Page 84 - Principles for Discipling Others-Student textbook

presence in my life and his promise to never leave nor forsake me encourages me to daily follow
Him. At the heart of following Him is this undeserved relationship I have with Him.

2. Discipleship is enabled and empowered by the work of the Holy Spirit who transforms us into the
image of Christ.
The Holy Spirit indwells and fills believers (Eph. 5:18), guides us into all truth (John 16:13), brings forth
fruit in our lives (Gal. 5:22-23) and empowers us for ministry in the church and in the world.[2] The
Spirit is God’s presence in us (Rom. 8:11) to confirm that we are indeed children of God (Rom. 8:16) and
to convict us of sin for the continuing process of conforming us into the image of Christ. Understanding
the role of the Holy Spirit encourages the response of submission to His sanctifying work.

3. Discipleship is grounded and guided by the Word of God
The Bible is our authority in all areas of life. “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and
you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31-32). Consistent nourishment is a vital
component of one’s spiritual growth (Psalm 1, John 15).

4. Discipleship is nurtured in community
Community with other believers is a vital part of our growth as disciples. We were made to be in
fellowship with one another. Thus the imagery of the body of Christ portrays how vitally linked we are
to one another. In such community we are able to fulfill the command of loving one another and with
this community then to love the world.

5. Discipleship is a continuing process of being transformed from the inside-out
“The ultimate goal of the believer’s life is to be conformed to the image of Christ (Ro 8:29).”[3] Jesus
described a radical way of life in the Sermon on the Mount. In a world in which righteousness was very
much regarded by one’s outward actions, Jesus emphasized the transformation of the heart.

6. Discipleship produces spiritual fruit
As the Holy Spirit works to transform the individual and change is made from the inside-out, the
characteristics of God become evident in the believer’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).

7. Disciples of Christ who are in the process of inward transformation, yield to the Spirit’s leading in
service and mission.
Spiritual formation is both about the inward change of heart and the outward manifestation of that
changed heart. Christ modeled the life of service for His disciples and commands us to serve in humility
and love while proclaiming His truth in a lost world.

8. Disciples are called to share in the fellowship of Christ’s sufferings
As we live in a sin-cursed world, we bear the effects of sin on a daily basis. With the presence of Christ
and the promise of future hope with Him, we are able to endure the pain and even be transformed in
the process. Paul writes of this truth in 2 Cor. 4:17: “For this light momentary affliction is preparing for
us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” God invites us to suffer for His sake, for living to
honor Christ in a world that is hostile toward Him. In this, we share in his sufferings and bring glory to
Him.

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