Disciples_Making_Disciples_2.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Faith Begins with a Journey, Not Just a Decision

The Christian life doesn’t end at the moment of belief—it truly begins there. Conversion is the starting line, not the finish. When someone comes to faith in Jesus, they are like a newborn, full of potential but needing guidance, care, and support. The call is not just to celebrate the moment of salvation, but to walk with new believers as they learn to live out their faith in everyday life. This journey requires patience, presence, and a willingness to invest in someone else’s spiritual growth, even when it’s slow or messy.
As followers of Jesus, we are invited to move beyond simply sharing the gospel and to commit ourselves to the ongoing process of discipleship. This means being willing to walk alongside others, helping them grow in their understanding of God, and encouraging them as they take steps of faith. It’s a lifelong process of learning, growing, and becoming more like Christ—together.

Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV):
“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

Reflection:
Who is one person in your life who recently began following Jesus? How can you intentionally encourage and walk with them this week as they start their journey of faith?

Day 2: Discipleship Grows Deep in the Soil of Relationship

Discipleship is not a program or a checklist—it’s a relationship. Jesus changed the world by investing deeply in a few, sharing life with them, and walking through both joys and struggles together. Real transformation happens up close, when we are willing to open our lives to others and let them see both our strengths and our weaknesses.
It’s easy to think that discipleship is about attending classes or completing a curriculum, but the heart of it is connection and commitment. When we share meals, pray together, and walk through life’s ups and downs, we create space for God to work in powerful ways. If you want to see lasting change in someone’s life, be willing to get close enough to truly know them and help them grow.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 (ESV):
“So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”

Reflection:
Who in your life do you need to invite into a deeper, more authentic relationship? What is one step you can take this week to share not just your faith, but your life with them?

Day 3: A True Disciple Abides, Obeys, and Walks in Freedom

The marks of a true disciple are not found in outward achievements, but in a heart that abides in God’s Word, chooses obedience, and experiences the freedom Christ offers. Abiding means more than reading Scripture occasionally—it’s about letting God’s Word shape your thoughts, actions, and desires every day. Obedience is the natural response to loving Jesus, turning knowledge into action even when it’s hard.
As you walk with Jesus, you’ll discover that true discipleship leads to freedom, not bondage. It’s about helping others step out of shame, fear, and old patterns, and into the purpose and joy that Christ has for them. When you continue in the Word and obey, you’ll find yourself walking lighter, freer, and more fully alive.

James 1:25 (ESV):
“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”

Reflection:
Is there an area of your life where you know what God’s Word says, but you’re struggling to obey? What is one practical step you can take today to move from knowing to doing?

Day 4: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact

You don’t need a seminary degree or a perfect life to make disciples. God delights in using ordinary people who are willing to say, “Come with me as I follow Jesus.” If you can share your story and what you’re learning, you can help someone else grow in faith. Discipleship is about passing on what you’ve received, trusting God to multiply your investment in ways you may never see.
Don’t let fear or feelings of inadequacy hold you back. The method is simple: one person investing in another, one life at a time. As you pour into someone else, God will use your faithfulness to impact generations.

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV):
“and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Reflection:
Who is someone in your life you could invite to learn and grow with you in following Jesus? What is one way you can encourage or invest in them this week?

Day 5: Love is the Motivation that Sustains Discipleship

At the heart of discipleship is love—love for Jesus and love for people. Programs and duty might get you started, but only love will keep you going when things get tough. Jesus asked Peter, “Do you love Me?” before calling him to care for others. When your motivation is love, discipleship becomes a joy, not a burden, and you reflect the heart of Jesus to those you walk with.
Let your care for others flow out of your devotion to Christ. When love is your fuel, you’ll find the strength to keep showing up, even when it’s slow, messy, or discouraging. Love makes the journey of discipleship beautiful and lasting.

Galatians 5:13-14 (ESV):
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Reflection:
Think of someone you find difficult to love or serve. How can you ask God to fill you with His love for them and take one step to serve them this week?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

This sermon, “Disciples Making Disciples: One Life at a Time (Part 2) – Walk with Them in Discipleship,” builds on last week’s challenge to reach “your one” with the gospel. The focus shifts from evangelism to the often-neglected call to walk alongside new believers in discipleship. Using Matthew 28:18–20 and 2 Timothy 2:1–2, the message draws a clear distinction between making converts and making disciples, emphasizing that the Great Commission is about lifelong transformation, not just a moment of decision. Through personal stories and the example of Jesus, the sermon illustrates that discipleship is relational, intentional, and requires patience, presence, and love. The marks of a true disciple—continuing in the Word, committing to obedience, and celebrating freedom—are unpacked, and the motivation for discipleship is rooted not in duty, but in love for Christ and others. The congregation is challenged to not only reach people for Christ but to walk with them, investing in their spiritual growth, one life at a time.

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Key Takeaways

1. Conversion is the Beginning, Not the End The journey of faith doesn’t stop at the moment someone believes in Jesus; that’s just the starting line. True discipleship is about moving from decision to development, helping new believers learn how to walk in their new life. Our responsibility is not just to celebrate conversions, but to commit to the ongoing process of spiritual growth. This means being present, patient, and willing to walk alongside others as they learn to follow Christ.
2. Discipleship is Relational, Not Programmatic Jesus changed the world not through mass events, but by investing deeply in a few ordinary people. Real impact happens up close, through relationships where we share life, struggles, and victories. Discipleship is less about classes and certificates, and more about connection, commitment, and walking together through the ups and downs of faith. If we want to see lasting transformation, we must be willing to get close enough to truly know and help others.
3. The Marks of a True Disciple: Word, Obedience, Freedom A disciple is known by their ongoing devotion to God’s Word, their willingness to obey, and the freedom they experience in Christ. Continuing in the Word means more than occasional reading—it’s about abiding, listening, and letting Scripture shape us daily. Obedience is the evidence of love for Jesus, and it’s where knowledge becomes action. True discipleship leads to freedom, not bondage—helping others walk out of shame and into the purpose Christ has for them.
4. Anyone Can Make Disciples—No Special Qualifications Required Discipleship isn’t reserved for pastors, scholars, or those with perfect answers. God uses ordinary people who are willing to say, “Come with me as I follow Jesus.” If you can share about your life, you can share about your faith. The method is simple: one person investing in another, passing on what they’ve learned, and trusting God to multiply that investment through generations.
5. Love is the Fuel for Discipleship The motivation for walking with others in their faith journey must be love—love for Jesus and love for people. Duty and programs may get us started, but only love will keep us going when discipleship gets messy, slow, or discouraging. Jesus’ question to Peter, “Do you love Me?” reminds us that caring for others is an overflow of our devotion to Christ. When love is our motivation, discipleship becomes a joy, and we reflect the heart of Jesus to those we walk with.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Disciples Making Disciples – Walk with Them in Discipleship**

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### Bible Reading

- **Matthew 28:18–20**
- **2 Timothy 2:1–2**
- **John 8:31–32**

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### Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18–20, what specific command does Jesus give His followers regarding new believers?
According to 2 Timothy 2:1–2, how does Paul describe the process of passing on the faith?
In John 8:31–32, what does Jesus say is the mark of a true disciple?
From the sermon, what are some ways Jesus modeled discipleship with His own followers?

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### Interpretation Questions

The sermon draws a distinction between making converts and making disciples. Why is it important to see conversion as the beginning rather than the end of someone’s faith journey?
The pastor described discipleship as “relational, not programmatic.” What does this mean, and how does it challenge the way churches often approach spiritual growth?
Jesus says, “If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed.” What does it look like in real life to “continue” in God’s Word, and why is this so central to discipleship?
The sermon says that love, not duty, is the fuel for discipleship. How does this motivation change the way someone might approach walking with a new believer?

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### Application Questions

Think about someone in your life who recently made a decision for Christ or is new in their faith. What would it look like for you to “walk with them” instead of just celebrating their conversion?
The pastor shared a story about teaching his daughter to drive, comparing it to discipleship. Who has “sat in the passenger seat” for you in your spiritual journey, and how did that impact your growth? Is there someone you could do that for now?
Discipleship is described as “relational, not programmatic.” Are there ways you’ve relied more on church programs than on personal relationships to help others grow? What could you do differently this month to build a deeper connection with someone you’re discipling?
One mark of a true disciple is continuing in the Word. How consistent is your own time in Scripture? What is one practical step you could take this week to make God’s Word a more regular part of your daily life?
Obedience is another mark of a disciple. Is there a specific area where you know what God wants you to do, but you haven’t taken that step yet? What’s holding you back, and how can your group pray for you or encourage you to move forward?
The sermon says that true discipleship leads to freedom, not bondage. Are there areas in your life or in the life of someone you’re walking with where shame, fear, or guilt still have a hold? How can you help yourself or others walk in the freedom Christ offers?
Love is the motivation for discipleship. When discipleship gets hard or discouraging, what helps you keep going? Is there a way you can remind yourself this week that you’re investing in others out of love for Jesus, not just out of obligation?

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**Challenge:**
Who is “your one” that God is calling you to invest in this year? What is your next step to not just reach them, but to walk with them in discipleship—one life at a time?

Sermon Quotes

Evangelism brings people to the cross, but discipleship teaches them how to carry the cross. Salvation is just the beginning; the real miracle is when a new believer learns to walk in their new life.

Jesus didn’t just call people to believe in Him—He called them to follow Him. We don’t just need more converts; we need more disciples and more disciple-makers.

Discipleship isn’t instant—it’s intentional. It’s not just about believing; it’s about becoming. That takes time, patience, and a good teacher sitting in the passenger seat, walking alongside someone as they grow.

Real discipleship takes much more than a sermon. It takes you walking alongside your one, investing in their life, and helping them grow one step at a time.

You don’t need a PhD in theology to disciple someone—you just need obedience and a heart that says, “Come with me as I follow Jesus.” If you can talk about your favorite restaurant, you can talk about Jesus.

Discipleship is not about programs; it’s about people. It’s about connection, relationship, and commitment—one life at a time, one heart at a time.

Discipleship is not about attendance; it’s about allegiance. It’s not about membership in a church; it’s about relationship with Christ and walking in the truth every day.

Obedience is how faith finds its feet. You can’t follow Jesus standing still—you’ve got to take that next step, living out what you’ve been taught.

Religion puts chains on people, but a relationship with Jesus breaks them. Discipleship is about helping others walk in the freedom Christ already purchased on the cross.

The greatest motivation for discipleship isn’t duty—it’s devotion. Not guilt, but grace. Not programs, but people. Not because we have to, but because we love to.

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