Discipleship Basics

UPDATE
To an aspiring writer, it is said that Hemingway wrote, “You shouldn’t write if you can’t write.” That resonates with me. In the last few years, I’ve wanted to write, but didn’t. Now, there seems to be not motivation, but desire.

One of the ways I’m beginning this journey is through articles that I intended on publishing, but didn’t get around to it. Today’s post, in particular, comes from an afternoon spent with my brother in 2019. I hope it’s helpful as you make disciples. Cheers.

INTRO
Last weekend, Chango and I visited my brother, Meme, at his workshop in my parents’ house. My brother loves woodworking and is fascinated by hand crafted Japanese tools and various saws. Chango was building a wooden target out of 2x4’s and needed help reinforcing the boards by adding back support and needed Meme’s help.

What I witnessed was probably one of the most basic and effective ways to communicate discipleship. Here are three observations I made during our time:

1. I DO, YOU WATCH
Before hanging out with Meme, Chango had measured the sections of the board that he needed cut, but didn’t double check his markings or his math. When Meme checked his work, he went back and taught Chango the golden rule of woodworking, “measure twice, cut once.” Meme busted out his tape measure and special pencil and showed Chango the importance of measuring correctly, patiently, and with the right metrics.

Once he corrected Chango’s measurements, he taught him how to hold the saw and cut correctly. Afterward, Meme laid support pieces on top of the target and showed Chango how to drill and screw wooden screws (I don’t know the technical term).

Here’s my point, Meme’s job was to teach the “how” and the “why.” Chango’s job was to observe while asking questions along the way. When Jesus tells His disciples, “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28), the word for “teaching” isn’t so much a classroom-type of learning, re-learning through experience and correction. There is a space in discipleship that involves bringing someone along with you as you share life with them and teach them as you go.

2. I DO, YOU HELP
After drilling and securing the first portion of the target, Meme moved on to the middle piece only this time, he grabbed Chango’s hand to teach him positioning and what to expect. Additionally, he was going to observe Chango along the way.

When we consider the four gospel accounts, we see Jesus not only teaching the disciples formally, but informally. He includes them in things such as teaching them how to pray or how to speak of the kingdom. In discipleship, there is a space that includes folding others into what you’re already doing in your walk with Jesus, adjusting as you move forward.

3. YOU DO, I WATCH
For the last piece, Meme told Chango, “now you know, so let me see it.” Chango secured and fastened the final piece by himself and Meme was at his side. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus promises the disciples (and us) that He will be with them always. They were given a responsibility and commission, but were never on their own or never not making disciples. Discipleship is never in the context of isolation, but community.

FINAL THOUGHTS
One final observation about the time with Meme: it wasn’t a formally scheduled session. This was Chango hanging out with his Tio in real time over the course of an afternoon. In many cases, discipleship is reduced to a formal meeting over charred coffee at Starbucks and while that may happen on occasion, discipleship is an invitation through everyday ordinary life to know and live like Jesus.

Discipleship is an absolute necessity in the Christian life. The lie is that you can be a follower of Jesus without being a disciple. Friend, that’s stupid. It’s not found in the pages of Scripture and is a foreign concept to God’s word. Therefore, let us heed the command of Christ to make disciples who know and live like Jesus.

What Are You Fighting For?

Wrestling is one of the most difficult and exhausting sports. There’s nothing I have done competitively that compares to what we were put through in wrestling; physically or mentally. I can remember feeling like practice was really just a test of sanity and whether or not we would cross an imaginary line to finally quit. One of the very first drills we were taught was called “bull in the ring.” We were placed in small groups of three and given a number between 1 and 3. Our coach would then yell “1 and 2, go!" “2 and 3, go!” and “3 and 1, go!" The drill was three one minute rounds of grappling with ten seconds of rest in between. Those were the longest “one minutes” of my life.

Then came match day. Wrestling matches consist of three 2-minute rounds. Those two minutes rounds last four times as long as the one minute practice rounds. In all of that, here’s my point: we never stopped wrestling. Our identity as wrestlers drove everything from the quality of sleep we needed, the food we ate, and the decisions we made; even when we weren’t wrestling we were still wrestling.

In the same way, the Christian life works the same. Our identity drives everything, not just the time we spend reading our bible or prayer, but literally everything. The Apostle Paul writes to “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). In this, Paul is speaking metaphorically, but is being literal. There’s a fight that we are involved in. Both the Apostle Peter and James say similar things; that a war is being waged for our souls (1 Peter 2:11, James 4:1-5). So, we fight; even when we’re not fighting, we fight. But what do we fight for? What does “fight the good fight of faith” mean?

FOLLOW JESUS

Before anything, if we’re going to “fight the good fight,” then our eyes need to be fixed on Jesus. This is essential because upon fixing our eyes upon Jesus, the gospel is at the center of everything. The Apostle Paul wrote that the gospel is “of first importance” yet it’s sometimes the first thing that we forget about.

By fixing our eyes and following Jesus, we have a clear understanding of who we are and what He has done for us. You could call this preaching the gospel to yourself; you’re in a position where you have to slow things down and think through the work of God in Christ for you: you have been rescued by the wrath of God with the mercy of God in Christ, Christ has redeemed you from the bondage of sin by His blood, through Christ you have been reconciled to the Father, and not only have we been reconciled to God, we have been adopted into the family of God.

Our eyes fixed on Jesus changes everything because the gospel effect change in every area of your life; physically, mentally, and spiritually. You cannot have Jesus as your foundation and then build your identity off of something else, that’s inconsistent and idolatrous. If that is our methodology, then we’re preaching that Jesus’ work is not enough to make us whole.

Following Jesus means fighting to follow Him. We’re going to be tempted by all of the things that say will satisfy us, but in reality will remove us far from Him.

FIGHT FOR IDENTITY AND FIGHT SIN

Through the work of Christ, we have access and a relationship with the Father (Hebrews 4:16) and as a result, we can approach Him as sons and daughters; image bearers. When we fight for image, we’re fighting for who God says we are not who we used to be. In the New Testament, we read numerous verses to “put off” or “put away” the old self (Ephesians 4:24-25, Colossians 3:9-12, 1 Peter 2:1-3) and to walk as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We are incredibly forgetful to remember our identity and easily default to who we used to be. Our identity in Christ comes from who God says we are as He has revealed through scripture and not a “10 steps to a better you” book. Books are awesome and can be helpful, but they’re not the Word of God. Stop treating them like they are and immerse yourself in His word (1 Peter 2:2).

When we fight for our identity, we are battle ready (Ephesians 6:10-18). There is a spiritual war going on for your heart every single day and you’re going to be fighting sin every single day. Our weapons? The Word of God and prayer. That’s it and that’s all we need.

It is here that you need people around you. You need others around you to help you fight sin. And just like a real battle, there will be some moments of peace and then moments of brutality; don’t waste either one.

FULFILL THE GREAT COMMISSION

When it comes to fighting to follow Jesus, our identity, and sin you can be reassured that it’s not always going to have in the privacy of your home or car, but in the ordinary means of life when you’re around others (friends, co-workers, gym buddies, etc.). And whether you’re around other Christians or not, your convictions will make or mature disciples, reflecting the character of God.

For the Christian, they may be encouraged by you, learn from something you, or come alongside of you in those moments where you’re in spiritual warfare. And for the non-Christian, they may be attracted to your convictions because convictions motivated by holiness are appealing, not legalistic (1 Peter 2:12).

The Christian life is centered around the truth and beauty of Jesus and we must fight to protect that and fight to display it. While every day is certainly a gift from God, it’s not only a gift to do things better or differently, but to grow closer to Him in Christ through His word. In the next post, I’ll outline what it means to apply the gospel in these areas with a little more details. Now that we have a better understanding of what it means to “fight the good fight” and how it applies to all Christians.

Are you ready?

Make Disciples or Mature Disciples?

There are several Christian organizations out there who build their entire ministry off of the great commission, to make disciples; conferences are held every year with thousands in attendance ready and willing to learn the next steps on discipleship; and churches host classes on the process of disciple-making to better equip their congregations. Each of these opportunities are wonderful because they serve the purpose of ultimately fulfilling the great commission. However, many fail short in accomplishing the mission of the church because they’re on two completely different pages when it comes to what discipleship is.

One one hand, many will teach that discipleship is missional. When Jesus said “go,” He meant to be out on mission (Matthew 28:18). Then, on the other hand, others will teach that discipleship is developmental. In other words, when Jesus said to baptize and teach (Matthew 28:19-20) disciples, he meant believers in the context of the church.

These two outlooks on discipleship are increasingly confusing Christians because both approaches are called “discipleship.” Yet, both approaches are on completely different pages. Let me submit to you that discipleship or disciple-making is not “or,” but “and.”

Discipleship is both making disciples (go) and maturing disciples (baptize and teach). If we separate the two, then we run the risk of confusing the gospel of Jesus Christ and confusing Christians that we’re trying to equip and send out on mission. So, how do we integrate the two? We begin with the gospel.

THE GOSPEL

The first thing we need to understand and embrace is the gospel of Jesus Christ, this is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-5). In many Christian circles, when we begin to talk about discipleship, many think that the main thing is discipleship—the process of making disciples, but it’s not. The gospel is.

We’re not making disciples just to make disciples, we’re making disciples so that more people would not only come to hear the gospel of Jesus, but in hope that more would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior. The gospel is the good news—heralded news—that God came into human history as the man Jesus Christ, lived the life that you and I cannot live, and died a death that you and I deserve to die, was raised on the third day showing that He conquered sin, Satan, hell, and the grave. As a result, God saves sinners not because of their merit, but because of the merit and righteousness of Jesus.

The gospel must be central to discipleship because if it is not, not only do we run the risk of confusing the gospel, we also run the risk of losing it.

People who do not know Jesus need the gospel so that through faith and repentance, they would come to know and worship Jesus AND people who do know Jesus, Christians, need the gospel so they’re reminded of the work God has done for them; that their works are first determined by their identity in Christ!

Everyone needs the gospel!

MAKING DISCIPLES

The call to make disciples is missional and if you’re a disciple of Jesus, then one way or another you have been sent to where ever it is that you’re at. Whether you’re a business owner, college student, teacher, or stay-at-home parent you have been sent. This is fundamental.

In the Great Commission, Jesus reveals His agenda to the disciples by telling them that they are going to be sent. They are sent to make more disciples under the authority of Jesus. The mission starts and ends with Jesus.

Think about it. Jesus’ method for discipleship and ultimately making Himself known was men. Robert Coleman says it this way:

“…He had to devote himself primarily to a few men, rather than the masses, so that the masses could at last be saved. This was the genius of his strategy.”

In other words, Jesus didn’t focus on mass special events to usher people into the Kingdom, though He was not against speaking and preaching repentance and the Kingdom of God to large crowds, His priority was to develop a few in order to reach the many. You have been commissioned by Jesus to go and make disciples; sharing the good news of the gospel in word and deed. If you are a disciple, then you are sent.

MATURING DISCIPLES

The Great Commission, however, isn’t only about making disciples but it also includes maturing disciples. When an individual becomes a Christian, it doesn’t mean they stop hearing and learning the gospel. I think one of the biggest failures of the church is that we often assume that once an individual becomes a Christian, it’s not that they don’t need the gospel, but more importantly they need bible studies, community groups, they need to serve, and do several other things. And yes, all of those things are necessary compliments to the Christian life—in community we confess our sin to one another (James 5), we love and serve one another to build one another up (Ephesians 4)—but the priority is still the gospel, not programs.

We learn the breadth and depth of the good news by continually situating ourselves in it, through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Lord. Jesus is the gospel of our teaching and observing…disciples are made, whether for the first time or the fiftieth time, through the gospel.” (Jonathan Dodson)

MAKING AND MATURING DISCIPLES

Evangelism and discipleship are not at odds with one another; they’re not in conflict, but the foundation upon which evangelism and discipleship stand upon is the gospel.

While I’m sure I could think of more, here is the biggest challenge that I have seen Christians have when it comes to discipleship:

1. Picking A Side
   Just because you may be more gifted in one area of discipleship doesn’t mean you’re excused from the whole process. If you read this and think, “I’m more about maturing disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only informational and not missional. And if you read this and think, “I’m more about making disciples,” then you run the risk of teaching that the gospel is only missional and not relational.

“The gospel reminds us that Jesus is central, and as we believe its good news, we discover discipleship integrates and interweaves us deeply into his life. In his lordship we perceive that all things exist in, through, and for him (Col. 1:15-23), making all life a matter of devotion to him (Col. 3:23-24), not to pious or missional performance…

We learn the gospel, relate the gospel, and communicate the gospel in everyday life. It is central in everything, from the way we relate to god to the way we relate to others.Of course, just because the gospel integrates our lives in Christ and under his lordship does not mean we struggle. In fact, sin want sot disintegrate and unravel us from belief in the gospel, spinning us away from jesus in any other possible direction. This why why the Bible constantly calls disciples to fight for belief in the gospel. (Jonathan Dodson)

As disciples of Jesus, we must remember that we have been commissioned by Jesus and empowered by the Holy Spirit to herald the whole gospel. As we move forward, let us stand firmly upon the foundation of Christ as our cornerstone and not be ashamed to proclaim the excellencies of His gospel (1 Peter 2:4-6, 9-10).

The Church and Disciple Making

Last week, I was fortunate enough to get a few days in Dallas, both for an Acts 29 conference and a coaching cohort I'm a part of with some pretty astounding men; both were incredibly refreshing and encouraging. For my wiring, when I'm able to step out of my context for a brief moment and collaborate, not only are my mind wheels turning, but my thinking is much more clear. 

This season, in a word, has been intense. In a later post, I'll be sharing all that's been going on and why everything took off at 200mph. But until then, I simply wish to share an on-going conviction. Apart from preaching and teaching the word of God, my passions are to make disciples, develop leaders, and plant churches--all things that help to expand the Kingdom of God; not my own. What I'm most convicted and convinced by is that the primary way for the kingdom to be expanded is by making disciples that make disciples; multiplication. 

When we look at the great commission, Jesus said to "Go, therefore, and make disciples..." and at some point, the church cultivated a culture of the great commission being a building that says, "we've built this, therefore they will come..." Those are two incredibly different points of view on how to make disciples. For Jesus, the content and process of making disciples was immersing Himself into his culture and the people; sharing life with them; teaching them along the way. For many churches, the content and process of making disciples has become institutionalized through programs and really good music. 

When we commit to making disciples who make disciples, we not only participate in the great commission, but the kingdom is expanded where more and more come to hear and know the person and work of Jesus Christ. And before I continue, let me say this: nothing is wrong with great church programs or really good music, but that's not the priority of the church--it's to make disciples through cultural renewal (1 Peter 2:9-11) and missional engagement (John 1:14). While a church can have several marks that constitute it as a healthy church, I would first argue to say that if a church (the people) are not making disciples then they are not a church to begin with. 

We, the church, have been chosen by God to reveal his manifold wisdom; as a watching world looks in, they should be able to see glimpses of the Kingdom; existing to be a church that shows the beauty and glory of Jesus to the heart of our cities. 

Recommended Readings: On The Block: Developing a Biblical Picture for Missional Engagement by Doug Logan; A Meal with Jesus: Discovering Grace, Community, and Mission Around the Table by Tim Chester; Saturate: Being Disciples of Jesus in the Everyday Stuff of LIfe by Jeff Vanderstelt

Discipleship: Where Do I Start?

Discipleship is a wonderful discussion among many churches because of its importance and value. It's a conversation many enter looking for the next best method; an "a-ha!" moment. The truth, however, is that discipleship is something that is supernatural and found in the ordinary. When the best thinkers of the church begin to communicate that discipleship happens in the context of everyday life, I see many people discouraged because I know they're thinking that there must be a better way. 

But if we look to the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and observe the life and ministry of Jesus we see that He was incredibly faithful to 12 men in daily life.  Then, upon his ascension, Jesus then commands his disciples to make disciples and teach them everything they have observed; to do what He did with them. Remember that part? 

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and making 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. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20; emphasis mine)

I think part of the reason many become discouraged in discipleship (or discipleship-making) is because they're overwhelmed and concerned with what to do first or where to start. So, before jumping into anything, let us look to the example of Jesus because everything that happened in between the start of his public ministry and His ascension is the content of discipleship. 

Here are 4 things for you to consider as you enter into discipleship relationships: 

1. PRAY

Begin with prayer. 

"During those days He went out to the mountain to pray and spent all night in prayer to God. When daylight came, He summoned His disciples, and he chose 12 of them..." (Luke 6:12-13)

After Jesus had spent some time with many of the men who would later become his disciples, He first prayed. So, if you find yourself in a season where you're looking to disciple one or two (or more) people--ask yourself who are you already in community with and then spend time in prayer over them. Ask God to give you discernment on who to approach. 

2. COMMUNITY

When I say "community," I am not only talking about the people in your small group or community group, but those you're around. For example, I run a small private gym so I'm in community with several athletes who don't know Jesus (yet). Who are you in community with? 

This is important because for two reasons: (1) Jesus said to go out and make disciples NOT Christians and (2) there is a misconception that discipleship only happens within the walls of the church and that's not true. People will say, "then isn't discipleship evangelism?" to which my answer is not necessarily--evangelism happens in the context of discipleship, not the other way around. 

My athletes know that I love Jesus and love to talk about Jesus and I have developed on-going relationships with them because they see me in the ordinary. They are open to hearing the gospel because, as one of them stated, "if you're good at coaching me how to deadlift, then I'm good with you telling me about Jesus." 

My wife, Rebecca, is a hairdresser and has a listing of regular clients who sit in her chair every few weeks and have developed a great relationship with her; she has them in her chair anywhere between 45 minutes to 3 hours and many of them don't know Jesus--it's a wonderful opportunity for the gospel in community! 

3. OBEDIENCE

Here's what I mean when it comes to obedience:

When you're looking at discipleship within the context of the church, then you're looking for men or women who are actively pursuing Jesus; they're obedient and need someone to come alongside of them to help them grow and guide them in the faith and in life. 

When you're looking at discipleship outside the walls of the church, you're looking for men or women who are simply having a hard time when it comes to life. Remember, as you have established relationships in community, coming alongside of them with the foundation of the gospel presents itself with opportunities to further share the gospel. If you have developed a relationship with someone, do you only share the gospel once? Or do you look for creative opportunities to share the gospel in word and deed? 

The difference between these two situations is that you can use some "christian-ese" in one while in the other, you might lose them! 

4. INVESTMENT

Any way you look at discipleship, it means that you're going to be investing into people which means it will require vulnerability and knowing that you will fail them; they will fail you. Remember, your value and identity is found in the person and work of Jesus--always. Next, this is the ordinary. Investment happens as you welcome others into your life. 

Remember what Jesus did with his disciples? Everything. He ate, traveled with, hung out, prayed for and with, taught, and laughed with them. Investment means that we are bringing people into our lives in order to make disciples for the sake of the gospel and advancing the Kingdom. 

Discipleship can be scary and I think that's because it forces us outside of our comfort zones, requires vulnerability, and half of the time we don't know what we're doing. All of that is normal and good for you because as you disciple others, the Spirit is at work discipling you in the same areas. 

This week, think about those you're in community with and pray for them, then ask the Lord to give you clarity and discernment about being more intentional with a few of them. Discipleship is important because it's not only what Jesus said to do, but how the church continues to spread.