By Matthew 28:19-20
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
It’s interesting that in these two verses we find the commission of every believer. So often, we wonder what we can do for Christ or we ponder our ‘calling’. Obviously, we are all created for a purpose and it is honorable for us to discover our divine calling and walk in it. As we are on the journey of discovery, let’s first describe the meaning of what it means to be a disciple and the meaning of discipleship.
Disciple:
someone who follows the teachings, life, and aim of another until the person becomes like the master. The master/teacher dynamic was very relational.
Discipleship:
Christian discipleship connotes a relationship with a master teacher, following them, and adhering to their way of life because their teaching shapes your own worldview.
In light of these definitions, we see this type of discipleship with Jesus and His twelve disciples. They were together often. They ate meals together, they walked about together, Jesus taught them in a relational context and while they were on the road. While Jesus taught large crowds, in a sense, He was also modeling His teachings for His disciples. Often while Jesus taught, His disciples would ask questions. They watched Him heal the sick, cast out demons, and take time to pull away in prayer. Jesus was Master and Teacher to the twelve and He loved them deeply. Jesus modeled for us as well the meaning of being a disciple and discipleship.
Sometimes I think we devalue what we have to offer others. We look to those that are in leadership, pastors, etc, to be the main source of discipleship. Granted, the role of those called to a five fold ministry office is to equip the saints to do the work of ministry until we reach maturity. (Ephesians 4: 12-16) Notice that this passage of scripture says the saints, which means you and me, are to also do the works of ministry, which takes us back to the Matthew 28 verses. You and I are called to do several things according to these two verses:
- Go! We all have somewhere we go every day. We have people that need Jesus. In our going, we must have our eyes opened to those around us and become comfortable with being a witness to the Truth that we’ve found in Christ.
- Make disciples: According to the definition of disciple and the example that Jesus set for us, we can pray and ask Holy Spirit to highlight someone to us that we can disciple. We become willing to spend time with them, talk as we go about, teaching them as we go. Relational discipleship can go super deep as it lends to a more intimate conversation. We become the ones that are being a teacher as we follow Holy Spirit and lead others to a deep personal relationship with Him.
- Baptize: As they receive Christ as their personal Savior, baptize them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Teach: this can be a hangup for some. The gospel is simple. To teach someone else, all we need is to be willing. Think about the things you’ve learned as you were mentored by others, or as you read the Word. What is the way to salvation? What is the purpose of baptism? How do we live for Christ? What does Jesus teach in Hins Word that would help someone else along in their journey. One thing is for sure, walking with someone else in their personal journey will cause individual growth. We may not have the answers to every question, but it will cause us to search for the answers.
The call to discipleship is not just giving information. Information without application serves very little purpose. It’s been said that going to seminary teaches lots of history and information but provides very little practical application. Real ministry starts with on the job training. It’s taking what we were taught and putting it to use. The Word is our textbook. It tells us how we should live, what we should adhere to but there is also the side of walking it out. Taking responsibility for the spiritual growth of another is more that just words. It takes action.
We are headed into the time of a mighty harvest. Have you ever thought about what it would be like if 5,000 were added to our number in a day?? Unprecedented times are ahead of us. We are about to walk in the greater glory described in Haggai 2. His glory will demand a response. Demons will increasingly manifest. Are we ready? With the harvest that is at hand, it will take the whole body stepping up and into this move. The authority of Christ dwells in all of us. It’s readily available. The name of Jesus is powerful. We can all step into the outpouring and become a vessel for the Lord’s purposes. However, it will cost us some things:
- Know your position in Christ: He has called all of us. We can all help someone else along in their journey. We must have a pure view of Christ within, the hope of glory, and have less self-focus. Focusing on self will often cause us to see our weaknesses. His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness (2 Peter 1:3) It’s His divine power at work in us. All we have to do is seek Him and obey.
- Know that being just one step ahead of someone else means we can help bring them to where we are. Stop thinking that we have to have it all figured out. We will learn more by doing and in being asked questions that cause us to think and search out answers. Talk about tremendous growth opportunity.
- It will take time: walking with someone else may be uncomfortable for some. Think about the example Jesus set for us. He walked with His disciples, ate with them, etc. The best form of discipleship is through relationship. Are we willing to invest in others in this way? Can we take them with us when we pray for the sick? Can we be a model of Christ for them to imitate and are we willing truly invest in them? Even with preaching and teaching in a service, there is still the need to apply what is taught. Are we willing to invest in someone to help them along? Can they watch us in action and have a safe place to learn and grow?
- Being vulnerable is key. What have you learned? What mistakes have you made? These things will be invaluable as we invest in others. Their growth can be much quicker than ours was as we help them along.
In all this, we too will learn so much. Revival will require us to learn, grow and be flexible. We’re not after a pattern, we’re going after a person, Jesus Christ. We won’t be able to figure it out. All we can do is yield to Him.
Are you ready to be one to get your hands dirty? Will you invest in those the Lord sends your way? Will you Go, witness, teach and lead others to Him? Believe it when the Word says His divine power has given you everything you need and He is with you. You will blossom and the gifts that may be hidden from you now will start to manifest as you go about doing the will of the Father. Pray with me:
Heavenly Father,
I thank you that the same power that raised Christ from the dead lives in me. Your divine power has given me everything I need for life and godliness. Raise me up as your witness in these days. Show me the harvest that is ready and let my words lead others to you. Give me a willing heart to invest in whoever you send my way. Awaken the gifts within me as I reach out to those who need you. I look to you as my source and your Word as my guide. Teach me so that I may teach others. I am called. I am chosen. I am more that capable through Christ. I trust the leading of Holy Spirit and am expectant and willing to do my part in this great season of harvest.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Deidre Gaines resides in West Virginia with her husband and best friend, Richard. She has three grown children and one granddaughter. Deidre is a Licensed Minister, Prophetic intercessor, blogger (Shamar), speaker and encourager with a heart to see the nature of Jesus put on display for the world to see. She is passionate to see His love, unity, presence, power and authority transform hearts, cities, regions and the nations through bringing glory and honor to His name. Deidre desires to see the church walk in the fullness of His Kingdom come, His will be done, on earth as it is in heaven, Matthew 6:10. She enjoys spending time with her family, sports, crocheting and being outdoors. Especially taking rides in the side by side with her husband Richard.
by leaps and bounds 