In this post we turn our attention to calibrate with each other about some important assumptions for our conversation on the topic of discipleship.  Scripture will guide us and provide the basis of each assumption.

• All of us require discipleship (no exceptions) – ^{2Pe 1:5} For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
  ⁶ and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness;
  ⁷ and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.
  ⁸ For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
   
• Discipleship is not optional– ^{Mt 28:18} Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
  ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
  ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
   
• A strategy of multiplication is very important– ^{2Ti 2:2} And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.
   
• The Holy Spirit guides the process– ^{Jn 14:26} But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

 In our next post we will start a process of reflection on the purposes and techniques that Jesus used with his group of disciples.

Blessings and many thanks,

Larry 

In April we concluded an 18 part series on evangelism.  Thanks for sharing in that journey of learning about the importance and the expectations that lead us to share our faith in Jesus Christ.  We concluded that series by noting the importance of discipleship – helping others (and ourselves) grow in faith.

Having taken a break for a few weeks, let's continue.  We now turn our attention more fully to that topic we ended on.  This is part one of a series on just that – discipleship.

"You Were Created to Become Like Christ."  That is Pastor Rick Warren's Purpose #3 in his bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life.  That "purpose" serves to help us understand what a disciple is – one like Christ.  Our definition of discipleship then would include the range of steps and teaching elements that can help people grow toward "Christ likeness." 

Let me repeat that definition – a disciple is one like Christ.  That sounds a little daunting, doesn't it?  In our sinful state as men and women, to be like Christ is a result that we want to move toward, but at the same time we realize that perfection like Christ won't be achieved in this life.  Yet, our goal is to learn and to be continually moving in that direction, more and more like our Savior.

in this initial section of our series on discipleship, let's consider a couple of additional definitions that will help us share understanding.

• Discipleship– as defined and explained by author Dallas Willard, is a continuum of movement in our lives as Christians, to become more and more Christ-like.  It is a process of growth, the progressive life of the disciple.
   
• To Disciple– this is a verb, and it refers to helping believers in their journey of growth in Christ.
   
• Justification– When we accept Jesus Christ into our life, we are justified by God when our sins are forgiven.
   
• Sanctification– is our process of growth, becoming more and more like Christ.

We close this first section of our new series with a thought about life's transitions.  Let me explain what I mean by "transition" in this context.  A life transition point is marked by an accomplishment or event.  The accomplishment then is also the point of a new beginning, a new process, a significant phase of our life.  (A simple example is marriage.  The wedding day is a wonderful event and accomplishment.  At the same time, it marks the new beginning of the next phase of our life, no longer single, but now a life in relation to our new husband or wife.) 

The most important life transition for a person is when he or she accepts Christ as Savior.

• It marks the great accomplishment of salvation – justification
   
• It is the beginning of our journey of growth in Christ – sanctification

Next time we will address some key assumptions about this topic – discipleship.

Blessings and thanks, 

Larry