Post by disciple on Jun 2, 2010 12:36:09 GMT -5
1. Selection (Lk. 6:13)—
What method did Jesus use in beginning & continuing His ministry?
People, specifically men; concerned with reaching the masses by building people rather than by programs; initial objective: enlist men to continue & pass on His life & work
What are some traits Jesus’ men did not possess?
Not prominent in religious life, not community leaders, not professionally trained, not wealthy (all from Galilee except Judas), not highly educated (Ac. 4:13)
What kind of men were they?
Teachable, passionate, aware of their need for God, looking for someone to lead them in God’s way, tired of superficial religion & wanted to share in God’s life
What are some things Jesus did that show His focus on a few?
Staked His whole life & ministry on 12 men (Mk. 3:13-19), still influenced others but planned to fulfill the Commission through the 12, inner circle of Peter, James, John within the 12 (Mk. 5:37, 9:2, 14:33); small group = greater opportunity for effectiveness
What role did the multitudes play in this process?
He preached to, taught, fed, healed, cast out demons for, & blessed them—could have focused on crowds & drawn many but chose not to; few won through His direct ministry
How can we apply this today?
We must train a few to impact the many, and this begins with their selection as followers of Jesus—our ultimate goal for them is multiplication, not converts, baptisms, members
We must start like Jesus did—find a few to bring to Christ and turn into disciples
2. Association (Mk. 3:14, Matt. 28:20)—
What method did Jesus use to train His men?
Be with Me & participate in My life & doctrine; “come follow Me,” be with Me, be like Me—HE was the school & curriculum
How was this different from the method of religious leaders (then and now)?
Pharisees: adherence to rituals, formulas of knowledge, outer conformity
Our methods today: formal schools & seminary, outlined courses of study, membership classes, etc.
Why was this association with the discipler (Jesus) so important?
The necessary preparation for fulfilling the assignment of doing & teaching on His behalf and the promise given to those who obey the assignment (Mk. 3:14, Matt. 28:19-20)
What are some evidences of Jesus’ increased association with the disciples?
Choosing the 12 & ministering in their company; spending large amounts of time with the 12 in the months before death & resurrection; spending time exclusively with them right before death (Jn. 13-17); appearing to them after resurrection (Ac. 10:40-41)—probably spent more time with them than everyone else combined
Why & how have Christians today failed to live relationally?
Is costly, means little time for ourselves; requires constant personal attention, we think preaching, small groups, & training classes are enough to accomplish this
How can we apply this today?
Every person selected needs a Christian friend to follow until they are able to lead another—to answer questions, study the Bible & pray with, & serve others with
If Jesus spent years with the disciples training them, then relationships are vital
3. Consecration (Matt. 4:4, 11:29)—
What was one important thing Jesus expected from those who were with Him?
Obedience to God’s (His) Words; disciple = learners or pupils of the master; obedience clearly implied in their calling, took on His character by obeying over time (Ac. 11:26)
What was (is) the cost of this obedience?
More than just joyful acceptance of redemption, had to surrender whole life in total submission to His sovereignty (Lk. 16:13); had to completely forsake sin, conforming thought patterns, pleasures, habits to God’s kingdom
How did Jesus respond to those who rejected His teachings?
Didn’t chase after those who left Him (Jn. 6:66), they had to pay the price; turned away those who wanted to follow on their own terms (Lk. 9:57-62)
How & why did Jesus help the disciples to accept His teachings?
Trusted them with more when they obeyed (Matt. 16:15-21), endured their failings because they were teachable & willing to follow Him
What were some of the disciples’ struggles in consecration?
Had trouble with understanding His death (Matt. 16:22-23), need to serve (Lk. 22:24-30), need for humility (Mk. 9:33-37), need for contentment (Mk. 10:41), need to not judge (Lk. 9:51-54), need to love children (Mk. 10:13)
How did Jesus’ example of obedience contribute to His expectation of obedience?
Jesus modeled obedience to Father (Phil. 2:8) & His every word (Matt. 4:4), expects the same of us; we must completely abandon our will & submit to Jesus’ if we are to be & make Christ-like disciples
How can we apply this today?
“Teaching them to obey” all that Jesus said & did, replace “do-as-you-please” religion with self denial and consecration to Christ
Those who follow after Christ must serve Him by obeying His every word
4. Impartation (Jn. 20:22)—
How did Jesus give the disciples the power to follow Him?
Gave them His very life; daily denying Himself pleasure & comfort to serve for God’s glory
What are some things Jesus transferred to the disciples?
Peace in tribulation (Jn. 16:33), joy in the task (Jn. 15:11), keys to His kingdom (Matt. 16:19), His own glory (Jn. 17:22-24), His everyday life so they could multiply (Jn. 15:13)
In what way did Jesus sanctify Himself for others?
Continuously committed Himself to world impact & life transference for others, so they could follow His example (Jn. 17:17-19); their sanctification proved the truth of the gospel to the world (v. 21-23)
Why is the Holy Spirit necessary, and what are some things He did through them?
Only way to live the Christian life (Jn. 6:63)—cleanses & sets apart for God, enables for the mission, gives boldness & words to speak, convicts the world, guides in truth, teaches, helps to pray, makes the things of Christ real, fills them with Jesus’ presence
(most references are from John 14-16)
How does this apply to us?
It is God’s work from beginning to end; it is who He is that makes all the difference
Discipleship is “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zech. 4:6)
5. Demonstration (Jn. 13:15)—
What important thing did Jesus have to show His disciples?
How His life was to be maintained and shared—needed this to evangelize and multiply
Explain how the illustration of the human body & its needs (1st page) helps us understand this.
To live, grow, reproduce, and multiply, people must do 3 things: breathe (prayer), eat (Word), & perform work (impacting others)—spiritual application of this for discipleship
How did Jesus go about teaching His disciples to pray?
He let them see Him in prayer (20+ different times recorded in the Gospels), and they wanted to do it too—explained principles of prayer and gave them a model they could follow (needed it to get started)
How did Jesus go about teaching His disciples in the use of Scripture?
Constantly talking about Scripture with them (about 70 refs. in conversations with disciples, about 160 total), showing them how to interpret & apply it, memorize it, base their teachings on it, & continue in His fellowship through it (Jn. 15:7)
How were Jesus’ methods for training in evangelism different from ours?
Took advantage of opportunities around Him, realistic & naturally recognizing people’s needs, approaching them correctly, drawing them to God; didn’t need outlines, handbooks, gimmicks, seminars, crusades, etc.
How can we apply this today?
We have to be trained / train others in each of these areas by our example (1 Cor. 11:1, Phil. 3:17, 4:9); also modeling readiness to confess sin, apologize, & be transparent (things Jesus couldn’t model)
People grow as disciples by demonstration, not just explanation
6. Delegation (Matt. 4:19, c. 10)—
After Jesus’ disciples had grown in their faith, what were they expected to do?
Take over Jesus’ work and go out into the world; practice what they had seen Him do
Before they were sent out, what had the disciples been doing?
Growing in a vital experience with God & learning how He worked; mostly just following & helping out (baptizing, getting food, arranging accommodations, etc)
Describe some of the instructions given to the disciples in Matt. 10:1-10
Reaffirmed His purpose for their lives (1), told them who to go to 1st (kinsmen in the local area—5-6), clarified the immediacy of the task & the scope of His authority (8), told to trust God for their needs (8), & to avoid excess baggage (9-10)
In what way is Jesus’ method of evangelism (v. 11-15) so strategic?
Efforts focused on 1 promising person who can carry on the work after they leave
What are the disciples warned about in Matt. 10:16-25?
The hostile treatment of those who don’t believe; Jesus’ way is totally contrary to the accepted way of the world, & its acceptance means revolutionary change
What do Jesus’ post-resurrection instructions show us about His strategy?
Local evangelism was just the beginning—end goal is turning all nations into disciples
How can we apply this today?
Our responsibility to witness & train others to witness; done through practical assignments & by Jesus’ methods
Disciples are those sent out to share & re-present the One they know & follow
7. Supervision (Mk. 8:17)—
Why was it so important for Jesus to keep checking on His disciples?
Met with them to hear their reports, share in their joy, & make adjustments; prearranged this after their Matt. 10 sending out (Lk. 9:10); training rotated between instruction & assignment
What are some things Jesus did with the 70 when they reported back?
Rejoiced in the ultimate victory assured by their work, praised God that His/their labors bore fruit, warned against pride (Lk. 10:17-22)
Describe some other examples of Jesus using review & application with disciples.
Attempt to heal demon-possessed boy (Mk. 9:17-29), feeding of 5,000 (Mk. 6:30-34), crossing the Sea of Galilee (Mk. 8:17-19, Matt. 16:12), rebuking those of another group (Lk. 9:49-50), & anger over rejection (Lk. 9:51-56)
When overall plan & principles is Jesus using?
Let them experience something, then use it to teach them; kept moving them toward the goal; taught by example, assignment, & constant check-up to bring out the best in them
How can we apply this today?
We need the supervision & guidance of Christ & other believers as we follow Him so that we won’t settle for anything less than total world impact
Jesus keeps correcting & helping disciples so they will become & be all He intends
8. Reproduction (Jn. 15:16, Matt. 28:19)—
What is the importance of reproducing multiplication to the discipleship process?
Jesus’ plan: reproduce His life in & through others, ever-enlarging His ministry, kingdom, & family; as this happens faithfully, total world impact is only a matter of time
What does Matt. 16:16-18 show us about Jesus’ confidence in the future?
Based on those who worshiped Him in the present; one disciple truly convinced is all it takes—all of us are “living stones” in the community He is building (1 Pet. 2:4-5)
What was Jesus’ only plan for victory?
Disciples who knew Him so well that His Spirit & method drove them to share with others, who would become disciples who would pass it on, until in time the world would know Him & His strategy (Jn. 17:20-23)
What was & is the true test of Christian ministry?
The disciples’ multiplication, whether they pass on His Spirit & method to others who will do the same; bearing fruit necessary & inevitable for those who abide in Him (Jn. 15); bearing fruit = reproducing Christ’s life, first in ourselves and then in others
What command does Jesus give in Matt. 28:19, and why is this so important?
“turn people into disciples”—not “go” (missions), “baptize” (evangelism), “teach” (training): these are all supporting actions, pattern used successfully in early church
In what ways have we today lost this vision?
God’s standard: the quality of Christian produced—leadership development, reproduction, and the goal of world impact. Our standard: the quantity of Christians—mass recruitment, recognition, attendance, budget increase
How can we apply this today?
It’s not enough to save the lost, build new believers, or train them to win others; what counts is how faithful our disciples are in making disciples
Jesus’ goal in choosing you: turn people of all nations into multiplying disciples
What method did Jesus use in beginning & continuing His ministry?
People, specifically men; concerned with reaching the masses by building people rather than by programs; initial objective: enlist men to continue & pass on His life & work
What are some traits Jesus’ men did not possess?
Not prominent in religious life, not community leaders, not professionally trained, not wealthy (all from Galilee except Judas), not highly educated (Ac. 4:13)
What kind of men were they?
Teachable, passionate, aware of their need for God, looking for someone to lead them in God’s way, tired of superficial religion & wanted to share in God’s life
What are some things Jesus did that show His focus on a few?
Staked His whole life & ministry on 12 men (Mk. 3:13-19), still influenced others but planned to fulfill the Commission through the 12, inner circle of Peter, James, John within the 12 (Mk. 5:37, 9:2, 14:33); small group = greater opportunity for effectiveness
What role did the multitudes play in this process?
He preached to, taught, fed, healed, cast out demons for, & blessed them—could have focused on crowds & drawn many but chose not to; few won through His direct ministry
How can we apply this today?
We must train a few to impact the many, and this begins with their selection as followers of Jesus—our ultimate goal for them is multiplication, not converts, baptisms, members
We must start like Jesus did—find a few to bring to Christ and turn into disciples
2. Association (Mk. 3:14, Matt. 28:20)—
What method did Jesus use to train His men?
Be with Me & participate in My life & doctrine; “come follow Me,” be with Me, be like Me—HE was the school & curriculum
How was this different from the method of religious leaders (then and now)?
Pharisees: adherence to rituals, formulas of knowledge, outer conformity
Our methods today: formal schools & seminary, outlined courses of study, membership classes, etc.
Why was this association with the discipler (Jesus) so important?
The necessary preparation for fulfilling the assignment of doing & teaching on His behalf and the promise given to those who obey the assignment (Mk. 3:14, Matt. 28:19-20)
What are some evidences of Jesus’ increased association with the disciples?
Choosing the 12 & ministering in their company; spending large amounts of time with the 12 in the months before death & resurrection; spending time exclusively with them right before death (Jn. 13-17); appearing to them after resurrection (Ac. 10:40-41)—probably spent more time with them than everyone else combined
Why & how have Christians today failed to live relationally?
Is costly, means little time for ourselves; requires constant personal attention, we think preaching, small groups, & training classes are enough to accomplish this
How can we apply this today?
Every person selected needs a Christian friend to follow until they are able to lead another—to answer questions, study the Bible & pray with, & serve others with
If Jesus spent years with the disciples training them, then relationships are vital
3. Consecration (Matt. 4:4, 11:29)—
What was one important thing Jesus expected from those who were with Him?
Obedience to God’s (His) Words; disciple = learners or pupils of the master; obedience clearly implied in their calling, took on His character by obeying over time (Ac. 11:26)
What was (is) the cost of this obedience?
More than just joyful acceptance of redemption, had to surrender whole life in total submission to His sovereignty (Lk. 16:13); had to completely forsake sin, conforming thought patterns, pleasures, habits to God’s kingdom
How did Jesus respond to those who rejected His teachings?
Didn’t chase after those who left Him (Jn. 6:66), they had to pay the price; turned away those who wanted to follow on their own terms (Lk. 9:57-62)
How & why did Jesus help the disciples to accept His teachings?
Trusted them with more when they obeyed (Matt. 16:15-21), endured their failings because they were teachable & willing to follow Him
What were some of the disciples’ struggles in consecration?
Had trouble with understanding His death (Matt. 16:22-23), need to serve (Lk. 22:24-30), need for humility (Mk. 9:33-37), need for contentment (Mk. 10:41), need to not judge (Lk. 9:51-54), need to love children (Mk. 10:13)
How did Jesus’ example of obedience contribute to His expectation of obedience?
Jesus modeled obedience to Father (Phil. 2:8) & His every word (Matt. 4:4), expects the same of us; we must completely abandon our will & submit to Jesus’ if we are to be & make Christ-like disciples
How can we apply this today?
“Teaching them to obey” all that Jesus said & did, replace “do-as-you-please” religion with self denial and consecration to Christ
Those who follow after Christ must serve Him by obeying His every word
4. Impartation (Jn. 20:22)—
How did Jesus give the disciples the power to follow Him?
Gave them His very life; daily denying Himself pleasure & comfort to serve for God’s glory
What are some things Jesus transferred to the disciples?
Peace in tribulation (Jn. 16:33), joy in the task (Jn. 15:11), keys to His kingdom (Matt. 16:19), His own glory (Jn. 17:22-24), His everyday life so they could multiply (Jn. 15:13)
In what way did Jesus sanctify Himself for others?
Continuously committed Himself to world impact & life transference for others, so they could follow His example (Jn. 17:17-19); their sanctification proved the truth of the gospel to the world (v. 21-23)
Why is the Holy Spirit necessary, and what are some things He did through them?
Only way to live the Christian life (Jn. 6:63)—cleanses & sets apart for God, enables for the mission, gives boldness & words to speak, convicts the world, guides in truth, teaches, helps to pray, makes the things of Christ real, fills them with Jesus’ presence
(most references are from John 14-16)
How does this apply to us?
It is God’s work from beginning to end; it is who He is that makes all the difference
Discipleship is “not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” (Zech. 4:6)
5. Demonstration (Jn. 13:15)—
What important thing did Jesus have to show His disciples?
How His life was to be maintained and shared—needed this to evangelize and multiply
Explain how the illustration of the human body & its needs (1st page) helps us understand this.
To live, grow, reproduce, and multiply, people must do 3 things: breathe (prayer), eat (Word), & perform work (impacting others)—spiritual application of this for discipleship
How did Jesus go about teaching His disciples to pray?
He let them see Him in prayer (20+ different times recorded in the Gospels), and they wanted to do it too—explained principles of prayer and gave them a model they could follow (needed it to get started)
How did Jesus go about teaching His disciples in the use of Scripture?
Constantly talking about Scripture with them (about 70 refs. in conversations with disciples, about 160 total), showing them how to interpret & apply it, memorize it, base their teachings on it, & continue in His fellowship through it (Jn. 15:7)
How were Jesus’ methods for training in evangelism different from ours?
Took advantage of opportunities around Him, realistic & naturally recognizing people’s needs, approaching them correctly, drawing them to God; didn’t need outlines, handbooks, gimmicks, seminars, crusades, etc.
How can we apply this today?
We have to be trained / train others in each of these areas by our example (1 Cor. 11:1, Phil. 3:17, 4:9); also modeling readiness to confess sin, apologize, & be transparent (things Jesus couldn’t model)
People grow as disciples by demonstration, not just explanation
6. Delegation (Matt. 4:19, c. 10)—
After Jesus’ disciples had grown in their faith, what were they expected to do?
Take over Jesus’ work and go out into the world; practice what they had seen Him do
Before they were sent out, what had the disciples been doing?
Growing in a vital experience with God & learning how He worked; mostly just following & helping out (baptizing, getting food, arranging accommodations, etc)
Describe some of the instructions given to the disciples in Matt. 10:1-10
Reaffirmed His purpose for their lives (1), told them who to go to 1st (kinsmen in the local area—5-6), clarified the immediacy of the task & the scope of His authority (8), told to trust God for their needs (8), & to avoid excess baggage (9-10)
In what way is Jesus’ method of evangelism (v. 11-15) so strategic?
Efforts focused on 1 promising person who can carry on the work after they leave
What are the disciples warned about in Matt. 10:16-25?
The hostile treatment of those who don’t believe; Jesus’ way is totally contrary to the accepted way of the world, & its acceptance means revolutionary change
What do Jesus’ post-resurrection instructions show us about His strategy?
Local evangelism was just the beginning—end goal is turning all nations into disciples
How can we apply this today?
Our responsibility to witness & train others to witness; done through practical assignments & by Jesus’ methods
Disciples are those sent out to share & re-present the One they know & follow
7. Supervision (Mk. 8:17)—
Why was it so important for Jesus to keep checking on His disciples?
Met with them to hear their reports, share in their joy, & make adjustments; prearranged this after their Matt. 10 sending out (Lk. 9:10); training rotated between instruction & assignment
What are some things Jesus did with the 70 when they reported back?
Rejoiced in the ultimate victory assured by their work, praised God that His/their labors bore fruit, warned against pride (Lk. 10:17-22)
Describe some other examples of Jesus using review & application with disciples.
Attempt to heal demon-possessed boy (Mk. 9:17-29), feeding of 5,000 (Mk. 6:30-34), crossing the Sea of Galilee (Mk. 8:17-19, Matt. 16:12), rebuking those of another group (Lk. 9:49-50), & anger over rejection (Lk. 9:51-56)
When overall plan & principles is Jesus using?
Let them experience something, then use it to teach them; kept moving them toward the goal; taught by example, assignment, & constant check-up to bring out the best in them
How can we apply this today?
We need the supervision & guidance of Christ & other believers as we follow Him so that we won’t settle for anything less than total world impact
Jesus keeps correcting & helping disciples so they will become & be all He intends
8. Reproduction (Jn. 15:16, Matt. 28:19)—
What is the importance of reproducing multiplication to the discipleship process?
Jesus’ plan: reproduce His life in & through others, ever-enlarging His ministry, kingdom, & family; as this happens faithfully, total world impact is only a matter of time
What does Matt. 16:16-18 show us about Jesus’ confidence in the future?
Based on those who worshiped Him in the present; one disciple truly convinced is all it takes—all of us are “living stones” in the community He is building (1 Pet. 2:4-5)
What was Jesus’ only plan for victory?
Disciples who knew Him so well that His Spirit & method drove them to share with others, who would become disciples who would pass it on, until in time the world would know Him & His strategy (Jn. 17:20-23)
What was & is the true test of Christian ministry?
The disciples’ multiplication, whether they pass on His Spirit & method to others who will do the same; bearing fruit necessary & inevitable for those who abide in Him (Jn. 15); bearing fruit = reproducing Christ’s life, first in ourselves and then in others
What command does Jesus give in Matt. 28:19, and why is this so important?
“turn people into disciples”—not “go” (missions), “baptize” (evangelism), “teach” (training): these are all supporting actions, pattern used successfully in early church
In what ways have we today lost this vision?
God’s standard: the quality of Christian produced—leadership development, reproduction, and the goal of world impact. Our standard: the quantity of Christians—mass recruitment, recognition, attendance, budget increase
How can we apply this today?
It’s not enough to save the lost, build new believers, or train them to win others; what counts is how faithful our disciples are in making disciples
Jesus’ goal in choosing you: turn people of all nations into multiplying disciples