The New Disciple:Lesson 3: The Cultivation of a new Disciple

Lesson 4: The Care of a new DiscipleLesson 5: The Comfort Zone of a new Disciple

Lesson 6: The Cost Effectiveness of Teaching a New Disciple

1. Recap

• The Greek word disciple “Mathetes” means a learner, one who accepts & follows the teaching (didaskalos) of his teacher.

• Christians were first called disciples from the beginning of the church (Acts 6:1) Only later in Acts 11:26, the disciples were called Christians.

• Everyone added to the church is a disciple. Hence Christian = disciple. A person cannot be a Christian and not be a disciple.

Added to the church

TeacherLearner(Disciple)

2. Basis of a new Disciple

1. The definition of a Christian Disciple

1. God calls disciples to singleness of mind: Lk. 14:33 – “Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple.”

2. The disciple’s main preoccupation is to learn: Jn. 8:31 – “…if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”

3. To be a disciple one must follow Christ: 1 Peter 2:21 “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps.”

3. Period of being a new Disciple

The span of remaining a disciple (learner) is time sensitive - ie a probation or grace period

Hebrews 5:12 'For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again’

Acts 8:1 ‘At that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad’

Acts 8:4 ‘Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.'

1. The definition of a Christian Disciple

2. The basis of a Christian Disciple

Added to the church

TeacherLearner(Disciple)

4. New Disciple’s Growth Process

As soon as a convert is added to the church as a disciple, he is a learner to be established in faith – Matt. 28:19.

New disciples are taught the basic truths so that they are firmly rooted – Col. 2:7.

Their main preoccupation is to learn – 2 Tim. 2:15.

1. Offer and assign faithful, mature and exemplary members to mentor them.

2. Join a Care team.

3. Conduct special classes periodically to nurture, build and help new converts grow in grace and knowledge.

1. The definition of a Christian Disciple

2. The basis of a Christian Disciple

3. The period of being a Christian Disciple

Added to the church

TeacherLearner(Disciple)

5. Lessons for a new Disciple

Objective: Being Firmly Rooted in Christ - Colossians 2:6-7 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.

1. Existence of God2. Reliability of the Scriptures3. How to pray and study the Bible4. Spiritual walk and growth5. Understand the church, worship, mission and ministry6. The Christian’s discipleship, responsibilities and duties 7. How to live a godly life in an ungodly world8. Drawing near to God and remaining faithful

SummaryWhere are you? – Not yet a Christian

Added to the church

John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you.

Acts 2:41 They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls.

SummaryWhere are you? – a new disciple

Added to the church

Learner(Disciple)

Acts 2:42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

SummaryWhere are you? – a Christian disciple

Added to the church

TeacherLearner

(Disciple)

Ephesians 2:21 In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord.

SummaryWhere are you? – not yet sharing your faith

Added to the church

TeacherLearner

(Disciple)

Hebrews 5:12,  'For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God’Bottom Line: Growth of the church depends on every member reaching out with the gospel - Acts 6:7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly.

Discussion Questions

• 1. What do you think is the missing link in our attempt to train Christians to disciple others? How can we as a church improve in this important mission of making disciples?

• 2. The church needs Christians who will move beyond their small circle to minister to the whole church as their family. We also need members who will have initiative to follow-up visitors, mentor new members, visit absentees. Discuss ways to get this done.

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