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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 daily. With the presence of Christ and the
promise of future hope with Him, we can 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.

9. Disciples Must Count the Cost
Following Christ as His disciple means letting go of one’s own will and seeking the will of God in all things
(Luke 9:23). Nothing must take the place of Jesus as the “focus of allegiance,” as Wilkins explains.

10. Discipleship is a Life-long Journey
It took Jesus almost four years of living with 12 men to bring them to maturity in their faith. And even
though He poured Himself into these 12 men, one of them became a traitor. His disciples forsook Him
when He was taken prisoner. It was not until they received the Holy Spirit did they become bold in their
faith. They all walked down different roads, experienced difficult trials, but all were faithful even unto
death for their Savior. It took a like-time for them to become like their Master.

Realize this. A discipleship ministry is a launching point into the lives of the people God brings to you.
Your task is to help ground them in God’s Word, and to motivate them to commit their lives to service to
Christ. In a few short years, they will leave your ministry. Your goal is to move them into a mature walk
with Christ and to serve Him with their whole heart.

How to disciple another person

You must first realize that you are discipling all those who are under your teaching. As you meet with
them weekly and share God’s Word with them, you are discipling them. Discipling a person is like
introducing them to a person (Jesus) and then helping them become more acquainted with Him. They
get to know His likes and dislikes, His love for them, His desire for them to be blessed and have a fruitful
life. The focus of your discipleship ministry must be Christ.

You will note that several of your disciples will more deeply respond to your messages than others.
They will be more excited to learn God’s Word and will be the ones who seek to apply principles from
God’s Word in their lives. Those are the individuals with whom you can invest further time. Let’s talk
about this more intimate discipleship opportunity.

The first thing you must ascertain is what each person in this smaller group needs are. What areas does
He need to grow in Christ? Does he need more knowledge in God’s Word? Does he need to begin to
share his knowledge with others? Does he need boldness in his witness? Once you determine the
spiritual needs of each of these members of the smaller group, you will then customize your discipleship
program to meet those needs. Develop or select a plan or curriculum that will best meet those needs.

Then when you meet with the small group, perhaps break it into smaller groups based on needs.
Perhaps you will have three individuals who are weak in their faith. You could tailor your instruction to
build their faith by teaching them a course in Bibliology (faith in the reliability of the Bible). Perhaps you
have others that are knowledgeable regarding the Bible but are not willing to share their faith. You
could teach them the passages to share the Plan of Salvation, have them role play the plan with each

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