The Objectives : The two main objectives of this study are to help disciples understand the importance of discipling and to inspire them to develop dynamic and healthy one another relationships.

Discipling is simply the training and learning process of becoming like Jesus. Discipleship and discipling is woven throughout virtually every page of the NT. In the spirit of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where the apostles are commanded to “disciple the nations” and “teach obedience”, church members “disciple” and “teach obedience” to one another through individual and group settings.

The Scriptures:

1. Christ-Centered Discipling

1 Corinthians 11:1
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

In our discipling relationships; Christ is the standard and our lives are examples.

Q: What is the difference between setting an example with our lives and making our lives a standard?

Q: Why is it important to know this distinction?

We need to have the humility and desire to imitate the Christ-like qualities in one another. However, the foundation and focus of our discipling relationships should always be our desire to be just like Jesus.

2. Teach & Admonish

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

Q: What should always be “richly” apart of our discipling relationships?

Q: What is the difference between “teaching” and “admonishing”?

Teaching is to impart skills or knowledge. This is proactive discipling.

Admonishing is to warn or notify of a fault; to reprove gently or kindly, but seriously; to exhort; To counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise; to warn against danger or an offense. This is reactive discipling. We need both “proactive” and “reactive” discipling to have a healthy walk with God.

Proverbs 27:4-5
4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy?
5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

The Bible teaches us that it is better to be corrected harshly in love, than to have someone who does not love you enough to correct you at all.

Q: Do you have spiritual friends that you trust enough to allow them to correct / challenge you on a regular basis?

Q: Are people who tell you “what you want to hear” rather than “what you need to hear” really a good friend?

3. One-Another Passages

There are dozens of “one-another” passages in the Bible. These passages give simple direction for how Christians should and should not act toward one-another. These passages help govern and instruct our discipling relationships.

• Hebrews 3:13—encourage one another daily
• Hebrews 10:24 – spur one another on toward love and good deeds
• Galatians 5:13—serve one another
• Galatians 6:2 – carry each other’s burdens

Q: Do you have these kinds of “one-another” relationships? Do you actively seek them out for your life?

Important Discipling Practicals:

• Have a designated discipling partner and/or group in your life; meet regularly.
• Have dynamic “discipling times” with your partner/group: confess sins, share burdens, talk about what you are learning from God, pray together, share your faith together, challenge one another’s faith, etc.

The Spiritual Exercise: Have a time of good point/bad point; as a way to learn to encourage and spur one another on. Start out with coming up with 3 good points (areas they are Christ-like) about one another and then sharing 1 bad point (an area they need to repent/grow in) about one another. See how many “one-another” passages can you find in the Scriptures?