Learn the essential truths and practices that establish a life with Christ.
INTRODUCTION
Jesus calls people not only to believe in Him but also to follow Him, learn His ways, obey His teaching, and help others do the same. Discipling is the patient work of helping a believer grow toward maturity in Christ. It happens through biblical teaching, prayer, godly example, honest encouragement, loving correction, practical service, and shared obedience. The goal is not to make people dependent upon a human leader. The goal is to help them know Jesus, understand Scripture, walk by the Holy Spirit, and become able to strengthen others.
WHAT SCRIPTURE SAYS ABOUT DISCIPLING
Matthew 28:19–20 KJV
“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.”
2 Timothy 2:2 KJV
“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.”
Colossians 1:28 KJV
“Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:”
DEFINITION IN EVERYDAY LANGUAGE
What is discipling?
Discipling is helping another person become a faithful and growing follower of Jesus Christ. It includes explaining Scripture, modeling Christian character, praying together, answering questions honestly, encouraging obedience, and walking with someone through real life. A person who disciples others must remain a disciple too—humble, teachable, accountable, and dependent upon Christ. Biblical discipling respects personal responsibility and does not manipulate, control, shame, isolate, or replace the work of the Holy Spirit. Healthy discipleship continually directs both people back to Jesus and His Word.
OFFER YOUR PERSONAL PRAYER
Heavenly Father, teach me to follow Jesus faithfully and to help others grow without pride or control. Make me teachable, patient, truthful, and compassionate. Establish Your Word within me so that my example agrees with what I say. Show me whom I can encourage, and give me wisdom to listen before I speak. Help me offer correction with gentleness, receive correction with humility, and keep directing every person toward Christ. By Your Spirit, make my life fruitful in forming faithful disciples who will also strengthen others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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YOUR BIBLE ALPHAMATION
Read it, speak it, and receive it by faith.
I am a growing disciple of Jesus Christ, grounded in His Word and led by His Spirit. God gives me grace to teach, encourage, serve, and model faithful obedience. I help others follow Christ while continually pointing them to Him as their Lord and source. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Introduction. Jesus calls people not only to believe in Him but also to follow Him, learn His ways, obey His teaching, and help others do the same. Discipling is the patient work of helping a believer grow toward maturity in Christ. It happens through biblical teaching, prayer, godly example, honest encouragement, loving correction, practical service, and shared obedience. The goal is not to make people dependent upon a human leader. The goal is to help them know Jesus, understand Scripture, walk by the Holy Spirit, and become able to strengthen others. What Scripture Says About Discipling. Matthew 28:19–20, King James Version. 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. 2 Timothy 2:2, King James Version. 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. Colossians 1:28, King James Version. Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Definition in everyday language. What is discipling? Discipling is helping another person become a faithful and growing follower of Jesus Christ. It includes explaining Scripture, modeling Christian character, praying together, answering questions honestly, encouraging obedience, and walking with someone through real life. A person who disciples others must remain a disciple too—humble, teachable, accountable, and dependent upon Christ. Biblical discipling respects personal responsibility and does not manipulate, control, shame, isolate, or replace the work of the Holy Spirit. Healthy discipleship continually directs both people back to Jesus and His Word. Offer your personal prayer. Heavenly Father, teach me to follow Jesus faithfully and to help others grow without pride or control. Make me teachable, patient, truthful, and compassionate. Establish Your Word within me so that my example agrees with what I say. Show me whom I can encourage, and give me wisdom to listen before I speak. Help me offer correction with gentleness, receive correction with humility, and keep directing every person toward Christ. By Your Spirit, make my life fruitful in forming faithful disciples who will also strengthen others. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Your Bible Alphamation. I am a growing disciple of Jesus Christ, grounded in His Word and led by His Spirit. God gives me grace to teach, encourage, serve, and model faithful obedience. I help others follow Christ while continually pointing them to Him as their Lord and source. In Jesus’ name. Amen. Bible Alphamation Prayer. Receive this truth with thanksgiving. Dear Father, thank You for calling me to follow Jesus Christ and to participate in making disciples. Thank You for the people who have taught, encouraged, corrected, and prayed for me. I receive Your grace to continue growing as I help others grow. Thank You for giving me wisdom through Scripture, strength through the Holy Spirit, and patience for the gradual work of spiritual formation. Keep me free from pride, control, impatience, and the desire to make people dependent upon me. I trust Christ to build His life within every believer. Make my words truthful, my example consistent, my correction gentle, and my service sincere. Through my life, help others know Jesus, obey His teaching, and become prepared to strengthen still others. All spiritual fruit comes from You, and I give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen. Bring it into daily life. Read 2 Timothy 2:1–7 prayerfully. Identify one truth Christ is currently teaching you and one person you can encourage with that truth. Arrange a simple conversation, Bible reading, or time of prayer. Listen carefully, share humbly, and agree upon one faithful step without attempting to control the person’s choices. 2 Timothy 2:1–7, King James Version. Verse 1. Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Verse 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. Verse 3. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Verse 4. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. Verse 5. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. Verse 6. The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits. Verse 7. Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
Dear Father, thank You for calling me to follow Jesus Christ and to participate in making disciples. Thank You for the people who have taught, encouraged, corrected, and prayed for me. I receive Your grace to continue growing as I help others grow. Thank You for giving me wisdom through Scripture, strength through the Holy Spirit, and patience for the gradual work of spiritual formation. Keep me free from pride, control, impatience, and the desire to make people dependent upon me. I trust Christ to build His life within every believer. Make my words truthful, my example consistent, my correction gentle, and my service sincere. Through my life, help others know Jesus, obey His teaching, and become prepared to strengthen still others. All spiritual fruit comes from You, and I give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
BRING IT INTO DAILY LIFE
Read 2 Timothy 2:1–7 prayerfully. Identify one truth Christ is currently teaching you and one person you can encourage with that truth. Arrange a simple conversation, Bible reading, or time of prayer. Listen carefully, share humbly, and agree upon one faithful step without attempting to control the person’s choices.
2 Timothy 2:1–7 KJV
1 Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
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.
3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4 No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5 And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6 The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7 Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.