Discipleship Series: Make Disciples
Scripture: Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 2:42–47
What does it actually mean to be a disciple of Jesus? That question opened our Discipleship series. Many of us know how to attend a service, recognize a Bible story, or explain what we believe. Jesus calls us into a life of learning His ways, following Him, and helping other people do the same. His commission gives direction to our personal lives and to the life of the church.
Become one. Make others.
In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus sends His followers to make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe His commands. The command reaches beyond introducing someone to the Christian faith. It includes walking with that person as they learn to live under the authority of Jesus. His promise to be with His followers gives us confidence to take part in that mission.
We need to hear the commission personally. It is easy to ask whether the church has a discipleship program without asking who we are helping follow Jesus. A disciple becomes a lifelong student who remains teachable. We keep receiving instruction, correction, and encouragement, even while we help someone else grow.
Keep a heart that wants to grow
This message described five qualities of a disciple’s heart: surrendered, growing, serving, generous, and evangelistic. A surrendered heart yields to Jesus when His Word challenges our preferences. A growing heart continues pursuing Him and allowing Him to shape our character. A servant’s heart notices people and responds with practical care.
A generous heart is willing to give time, abilities, and resources for the good of others. An evangelistic heart cares about people who need Christ and looks for opportunities to help them follow Him. These qualities belong together. We can serve constantly while neglecting our relationship with Jesus, or study faithfully while resisting the very truth we are learning.
Learn to follow Jesus together
Acts 2:42–47 gives us a picture of believers devoted to teaching, fellowship, shared meals, and prayer. Their faith affected their relationships and their willingness to meet needs. Learning took place within a community where people worshiped, gave, and cared for one another.
That picture helps us understand why relationships matter in discipleship. People need opportunities to ask questions, admit struggles, receive encouragement, and see faith practiced. A small group can provide a place for that kind of growth as we bring Scripture into the ordinary concerns of life and support one another through the week.
Make the commission personal
Two questions help us move from agreement to action: Who is helping me grow, and whom am I helping grow? The first requires humility. We need people who can encourage and challenge us. The second requires attention to the people God has already placed around us: a child, friend, coworker, new believer, or someone in our church family.
We do not need to have every answer before we begin investing in someone. We can pray together, open Scripture, share what we are learning, and model a willingness to obey. Choose a person and a practical next step. As we continue following Jesus ourselves, we can invite others to follow Him with us.
Key Takeaways:
A disciple keeps learning the ways of Jesus and putting them into practice.
Making disciples is a calling for every follower of Christ.
Spiritual growth happens as we learn, pray, serve, and share life together.
Reflection:
Where do you need to become more intentional about following Jesus?
Who has God placed in your life whom you can help grow closer to Him?
Join Us:
Grow with us at Cross Pointe Church in Laurinburg as we learn to follow Jesus and live out His Word. View our service times and plan your visit.