Page 95 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

Your disciple has significant relationship in his life. Probably the closest relationships he may have are in
his own family at home: his parents, spouse, children, and other relatives. Then he will have friends
perhaps many who do not know the Lord and who would be a detrimental influence on your disciple.
Many new believers have not attended church and developed relationships with other believers. Now
that your disciple is a believer, his relationships in his life will change dramatically.

Helping your disciple develop relationships at home.

Years ago, I led a very good friend to faith in Christ. We spent quite a bit of time going over the Gospel
and in answer questions. When I felt it was time, I asked him if he was ready to believe. He said, “Yes,
yes I am.” So, we prayed. Immediately after our prayer was completed, he said, “I need to go home and
tell my parents about Christ. They need salvation!”

You might want to prepare your disciple for one of two responses. His relative may be thrilled, but they
also may totally reject his good news.

It would be a good idea to help your disciple write out his testimony of faith. You may have to help him
do this, including Scripture that validates what he has experienced. Then have him practice telling you
about his conversion to Christ. Perhaps you can guide him in selecting words and verses that will help
others better understand his decision.

When he is ready to present his testimony to his relatives, encourage him to do so. If they have not
trusted in Christ as Savior, then his principal desire will be to share the Gospel with them with the desire
to bring them to faith in Christ. If they know the Lord, they will be excited to rejoice in the spiritual light
and growth of your disciple. But they may not respond favorably. Your disciple needs to be prepared
for a negative response. Here are some verses you may want to cover in preparation.

Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.

John 15:18 If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

Matthew 5:11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil
against you because of me.

Helping your disciple develop relationships with other believers.

The Bible says that when a person comes to Christ, he becomes a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).
Old habits and ways of life will pass away, replaced with new spiritual desires and activities. That
includes relationships with his previous friends.

You disciple now needs to become a missionary to his previous friends. Again, some will respond
favorably, and some will reject him. He can use his testimony that he prepared for his family to share
with his friends. It is at this point you will concentrate on honing his skills in sharing the Gospel with the
lost.

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