go and be a model, an example, and bear fruit for others to see and follow. What kind of an example are you leading? Are you imitating Jesus? Do your actions, attitudes, and words reflect Christ? Be the kind of disciple that God would want multiplied.

“I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” John 13:15 (NLT)

“Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:6 (NLT)

“You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” John 15:16 (NLT)

“But you must always act like your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:48 (CEV)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].” Matthew 16:24 (AMP)

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV)

“Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.” 1 Peter 5:3 (NLT)

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)

“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.” Titus 2:7 (NLT)

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children” Ephesians 5:1 (NIV)

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)

“My friends, I want you to follow my example and learn from others who closely follow the example we set for you.” Philippians 3:17 (CEV)

“I beg you, then, to follow my example.” 1 Corinthians 4:16 (GNT)

“Not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example.” 2 Thessalonians 3:9 (NASB)

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but [imitate] what is good. The one who practices good [exhibiting godly character, moral courage and personal integrity] is of God; the one who practices [or permits or tolerates] evil has not seen God [he has no personal experience with Him and does not know Him at all].” 3 John 1:11 AMP

Be the kind of disciple that God would want multiplied.

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Discipleship involves loving them

Part of loving others is just going to be modeling that love for them. They should see you in action modeling love. Part of it though, is loving them. Show them that they are not just a “project,” that you genuinely care about them. Build rapport with them by participating in common interests. Have fun with them! Get together for coffee or dessert, have a meal together, attend an event, or participate in an activity that one or both of you like. Discipleship will require some intentional time which will at times be a sacrifice requiring love.

Loving others also includes being patient with them and having grace, especially in the face of pushback. Throughout the process of discipleship you may encounter slow, little, or at times no growth or progress in them. Love perseveres even in the midst of frustration and inconvenience. This article has some great practical insight with some good self-questions/assessments on discipleship and loving others through the process.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NLT)

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” Romans 12:10 (ESV)

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law.” Romans 13:8 (NLT)

“Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.” Ephesians 5:2 (NLT)

“For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”” Galatians 5:14 (NLT)

“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another” 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (ESV)

“Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.” Hebrews 13:1 (NLT)

“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.” 1 Peter 1:22 (NLT)

“This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” 1 John 3:11 (NLT)

“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8 (NLT)

“And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.” 1 John 4:21 (NLT)

“I am writing to remind you, dear friends, that we should love one another. This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning.” 2 John 1:5 (NLT)

“Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude” Acts 2:46 (HCSB)

“It [Love] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7 (NIV)

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NLT)

“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

Discipleship involves connecting them with others

Get them plugged into a church with good teaching. Encourage and help them to get involved in a small group (church small group, Sunday School class, bible study, etc.). Introduce them to other Christians who will sharpen them. They are going to need further teaching and guidance in addition to their individual learning (that we discussed last week).

Although we are called to make disciples, we don’t have to be the only person that walks alongside others in discipleship. Other people can and will play roles in the discipleship process as well. Often God will use several people to contribute to the life change and growth of those who follow him. Paul mentions being to one to plant seeds while Apollos watered them. However, overall is it God who facilitates the growth. We just collaborate with God in the process.

“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.” 1 Corinthians 3:6 (NLT)

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)

“that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12 (NIV)

“They spent their time in learning from the apostles, taking part in the fellowship, and sharing in the fellowship meals and the prayers.” Acts 2:42 (GNT)

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 (NLT)

“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NLT)

“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:4 (NLT)

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2 (NLT)

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT)

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

Mostly importantly teach them to connect with and follow Jesus. Here’s a great way to do that:

Discipleship involves correcting them when necessary

Just as Jesus corrected people, you too will need to correct others when they are straying off course, committing offenses, or are misled (wandering from the truth, listening to or falling prey to false teaching, etc.). Additionally, just as Jesus did, you will need to correct in the right way, speaking the truth in love and with tact, gentleness, and good intention. Operate in grace/mercy and truth.

“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6 (KJV)

“For the Lord loves mercy and truth: God will give grace and glory: the Lord will not withhold good things from them that walk in innocence.” Psalm 84:11 (BST)

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17 (NLT)

“So watch yourselves! “If another believer sins, rebuke that person; then if there is repentance, forgive.” Luke 17:3 (NLT)

“It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.” Hebrews 12:11 (CEV)

“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.” 2 Timothy 4:2 (NLT)

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.” Galatians 6:1 (NLT)

“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.” Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

“My friends, we beg you to warn anyone who isn’t living right. Encourage anyone who feels left out, help all who are weak, and be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (CEV)

“Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 2 Thessalonians 3:15 (NASB)

“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.” Titus 3:10 (NLT)

“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” James 5:20 (NIV)

Discipleship involves and encourages serving and outreach

As stated previously, Jesus was first and foremost a servant and was an advocate of outreach. Jesus calls all of his disciples to do the same. Therefore, in discipleship we should show hospitality, participate in outreach, and serve those we are discipling. Additionally, we should encourage them to get involved in serving and outreach as well.

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 (NLT)

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Galatians 5:13 (NIV)

“The greatest among you must be a servant.” Matthew 23:11 (NLT)

“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”” Mark 9:35 (NIV)

“And whosoever would be first among you, shall be servant of all.” Mark 10:44 (ASV)

“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)

“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the afflicted and oppressed.” Psalm 82:3 (BSB)

“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:9 (NIV)

“If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD— and he will repay you!” Proverbs 19:17 (NLT)

“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Isaiah 1:17 (NLT)

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 (NLT)

“For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies… And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” Hebrews 13:2-3, 16 (NLT)

“We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.” 1 John 3:16-18 (NLT)

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.” James 1:27 (NLT)

“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” James 2:14-17 (NLT)

“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” Acts 20:35 (NLT)

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25:34-40

Discipleship involves inviting them to walk alongside you to do the same

Help them to understand the power of spiritual multiplication, a process started at creation. If you are effectively discipling them, at a certain point they will be able to mimic the process. They should begin to duplicate themselves as a Christ-like example. However, keep walking alongside them as Jesus does for us. It’s not merely a passing of the torch. We keep going with them, just as Jesus gave us to Holy Spirit to always go with us to continue to teach and encourage us as we continue to grow and mature.

“Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”” Genesis 1:28 (NLT)

“And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth.” Genesis 9:1 (NLT)

“Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” John 20:21 (NIV)

“Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” John 17:18 (NLT)

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Matthew 4:19 (NIV)

“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)

Pray for them

Throughout the discipleship process, they are going to encounter some opposition and will need some intercession. They will also need strength, guidance, power, wisdom, and an enlarged capacity for grace. We need to be praying for them on a regular basis.

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 (NLT)

“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:16-20 (NLT)

“When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” Ephesian 3:14-19 (NLT)

“So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you complete knowledge of his will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9 (NLT)

“Epaphras, a member of your own fellowship and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always prays earnestly for you, asking God to make you strong and perfect, fully confident that you are following the whole will of God.” Colossians 4:12 (NLT)

“So we keep on praying for you, asking our God to enable you to live a life worthy of his call. May he give you the power to accomplish all the good things your faith prompts you to do.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NLT)

So to sum it all up…

Take Some Practical Steps to Follow Jesus’ Example of Discipleship:

• First, teach them (as we mentioned last week).

• Secondly, model for them as an example—be a living example of what you want them to duplicate. Imitate Jesus.

• Next, love them through the process (even when it’s hard).

• Then, connect them to others who can take part in the discipleship process and make sure they get plugged in to a good church somewhere.

• Correct them when necessary.

• Get them involved in serving and outreach.

• Invite them to walk alongside you to start making disciples themselves.

• Finally, pray for them on a regular basis.

How do you disciple others? What are some of the steps you take in the process of discipleship? Share with us about it by leaving a comment below.

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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)