Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality, teaching scripture, and Godly relationships. It’s purposeful on God’s part and ours. But first, let’s define it. Simply put, disciples are Christ-followers who desire to please God and pursue a life of righteousness by obeying his commands.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include intentionality.
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. (ESV, John 15:16)
Jesus and his twelve disciples were intentional in discipleship. Jesus personally recruited them individually as followers and they, in turn, called him Rabbi, which means teacher. Both parties agreed on the discipleship arrangement and the same is true today. Jesus taught them verbally, by example, and through practical ministry. The disciples listened and asked questions, participated in his ministry, and eventually, went on their own missionary journey.
Although the twelve disciples were his inner circle, Jesus called all new followers into discipleship and expanded his teaching to include them. He warned that genuine discipleship was not all spiritual fun and games or constant warm fuzzies. It also involved sacrifice, persecution, and testing. And we should accept that today as well. Perhaps that’s why, then and now, many new followers of Jesus drop out when things get tough and those who persevere are relatively few.
Jesus promises disciples spiritual blessings and an amazing, eternal reward. But our earthly journey can still be difficult and uncertain. And those who prevail are driven by faith and sustained by hope.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include teachingscripture.
Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. (ESV, John 14:10)
Jesus was the divine Son of God who didn’t merely speak off the top of his head. His words were the very words of the Father. Today, we have not only Jesus’ words, but all the inspired words of God recorded in scripture.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work. (ESV, 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Therefore, when Jesus commissions us to make disciples and teach all his commands, it includes teaching the entire Bible.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. (ESV, Matthew 28:19)
What’s the best teaching method?
For who among men knows the thoughts of man except his own spirit within him? So too, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 2:11-12)
A church development in recent years is the decline of Sunday School and rise of weekday small groups. What’s the difference? Sunday School focuses specifically on teaching, but small groups lean more towards community. This is because small group leaders often function as facilitators rather than teachers and disciple makers. And want curriculum they can lead without the study preparation that goes into teaching. So the level of teaching has slowly declined.
Instead, many churches now use sermon-based study guides and teaching videos through Right Now Media for small groups. As a small groups pastor I used them too. And I appreciate how technology offers many ways for us to learn from scripture and encourage their use. But directly reading, studying, and meditating on God’s Word under the illumination of the Holy Spirit and exegetically teaching scripture should be our primary approach. Both individually and with other disciples.
Three essentials of Biblical discipleship include godly relationships.
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (ESV, Acts 4:13)
Discipleship is relational and occurs over time. Rubbing off godliness little by little. It’s not a single evangelistic encounter, dump the gospel, lead unbelievers in a prayer of salvation and check off a weekly discipleship quoto. It requires authenticity about your strengths and weaknesses. Humbly confessing your sins, confidently proclaiming the grace and faithfulness of God, and faithfully pursuing righteousness while encouraging others to do the same.
An example of Jesus’ affect on the disciples
In Acts 3, Peter and John healed a lame man who begged outside the entrance of the Jewish temple. Jesus had ascended to heaven and the Holy Spirit arrived in Acts 2 and filled all the believers gathered during Pentecost. Religious leaders demanded an explanation from them about the miracle and Peter responded by proclaiming the Gospel.
Amazed at their boldness, the religious leaders remembered Peter and John had been with Jesus. The two rough, uneducated, and common men had been radically transformed by the divine presence of Jesus who invested in their spiritual growth during his three year ministry.
It works in the opposite direction too.
Do not be deceived: ‘Bad company corrupts good character. (ESV, 1 Corinthians 15:33)
The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray. (ESV, Proverbs 12:26)
Who you spend your time with matters. Of course, disciple making requires contact with unbelievers. But disciples should guard their close friendships carefully. And seek to build healthy, godly relationships within the body of Christ. Where we give and receive encouragement, affirmation, support, and accountability. So that our godliness rubs off on others and theirs to rubs off on us.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus, the coming of another Helper, and spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the disciples will do greater works than Jesus.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. (ESV, John 14:12)
Jesus surprised his disciples with the news of his impending crucifixion on a cross, resurrection, and ascension to the father in heaven. But then encouraged them by saying they will do greater works. What does he mean? A natural impulse is to wonder if they will demonstrate greater miraculous, divine power. Or speak God’s truth with greater eloquence. Hard to imagine since Jesus spoke words directly from the father and they had no such divine connection.
However, the Greek word for “greater” is mĕgas, which means exceedingly, great, large and in a very wide application. Jesus conducted his earthly ministry primarily in the Roman provinces of Galilee, Samaria, and Judea. And we are reminded what he told the disciples during the time after his resurrection, but before his ascension.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. (ESV, Acts 1:8)
In other words, the disciples will accomplish greater Kingdom expansion geographically and numerically as the Gosepel spreads globally to all people. And the reason why is because Jesus is going to the father.
The formula for prayer
“And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” “If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.”
The spiritual engine that drives greater things is prayer. Specifically, praying in Jesus name. Does this mean tagging on the words “in Jesus’ name” at the end of a prayer like a spiritual stamp to invoke divine action? No. But it begins in heart of the person praying. And earnestly praying for God’s purpose and for his glory. Submitting to his will rather than seeking personal benefit.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals the coming of another Helper.
If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper to be with you forever. (ESV, John 14:15-16)
After describing what it means to love him, Jesus introduces the third person of the trinity–the Holy Spirit. The greek term for “Helper” is Paraklētos, whichmeans Advocate, Helper, Counselor, and Comforter. The Greek word for “another” is allon and is further clarifying because it means another of the same kind. It suggests that Jesus has served as the disciples’ advocate during his earthly ministry and the Helper will fulfill the same role.
Paraklētos is only used five times in the New Testament. Four times are in John’s gospel and the fifth in 1 John 2:1 that names Jesus Christ as our Advocate with the Father. The other Greek word most commonly used for Holy Spirit is pneuma, whichmeans spirit, breath, and wind, depending on the context. The difference between the two is that pneuma identifies his person and paraklētos, his office or ministry. John uses Paraklētos in his gospel to highlight the Spirit’s personal ministry after Christ’s departure. And the rest of the New Testament uses Pneuma as the word that identifies him.
A study of John 14:12-19 reveals spiritual transformation through the indwelling Spirit.
Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. (ESV, John 14:17)
Something new and different is about to happen. God will become more than a supreme being we worship. When the Holy Spirit comes he will spiritually transform every believer into a new creation by actually dwelling within us. His arrival occurs on the Day of Pentecost and is recorded in Acts 2:1-4. Therefore, every believer is now filled with the Spirit after confessing Jesus as Savior and Lord. And the Apostle Paul confirms it.
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.” (ESV, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
Jesus assures the disciples they will know the Holy Spirit when he comes because they know him. But the world cannot see or know him because it doesn’t know Jesus. The Greek word for “world” is kosmos and commonly refers to unbelievers. As our new advocate the Holy Spirit continues the ministry of Jesus in our lives. Among other things, he comforts and teaches, convicts of sin, and guides us into truth.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective, his exclusive claim on eternal life, and the divine distinction between father and son.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus presenting an eternal perspective.
In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. (ESV, John 14:2-3)
Jesus delivered troubling news to the disciples during the Passover meal. One of them would betray him, he was leaving soon and they couldn’t follow him until later, and Peter would deny him three times before the morning rooster crowed. It was a lot to take in and you can imagine the concern and confusion they felt. Jesus offers reassurance by telling them to believe in him.
The Greek word for “believe” is pistĕuō, which also means trust. Simple to say but hard to do when you are emotionally upset. It reminds us today that we don’t have to figure things out when we’re frightened, confused and uncertain. But can trust God because he has everything under control. Then Jesus makes a statement that remains a cherished promise for Christ-followers today.
The promise of a forever home
Jesus was returning to his father’s many roomed house where he would prepare a place for the disciples and return to take them to it. The Greek word for “rooms” is monai, which literally means a place to stay. And it’s used again in V.23 for “home.”
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.
And its use in V.23 suggests not just a place, but God’s presence. In other words, heaven is more than a perfect paradise of beauty and splendor that we call our forever home. It’s where we abide with God.
This promise frames a believer’s worldview with the most powerful concept on earth. The hope of eternal life with Christ. Rather than a hopeless nothingness at the end of this life, believers anticipate a life that extends forever. Therefore, all of life’s circumstances and experiences, both good and bad, are measured within an unending time frame. And it lowers their level of importance and ultimate impact on us because our eternal wellbeing is secure.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals Jesus making an exclusive claim on eternal life.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (ESV, John 14:6)
Critics of Christianity call it intolerant because of its exclusive claim. With so many religions in the world how can it be right and the rest wrong? And the answer is Christians don’t make the claim. Jesus did. He begins with “I am” the Greek word Egō eimi, which is his self-identification as God. The same way God identified himself to Moses when he spoke to him from the burning bush.
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.” (ESV, Exodus 3:14)
You can accept or reject Jesus’ claim. But you shouldn’t ignore it. He is the way. Not a trail blazer who shows us the path to follow. But the one we submit to in confession and repentance as we seek his forgiveness for our sins. He is the truth. The supreme revelation of the father and whose words and actions completely represent the father’s words and actions. And the life. God’s Son who defeated death through his resurrection and possesses eternal life in himself.
A study of John 14:1-11 reveals the divine distinction between father and son.
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” (ESV, John 14:1)
Philip was either not present, not listening, or forgot what Jesus said in John 10:30: I and the father are one. He still doesn’t understand Jesus’ relationship with the father even though Jesus addressed it in earlier chapters. In Philip’s defense, theological teaching on the trinity was not present in Judaism. It was introduced when Jesus was baptized in Matthew 3:16-17.
So Jesus gently rebukes Philip and reviews what he said before. Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the father.” And then he follows with, “Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me?”
Jesus does not say he IS the father, but that he reveals the father. And yet, Jesus is in the father and the father in him. He makes a distinction between father and son, but affirms there is only one God. How do we explain it? By recognizing that God exists in three distinct persons–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who equally share one divine essence.
It is a truth that is difficult for us to comprehend, but that we believe on faith..
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:28-38 reveals the glory of God, a new commandment given by Jesus, and the good intentions of Peter.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the glory of God.
Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. (ESV, John 13:31-32)
After Judas leaves the Passover meal, Jesus addresses the other disciples. And starting in V.31, he begins the first part of his Farewell Discourse that extends to 14:31. It unfolds what is about to happen regarding his betrayal, arrest, trial, crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. In other words, he prepares his disciples for what is ahead. Life without him.
The Glory of God
There’s a lot of glorifying going on in one sentence. As both fully human and fully God, Jesus uses the title “Son of Man” to affirm his humanity. But it is about to end with his willing sacrifice on a cross that reveals his divine glory. An act of complete obedience that glorifies the father. And then he’ll return to the father in his eternal glory. At the same time, Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates the father’s love for humanity and how much he will sacrifice to redeem humanity from sin. The Apostle Paul further supports this idea.
And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (ESV, Philippians 2:8-11)
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals a new commandment given by Jesus.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (ESV, John 13:34-35)
Time is short and Jesus repeats something similar to what he told the Jews in 7:33-34. They would seek him, but where he was going they could not come. Notice that in 7:34 Jesus told the Jews they would seek him, but not find him. But in 13:33, he leaves out the “not find him.” Why? Because then as now, true believers will always find Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Next Jesus declares a new commandment. To love one another so people know they are his disciples. And it remains today the expression that makes Christ-followers visibly distinct. However, this love is not the emotional feeling that characterizes western culture. The Greek word used for “love” in this passage is agapē and is not primarily an emotion, attraction, or feeling. But instead, represents a self-giving, sacrificial commitment that seeks the good of another according to God’s truth. It is not based on human affections but follows the example of Christ’s love. The one Jesus himself demonstrated toward the disciples. However, it’s not a new commandment like God had never said anything like it before.
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (ESV, Leviticus 19:18)
In other words, Christian love now goes beyond love for neighbor as yourself, but is love patterned after Christ himself.
A Study of John 13:31-38 reveals the good intentions of Peter.
Where I am going you cannot follow me now, but you will follow afterward.” Peter said to him, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” (ESV, John 13:36-37)
Peter presses Jesus further about where he is going and Jesus amends his earlier statement. Peter can’t follow him now, but will follow him later. It is the promise that we also share. Believers in Jesus who are faithful disciples will also follow him into heaven when life on earth ends.
Then Peter, the impulsive disciple, expresses his good intentions like many of us today. Confident we will stand by Jesus no matter what. Peter insists he will lay down his life for Jesus. To which Jesus predicts Peter will deny him three times before the rooster crows in the morning. Of course, we know how this plays out. And it reminds us that good intentions are not enough. Faith involves both perseverance and courage as we face fears, testing, and trials. But find guidance in God’s Word, strength through prayer, and confidence in the hope of eternal life.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Is your Church small group tethered to Sermon-based study guides?
Break free with this one! Teaching content is built into the daily studies and a weekly study guide equips small group leaders for engaging group discussions. Dive deep into scripture but with practical application.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals Jesus’ chosen disciples, the progression of a hardening heart, and the final rejection of Jesus.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals Jesus’ chosen disciples.
I am not speaking of all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled, ‘He who ate my bread has lifted his heel against me.’ (ESV, John 13:18)
The disciples gathered with Jesus at the Passover meal looked like a rag tag bunch of unlikely leaders, but they were individually chosen by Jesus. Including Judas who betrayed him. The scripture Jesus quotes is Psalm 41:9 which reads: Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.
This Psalm written by David conveys his emotional anquish of betrayal by a close, trusted friend. And it expresses the same painful rejection that Jesus feels in his betrayal by Judas. Chosen as one of his twelve inner disciples. Someone he trusted and poured his life into. But in the end, who personally handed him over to his enemies.
Judas knew Jesus at a level of closeness matched by only eleven other men. He lived and ministered with Jesus. Watched him perform amazing miracles, teach incredible sermons, live a sinless life, and still rejected him as the Son of God. Although by outward appearance, Judas was a loyal disciple. Only Jesus knew the truth. Because he saw directly into Judas’ heart where geniune belief in Jesus is formed. God’s direct gaze into a person’s heart is how he identifies true believers today as well.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals the progression of a hardening heart.
Disciples grow in spiritual maturity as they strive to imitate Jesus and conform to his image. Likewise, unbelief and a hardened heart also advance over time. Although Judas’ betrayal is foretold, he still exercised a choice and is ultimately responsible for it. But let’s track his progression.
First there was unbelief. Despite the compelling evidence that Jesus was the Son of God, Judas did not believe in him as Jesus regularly called on people to do.
“However, there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. (ESV, John 6:64)
As that unbelief took hold, sinful behavior followed. Outwardly, Judas appeared to be a faithful disciple. But the sinful thoughts in his heart began to express themselves.
But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was going to betray Him, asked,” “Why wasn’t this perfume sold for three hundred denarii and the money given to the poor?” “Judas did not say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief. As keeper of the money bag, he used to take from what was put into it.” (ESV, John 12:4-6)
The steady descent of sinful thoughts
Sin presents a constant spiritual battle for believers. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, Paul tells us to take our thoughts captive and in Philippians 4:8 to direct our minds towards pure, lovely and admirable thoughts. But even then, we still sin. So 1 John 1:9 says to regularly confess our sins and God will faithfully forgive and cleanse us from them. But for unbelievers, sinful thoughts collect and sink lower into moral corruption. As Judas allowed Satan’s influence to grow stronger his thoughts formed a conspiracy.
“The evening meal was underway, and the devil had already put into the heart of Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus.” (ESV, John 13:2)
Judas begins to actively plan the betrayal. He hasn’t fully committed to an action and can still turn back, but he’s on a precipice leaning forward.
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?’” So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus. (ESV, Matthew 26:14-16)
Finally, Judas gives Satan complete control of his heart, makes his final decision, and moves forward to carry it out.
Then He dipped the morsel and gave it to Judas son of Simon Iscariot. And when Judas had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him. (ESV, John 13:26-27)
Belief and unbelief are both a choice everyone makes and we are individually responsible for our decision. The one that determines eternal outcomes.
A study of John 13:18-30 reveals the final rejection of Jesus.
After saying these things, Jesus was troubled in his spirit, and testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” (ESV, John 13:21)
Troubled in spirit, Jesus suddenly blurts out to his disciples that one of them will betray him. It causes an immediate reaction among them as they wonder who it is. Was Jesus signalling to Judas he knew it was him? Maybe as a final chance for Judas to confess and repent? Certainly, Jesus was carrying a heavy weight of emotional stress. In spite of it, Jesus feeds Judas a morsal of food. A final, loving gesture toward Judas who accepts the food, but returns no loving response.
It reminds us that God’s love is an ongoing offer along with the opportunity for repentance. But in V.27, Judas’ own internal conflict comes to a close.
Then after he had taken the morsel, Satan entered into him.
Satan moves beyond influence to complete control of Judas. And recognizing that Judas is completely lost, Jesus tells him to act quickly. So Judas leaves and John adds the words:
And it was night.
They appear to represent both a physical reality and a symbolic meaning. Judas went out at night time but also into spiritual darkness to betray Jesus. A similar idea is presented in chapter three when Nicodemus visited Jesus at night with questions that revealed his spiritual darkness. It tells us that when people give themselves over to evil, their hearts are darkened with sin. But God reveals himself to those who genuinely seek him.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
A Family Friendly Funny Book
Family Stew is a warm, laugh-out-loud collection of stories on life in a middle-class, suburban Christian family. With a storyteller’s heart and a comedian’s timing, Tudor captures the messiness, chaos, and joy experienced when faith, parenting, and daily routines collide.
Join my list and I'll notify you of new blog posts and send you a monthly newsletter. It features inspirational thoughts, writing tips, and a peek into writing projects. I'll also include my article: Exaggerate to Make Your Presentations Funny. It shows you how to punch up presentations with humor and make them more compelling.
