Isaiah 6:8 NLT ‘Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Disciple Lesson 1 – Why Make Disciples?
The main reason we are called to make disciples is because Jesus himself was the living example of it. God designed discipleship to be the way He would change the world. We are to mimic Jesus’ methods, who made disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. Their very lives are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit to be more and more like Jesus.
Every minute of every day during His mission on Earth, Jesus spent discipling. He taught his disciples through teachings and he led by example. Jesus performed miracles like the feeding of the 5000; healings of the sick; driving out of demons; sermons and parables; and of course, by His very presence, death on the cross, resurrection , and ascension to the Father.
Every minute of every day during your life on earth you are discipling. The Holy Spirit enables you to speak the words of Jesus to an unbelieving world and your very life is an example for all to see, if you choose to Him. You may be a Discipler or an influence for the world. Your choice.
A Discipler is someone who is involved in teaching, praying, modeling and reproducing themselves. He is someone who is a disciple of Christ and is actively participating in sharing the gospel to others. He is someone who teaches others to obey everything Christ Jesus has commanded. He is someone who takes heed of the Great Commission.
In fact, it could be said that God‘s plan is to make disciples of everyone in heaven.
It is so important that we start anything we do that is of importance with “why?”. If we don’t know why we are making disciples, chances are we won’t accomplish our objective. We won’t stay focused. The temptation is for our ministry and approach to drift over time. Keeping things on track will take intentionality. It will take a solid plan that is done with consistency. It will take a good role model, Jesus.
“The Disciple Maker’s Handbook” by Harrington and Patrick lists 7 reasons for making disciples. It is very good reading and is a treasure trove of suggestions.
1. We obey Jesus’ final command: Matthew 28:19-20 “Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 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.””
2. We follow Jesus and Jesus made disciples.
3. We help people receive eternal life.
4. We give people the personal help they need.
5. We change lives
6. We truly love others!
7. We live out the priesthood of all believers: 1 Peter 2:9-11. “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.”
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Let’s go forth and tell the people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let’s go forth and build up the Kingdom of God according to His Word. Let’s go!