BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP - THE MANDATE

Matthew 28:8

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world. Amen.

The mandate of the Christian Church (believer to be specific) is found in the Great
Commission. In Matthew 28:18–20 Jesus instructs the corporate body (Church) to
make disciples of non-believers. Same in the book of Mark

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every
creature. Vs 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that
believeth not shall be damned.

The above statement was made by Jesus upon his resurrection before his ascension.
His instructions were direct and straightforward. Hence, the believer must examine
whether the instruction given by Jesus is being constantly carried out. The
instructions were specific and left no room for ambiguity or second
guessing.

The word “preach” was translated from the Greek word “kerusso”. It implies to cry it
out, to announce like a town crier. Thus the message of the gospel is to be
announced. The gospel is a set of facts concerning Christ which every
believer ought to preach.

Observe Luke’s account of Jesus’ instruction above;

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among
all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

The word “repentance” was translated from the Greek word “metanoia” which was
derived from two root words in the Greek lexicon, namely; ​ ​ “Meta” which
implies to turn around, change ​ ​ “Nous” which implies the mind. Hence, the
word “metanoia” implies a change of mindset.
Comparing Mark’s account with Luke’s account, it is observed that whilst Mark
referenced the word “believe” translated from the Greek word “pisteuo”. Luke on the
other hand referenced the word “repentance” which was translated from the Greek
word “metanoia”. Thus, the repentance (that is change of mindset) was for
men to believe.

Other reference of the word “metanoia”:

Acts 2:38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in
the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the
Holy Ghost.

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

Notice from the above texts that they are baptized in the name of Jesus
when they repent. That repentance is the believing. Therefore, when a
man hears the gospel of the remission of sins, his thinking changes. The
gospel that must be preached is about Jesus.

And this is the commission given to the believer!

Mark 16:16

he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be
damned. Vs 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall
they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; Vs 18 They shall take up
serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay
hands on the sick, and they shall recover. Vs 19 So then after the Lord had spoken
unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Vs
20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them,
and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

The twentieth verse is a summary of many events. These events were

recorded in the book of Acts.

Acts 2:14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto
them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you,
and hearken to my words:

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:5-6 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them. Vs 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which
Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

28:18-20 commanded his disciples to make disciples of men via teaching.

This was seen in the book of Acts and one of those instructions was to
preach the gospel – an instruction they also received.

Acts 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship,
and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. The word ‘stedfastly’ was translated
from the Greek word ‘proskatereo’. The word was used in the anchor of a ship to
make it stay put.

Notice from the accounts in the book of Acts that the instruction Jesus
gave his disciples(the apostles) was passed unto the other disciples.
Later on, men like Stephen and Philip who were not apostles began
preaching.

Acts 6:8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles
among the people. Vs 9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called
the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of
Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

Acts 8:5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them. Paul was also found preaching the message:

Acts 26:15-18 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest. Vs 16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee
for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which
thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; Vs
17 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send
thee, Vs 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from
the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and
inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

And Paul wrote the same to the church in Corinth:

1st Corinthians 1:17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not
with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. The
phrase “preach the gospel” here was translated from the Greek word “euaggelizo”.

Hence, Paul stated clearly that the mandate he received from Jesus was
to preach the gospel and not to baptize with water. The phrase “none effect”
was translated from the Greek word “kenoo”. It implies to nullify, to make void. It
was used in the texts below:
Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the
promise made of none effect:

1st Corinthians 9:15 But I have used none of these things: neither have I written
these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than
that any man should make my glorying void. Thus, Paul explained that the gospel
is nullified when the method of getting men saved is reduced to ceremonies and
events.

1st Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. The word
“foolishness” was translated from the Greek word “moria” it implies that which
brings derision; that which causes others to laugh to scorn.

1st Corinthians 1:21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom
knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that
believe. There is a wisdom of this world; that which appeals to the natural man.

The message and the modality of communicating the message SHOULD

not be altered. Nothing must be added to, modified to or taken away
from the message of the gospel.

Tracing the Mandate from the scriptures

When Paul wrote to Timothy (2nd Timothy 3:15), he noted that the scriptures are to
'make you wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus'. It therefore, suffices to
say that the scriptures is not a book of science, nor is it a book of history, but a book
of God's promise.

Luke 24:27

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the
scriptures the things concerning himself.

Since Luke pointed out what Christ said 'ought not Christ to have suffered these
things…' in Jesus' Luke 24 study and he also taught using the term 'beginning from
Moses…' (arxemenos Moseus), then it suffices to say that Genesis was written
because of him, hence, the term 'concerning himself' (peri heautou). And as earlier
seen, Jesus is the fulfilment. If he is the fulfilment, then there must have been
promises made concerning him in the scriptures. The term 'beginning from
Moses', therefore means 'beginning from when the promise was made'
because the promise began in Genesis.

If the study from Genesis was concerning Christ, then, he becomes the reason the
book of Genesis was written. In writing the book of Genesis, Moses was
communicating the faithfulness of God, what God said through all generations. And
what was communicated was ‘… to have suffered these things and to enter into his
glory…', hence, this is the message of Genesis.

Having seen that when Jesus taught, he started his teaching from Genesis. He,
therefore, must have explained the gospel according to Moses because since Genesis
is a book of promise, the promise of the gospel would be seen in this book and
consequently through out the rest of the Bible.

Genesis 1:26,28

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have
dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle,
and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and
replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and
over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.

God’s intention through man was threefold. Dominion, Fruitfulness and

Multiplication. In other words, God’s promise from the beginning (of
Moses’ writings in the book of Genesis) is for man to be in His image and
after His likeness - the union of God and man.

We further see this same mandate passed on in the bible

Noah

Genesis 9:1

And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply,
and replenish the earth.

1Peter 3:20

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in
the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls
were saved by water.

Abram

Genesis 12:1-3

Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee:

2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name
great; and thou shalt be a blessing:
3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee
shall all families of the earth be blessed.

Galatians 3:8-9

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith,
preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be
blessed.

9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Genesis 17:2

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee
exceedingly.

Isaac

Genesis 26:3-4

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and
unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I
sware unto Abraham thy father;

4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy
seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed;

Jacob

Genesis 28:13-14

And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy
father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and
to thy seed;

14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to
the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy
seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.

From this we observe that God passes on this same mandate to every
single person he called throughout the Bible.

Back to Abraham

This multiplication that we see promised to Abraham would come through Christ.

Galatians 3:16

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds,
as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to
his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

God’s purpose started right away from the beginning was one vision
and one mission, heaven on Earth, his Kingdom reigning on Earth
through man and it is the mandate of the believer to see this happen
thus the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-16, GO
AND MAKE DISCIPLES!
BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP - AS SEEN IN THE BIBLE

The word disciple is not a spiritual word, it is a name referring to an

apprentice, a student, it is not exclusive to spiritual purposes.

The root word of discipline is “disciple,” which comes from the Latin word
discipulus meaning “student.” Most people believe a disciple is a “follower”
(probably because of the religious context), but in reality it means student—as in,
“one who studies.”

The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines it as follows;

DISCIPLE (noun)

1. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive instruction from

another.

2. A follower; an adherent to the doctrines of another.

DISCIPLE (verb)

1. To teach; to train, or bring up.

2. To make disciples of; to convert to doctrines or principles.

So, a disciple is a follower or a devotee of a teaching (doctrine) or a person

Mat 28:18-20
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven
and in earth.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father,
and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I
am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

The word disciple is mentioned in the Bible 261 times. However, the number of
times the word is mentioned can vary, but not less than 260 times, depending on the
version of the Bible.

This word appears in the New Testament only in the books of Matthew and Acts. But
was translated into 3 word. Instruct, Disciple and teach.

Matthew 13:52
Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the
kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth
out of his treasure things new and old.
Matthew 27:57
When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathaea, named Joseph,
who also himself was Jesus' disciple

Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

Act 14:21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught
many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

The Word Teach in Matthew 28:19 is translated from the greek word
Mathēteuo pronounced math-ayt-yoo' which means to become a pupil; that is,
enrol as scholar.
And from the above scriptures we see that this mainly involves;
Teaching: to impart knowledge to or instruct (someone) as to how to do something,
cause (someone) to learn or understand something by example or experience.

Instruction: To tell or order someone to do something, especially in a formal or

official way.
So to Disciple involves making someone learn it, do it, and show it.
So where do we see Discipleship in the bible?
In the old testament we do not see the word Discipleship mentioned directly but
from our knowledge so far about discipleship we see the examples that clearly show
the act of discipleship.
1. Moses and Joshua
Numbers 13:2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I
give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man,
every one a ruler among them.
Numbers 13:3 And Moses by the commandment of the LORD sent them from the
wilderness of Paran: all those men were heads of the children of Israel.
Numbers 13:4 And these were their names: of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the
son of Zaccur.
Numbers 13:5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori.
Numbers 13:6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh.
Numbers 13:7 Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph.
Numbers 13:8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Oshea the son of Nun.
Numbers 13:9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu.
Numbers 13:10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi.
Numbers 13:11 Of the tribe of Joseph, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the
son of Susi.
Numbers 13:12 Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli.
Numbers 13:13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael.
Numbers 13:14 Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi.
Numbers 13:15 Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
Numbers 13:16 These are the names of the men which Moses sent to spy out the
land. And Moses called Oshea the son of Nun Jehoshua.
From here we observe that Moses was intentional with Joshua to the extent of
renaming him. We go on to see this relationship grow further with Moses teaching
and instructing Joshua more.
Joshua is first mentioned in the Scripture when Moses chose him to lead the
Israelite army in battle against the Amalekites (Exodus 17:8–16). From that moment
forward, we observe Moses intentionally developing Joshua.
As you read through the Scripture, you see Moses pouring into Joshua. Moses
brought Joshua up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments from God
(Exodus. 24:13). Joshua observed Moses’ righteous indignation when Moses
smashed the two tablets (Exodus 32:17-19), and Joshua was witness to the holy
communion Moses shared with the Lord as he guarded the tent of meeting (Exodus.
33:11).
Through all these critical moments in the life of God’s people, Joshua was there with
Moses. Moses helped ensure the following generation would love and fear God. He
served his people by pouring his life into another. And immediately after Moses’
death, Joshua was ready to lead Israel. It is not a surprise when we see Moses had
over the authority to lead the children of Israel into the promised land to him
NOTE:
Judges 2:7 And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days
of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD,
that he did for Israel.
Judges 2:8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the LORD, died, being an
hundred and ten years old.
Judges 2:9 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres,
in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.
Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and
there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD,
nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Here we see the danger of the lack of intentionality in discipleship, what could
happen when the baton of discipleship is dropped.
2. Eli, his sons and Samuel
Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Together the three of them labored as
priests at Shiloh in the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant was housed.
1Samuel 1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to
sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

ISamuel 2:22-24 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all
Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the
tabernacle of the congregation.

And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by
all this people.

Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD's people to
transgress.

Eli knew the difference between good and bad and taught his sons, but
did not go further. He honored his sons more than God.

ISamuel 2:34-35 And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two
sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.

35 And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is
in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk
before mine anointed for ever.

1Samuel 4:17-18 And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the
Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy
two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.

18 And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from
off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for
he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.

And just like that Eli the prophet lost his life from the news of the death
of his undescipled sons and as well lost the posterity of his house as
priests of Israel.

However on the other had, Samuel who was brought under his care as a child to be
raised under and into the ministry of the Lord grew to fulfil that which was called of
him under the training and instruction of the same Prophet.

Isamuel 1:24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with
three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto
the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
ISamuel 3:1-19 1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before
Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and
his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of
God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I
called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and
said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie
down again.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet
revealed unto him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli,
and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had
called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that
thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay
down in his place.
10 And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel.
Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.
11 ¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both
the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.
12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning
his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the
iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and
he restrained them not.
14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli’s house
shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.
15 ¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of
the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.
17 And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee
hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from
me of all the things that he said unto thee.
18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said,
It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.
19 ¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of
his words fall to the ground

Eli disciples (Teaches, guides and instructs) Samuel who goes on to become Israel’s
Prophet and Judge through out that time till Israel demanded for a King.

3. Elijah and Elisha.

1Kings 19:15-16 And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the
wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over
Syria:
16 And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha
the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room.

1Kings 19:19 -21 So he departed thence, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who
was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the twelfth: and
Elijah passed by him, and cast his mantle upon him.
20 And he left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray thee, kiss my
father and my mother, and then I will follow thee. And he said unto him, Go back
again: for what have I done to thee?
21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and
boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and
they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto
him.

We see above that God instructed Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor. Though he
did this, Elisha didn’t immediately take the mantel, he was mentored/discipled first.
Elisha followed and learned from Elijah up to the point of Elijah being carried off to
heaven in a chariot of fire.

In the New Testament.

Jesus’ story is one that most of us are familiar with, and his earthly ministry gives us
the greatest example and pattern of discipleship in the whole Bible.

Jesus call his first disciples

Mark 1:16-20 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew
his brother casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.
17 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to
become fishers of men.
18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him.
19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee,
and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets.
20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship
with the hired servants, and went after him.

And this (Fishing of men) is later fulfilled in Acts 2:40-41 And with many other
words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward
generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the
same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Jesus was intentional and straight forward with his disciples about what the mission
was. To disciple them and send them out.

Mark 3:13-15 And he goeth up into a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he
would: and they came unto him. 14 And he ordained twelve, that they should be
with him, and that he might send them forth to preach, 15 And to have
power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils:
Paul and Titus
Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Titus was a Gentile (Galatians 2:3) who was led to faith in Christ by Paul (Titus 1:4).
He was drawn to the ministry and became a co-worker with Paul, accompanying him
and Barnabas from Antioch to Jerusalem (Titus is included in the “other believers”
of Acts 15:2)
Titus went to Corinth to serve the church there (2 Corinthians 8:6, 16-17).

Paul and Timothy

Paul addresses Timothy as "my true son in the faith"

1Timothy 1:2 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

Timothy served as Paul’s representative to several churches (1 Corinthians

4:17; Philippians 2:19), and he was later a pastor in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3).
Timothy is also mentioned as being with Paul when Paul wrote several New
Testament letters—2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 and 2 Thessalonians,
and Philemon.

.
BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP - HOW TO PRACTICALLY DISCIPLE A
PERSON.
We evangelize to the lost and only disciple the saved. And this is how.
Firstly, the relationship needs to be defined from the start so that on both ends
everyone knows what is the goal at the end.

Have a clear vision of where you want them to be 3 months, 6months, 1 year, 5
years and 10 years from now. The picture you have of that minister in your hands is
how far you will take them in life. Clarify the purpose of the relationship from the
very start.

Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of
men.

You can not disciple someone who is not around, a student needs to be
around because some things are taught but somethings are caught while you watch.
Like the disciples on many occasions watched Jesus heal and cast out demons and
during their free time away from the crowds they asked hard questions.

That means they should be available at all times, in all meetings because like we
said earlier some things are taught well as some (majority) are caught.

2Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

This is not a reference to evangelism, since these were to be "faithful men," or people
who already believed in Christ. If done correctly, these trained believers would "be
able to teach others also." This is the primary means by which the gospel is spread:
through relationship and discipleship.

As a shepherd, you are to believe in that man or woman you are

discipling, show genuine concern and care because you are going to
either build or break them.

Part of believing in people is creating room for them to make mistakes and correct
them. People will make mistakes but as a father or discipler be patient with them to
grow out of their childish behaviour.

You need to know when someone is rebellious and when someone is childish, its
important so that you know how to handle them when certain behaviors show
during the process of discipleship

Galatians 6:1-2 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,

restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be
tempted. 2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to
have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted,
strengthen thy brethren.

Christian discipleship is a teacher student relationship, based on the

model of Christ and His disciples, in which the teacher reproduces the
fullness of life he has in Christ in the student so well, that the student is
able to train others to teach others.

The Discipleship journey.

Discipleship is a concious and intentional journey and these are guidelines on how
you can walk with someone and grow them into one that can be able to disciple
another as Christ commanded us.

1. Go out and find your own disciples. Disciples do not come to you, you
go to them, call out the willing, available and ready.

Matthew 4:18-22

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter,
and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19 And he
saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. 20 And they
straightway left their nets, and followed him. 21 And going on from thence, he saw
other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with
Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. 22 And they
immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him

2. Bring them close and meet them regularly to build a strong

relationship and accountability for growth and encourage them to start
inviting friends to church.

Mark 3:14
And he ordained twelve, that they should be with him, and that he might send
them forth to preach,

Joh 1:39-42 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt,
and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.
40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon
Peter's brother.
41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have
found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.
42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art
Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A
stone.

Joh 1:45-46 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of
Joseph.
46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?
Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

3. In the beginning, show them how all things are done while they watch
and learn. Teach consistently and live by example.

Matthew 5:1-2 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when
he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and
taught them, saying,

Matthew 8:14-15 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's
mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left
her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.

Matthew 9:18-19 While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a
certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but
come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

4. At this stage, continue to show them but start to give them some
responsibility as you do it with them.

Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave
them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of
sickness and all manner of disease.

Matthew 10:5-8 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them,
saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans
enter ye not:
But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have
received, freely give.

5. Give them full responsibility but with your full supervision and
direction.
Mat 17:14-21 And when they were come to the multitude, there came to him a
certain man, kneeling down to him, and saying,
15 Lord, have mercy on my son: for he is lunatick, and sore vexed: for ofttimes he
falleth into the fire, and oft into the water.
16 And I brought him to thy disciples, and they could not cure him.
17 Then Jesus answered and said, O faithless and perverse generation, how long
shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither to me.
18 And Jesus rebuked the devil; and he departed out of him: and the child was
cured from that very hour.
19 Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we
cast him out?
20 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If
ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove
hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto
you.
21 Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.

6. Send them out to carry out ministry with minimal supervision but
with high accountability.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is
given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and,
lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

7. Let them reproduce themselves but with high accountability

Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:
and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in
Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP: The activities involved in Discipleship.
Many people think discipleship is just a class offered during bible study, which is
true but incomplete. For example, a young or old parent who gives birth to a baby
but are asking what do i actually do on a daily basis to help my baby grow will be
advised breastfeed or feed with food these amount times a day, bath, let the baby
sleep these hours etc LIKEWISE, MANY PEOPLE USUALLY ASK WHEN I HAVE A
DISCIPLE WHAT DO I DO WITH THEM?

These are the main activities involved in discipleship,

1. Teach and show them how to pray.
The disciples had observed Jesus was in the habit of withdrawing to some secluded
places to pray. They had wondered why the Lord had to pray and what he was
praying about. Moreover, they saw John teach his disciples to pray. They became
inquisitive. There must be something special about the Lord praying. They probably
had been discussing this among themselves. We too would like to pray. “Lord, teach
us to pray.” the disciple said to him.
Luke 11:1 And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he
ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also
taught his disciples.
A disciple that doesn't know how to pray will be a weak believer and not effective.
You need to live by example, show them and instruct them to follow the same
pattern of prayer.

2. Teach them how to fast as a life style (not an event). Fasting is

another way to teach a growing believer to deny their fleshly desires.
Luke 5:33-35 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and
make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
34 And he said unto them, Can ye make the children of the bridechamber fast,
while the bridegroom is with them?
35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them,
and then shall they fast in those days.

3. Teach (feed) them and explain the truth to them.

Mark 9:30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And he did not want anyone to
know,
31 for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be
delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he
will rise.”

2Timothy 2:2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses,
the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
4. Correct and rebuke them.
Luke 9:53-56 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he
would go to Jerusalem.
54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that
we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias
did?
55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit
ye are of.
56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And
they went to another village.

Mark 8:31-33 And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many
things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be
killed, and after three days rise again.
32 And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke
him.
33 But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter,
saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God,
but the things that be of men.

5. Instruction and accountability.

Luke 10:1-11 After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent
them two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come.
2 Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few:
pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into
his harvest.
3 Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
4 Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way.
5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn
to you again.
7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for
the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.
8 And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are
set before you:
9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is
come nigh unto you.
10 But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out
into the streets of the same, and say,
11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you:
notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
6. Fellowship.

Mat 13:36 Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came
to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.”

Jesus spent time with His disciples often during his leftime and as well after his
ressurection.
BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP - How do you multiply (multiplication
mathematics)

God has always been interested in reproduction. In fact, His first command to Adam
and Eve in the Garden was to “be fruitful and multiply.” (Genesis 1:28). What God
commanded the first humans to do is what Jesus commanded the first believers to
do in Matthew 28:18-20.
Disciples are made to reproduce. There is no higher calling, no clearer commission in
the New Testament than to reproduce in others the character that God's Spirit has created in
you. Christ expects every Christian to bear spiritual fruit.

Let me share with you the potential of God’s program as found in Matthew
28:19-20. I am basing these figures on each disciple winning and discipling
two people per year. This spiritual principle of multiplication can impact
the world during your life. Remember, this is based on your winning and
discipling two people a year, while each of your disciples do the same.

YEAR GROWTH BY ADDITION GROWTH BY MULTIPLICATION

Evangelise and bring 1 Disciple 2 People who also
person to church daily disciple other 2 people annually
1 365 2
2 730 4
3 1,095 8
4 1,460 16
5 1,825 32
6 2,190 64
7 2,555 128
8 2,920 256
9 3,285 512
10 3,650 1,024
11 4,015 2,048
12 4,380 4,096
13 4,745 8,192
14 5,110 16,384
15 5,475 32,768
16 5,840 65,536
17 6,205 131,072
18 6,570 262,144
19 6,935 524,288
20 7,300 1,048,576
25 9,125 33,554,432
30 10,950 1,073,741,904
33 12,045 8,589,935,232 (more than current
earth population)
Greg Ogden, in his book Discipleship Essentials, expounds this point by graphically
illustrating the contrast between someone personally seeing one person come to the
Lord every day for a year, as compared to investing in the same two people for an
entire year (see chart above). The evangelist hits the streets every day with the goal
of sharing the gospel with as many people as needed to see God save one person. In
contrast, the disciple-maker walks two people through a year of intensive
discipleship.

The slow-moving discipleship process creeps forward with only four people being
impacted in two years, compared to 730 converts through the solitary work of the
busy evangelist. However, this radically changes with the passing of time. After
sixteen years of the same activity, the evangelist would have seen almost 6,000
people come to faith in Christ, while the disciple would have impacted 65,536 people.

Every person on the planet would be reached multiple times over after thirty years.
It is a ministry shift from a strategy of addition, where the clergy performs the
ministerial duties, to one of multiplication, where believers are expected and
equipped to personally participate in the Great Commission.

The goal of every Discipleship Group is for the mentee, the one being discipled, to
become a mentor; to multiply–make other disciples [A Discipleship Group is a
closed group of 2 members (in this case) consisting of believers who desire a deeper
walk with Christ via intimate and accountable relationships resulting in community
and multiplication of more disciples].

In essence, the Discipleship Group is designed for the player to become a coach. If it
is not discussed early on, members in the group will adopt a consumer mentality,
with a short-sighted, self-serving focus. The heart of discipleship, as Christ modeled
and instituted it, is that you are not learning only for yourself. You are
learning for the person whom you will mentor in following Him.

The Great Commission is designed to be a team effort. Instead of the

pastors/leaders/Sunday school teachers/deacons performing all the duties of
ministry in the church, the saints are equipped to carry out the work. The ministers
cannot carry out the command alone, as Paul clearly stated: “And he gave the
apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the
saints for the work of ministry” (Ephesians 4:11-12).

Multiplication–not addition–is Jesus’ plan for reaching the world with

gospel. And multiplication is the purpose of the Discipleship Group. If the body of
Christ would accept this plan, embrace it, and faithfulness obey it, then the Great
Commission would be accomplished.

Nothing Grows under a Banyan Tree

The banyan is a massive tree that develops secondary trunks to support its
enormous branches. A full-grown banyan tree can cover an entire acre. The tree
provides shade and shelter for many animals with its branches, but nothing is able to
grow under its dense foliage. Therefore, the earth beneath is barren.

A banana tree is exactly the opposite. Within six months, small shoots sprout from
the ground. Six months later, another set of shoots spring up from the earth to join
the others, which are now six months old. At about eighteen months, bananas burst
forth from the main trunk of the tree. Humans, birds, and many other creatures
benefit from its fruit before it dies. Every six months, the cycle is reproduced, with
sprouts forming, fruit bearing, and shoots dying. The end result is a forest of banana
trees.

These contrasting trees graphically illustrate a vital discipleship truth. Many people
utilize a banyan style of leadership. Mitsuo Fukuda explained, “Banyan-style leaders
have a tremendous ministry, but have difficulty finding a successor, because they do
not generate leaders, only followers. It’s possible to grow followers in a relatively
short space of time, and that’s a useful result on its own. But when the leader goes
away, you are left only with a heavily dependent group of people, programmed with
a list of instructions” (Mitsuo Fukuda, Upward, Outward, Inward: Passing on the
Baton of Discipleship. Gloucester, UK: Wide Margin Books, 2010, p. 100).

Discipleship is about shoots and sprouts. These new sprouts are never a threat to the
banana tree, for they ensure growth. In fact, they are expected. The goal of a
Discipleship Group is for the mentee to become a mentor, for the player to become a
coach. Unless that happens, the group never progresses beyond a small group Bible
study.
What do you see when you look over your shoulder? Who is following
you? Who are your disciples?