Theme: Disciples are called to make disciples.
Overview:
In this session, we will explore the call to missions, which is at the heart of discipleship. Jesus’ final command to His followers, known as the Great Commission, is the ultimate call for every believer: to go and make disciples of all nations. Discipleship is not just about personal growth but also about multiplying the faith by teaching others to follow Jesus and equipping them to do the same. The mission of the church is to equip believers for this work, helping them live out their calling to make disciples through evangelism and ongoing discipleship.
Key Scriptures:
1. Matthew 28:18-20:
“Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
2. 2 Timothy 2:2:
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
3. Ephesians 4:11-13:
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
Lesson Content:
1. The Great Commission: The Call to Make Disciples (Matthew 28:18-20)
The Great Commission is Jesus’ final command to His disciples before ascending to heaven. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus declares that all authority has been given to Him, and with that authority, He commands His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This mission is not just for a select few; it is the calling of every believer.
Making disciples involves both evangelism (sharing the Gospel and leading others to Christ) and teaching them to follow and obey everything Jesus commanded. This is a lifelong process that starts with conversion and continues through teaching, mentoring, and encouraging new believers in their faith. Discipleship is an ongoing relationship where believers grow and help others grow in Christ.
The Great Commission is not an optional part of the Christian life—it is central to what it means to be a follower of Jesus. We are all called to be part of this mission, whether in our local communities or on a global scale.
Reflection: How are you participating in the Great Commission today? Are you actively making disciples, teaching others, and sharing the Gospel in your sphere of influence?
Key Takeaway: The Great Commission is the ultimate call for every disciple to go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to follow Jesus.
2. Discipleship as Multiplication (2 Timothy 2:2)
In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul gives Timothy a key principle for discipleship: “The things you have heard me say… entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” This passage highlights the importance of multiplication in discipleship. Paul’s strategy was not just to teach Timothy but to equip Timothy to teach others, who would then teach others.
This model of multiplication ensures that the message of the Gospel and the process of discipleship spread far beyond one person. Each disciple is responsible not only for their own growth but for helping others grow and equipping them to disciple others. This creates a ripple effect, where disciples make more disciples, and the Kingdom of God grows exponentially.
Multiplication is essential to fulfilling the Great Commission. When we disciple others who can disciple others, we multiply the impact of the Gospel and extend the reach of God’s Kingdom.
Reflection: Who are you currently discipling, and are they equipped to disciple others? How can you intentionally pursue multiplication in your discipleship efforts?
Key Takeaway: Discipleship is about multiplication. We teach others who can teach others, creating a ripple effect that spreads the Gospel and grows the Kingdom of God.
3. The Mission of the Church: Equipping Disciples (Ephesians 4:11-13)
The mission of the church is to equip believers to fulfill their calling to make disciples. Ephesians 4:11-13 explains that Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to the church for the purpose of equipping believers for works of service. The goal is to build up the body of Christ so that all believers can reach maturity and unity in the faith.
The role of church leaders is to prepare and empower the congregation to go out and make disciples. This mission is not just for church staff or leaders; every believer has a role to play. The church’s responsibility is to ensure that all believers are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and encouragement they need to carry out their mission.
As disciples, we must be actively engaged in the mission of the church, both receiving equipping and participating in equipping others. The more we invest in building up others, the stronger and more effective the church becomes in fulfilling the Great Commission.
Reflection: How is your church equipping you to make disciples? Are there ways you can be more involved in equipping others within your church or community?
Key Takeaway: The mission of the church is to equip disciples to make more disciples, building up the body of Christ and fulfilling the Great Commission.
Spiritual Discipline: Evangelism and Discipleship
Two essential spiritual disciplines that every believer should practice are evangelism and discipleship. Evangelism involves sharing the Gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus, boldly proclaiming the good news of salvation. Discipleship, on the other hand, is the ongoing process of helping others grow in their faith, mentoring them as they learn to follow Jesus and apply His teachings.
Both evangelism and discipleship are central to the call of missions. As we share the Gospel with others, we are fulfilling the first part of the Great Commission. As we disciple those who come to faith, we are fulfilling the second part, teaching them to obey everything Jesus commanded.
Application:
- Identify one person with whom you can share the Gospel this week. Be intentional in starting a conversation about faith and offering to walk alongside them in their spiritual journey.
- Consider someone in your life whom you can disciple. Invite them into a relationship where you can regularly mentor them, helping them grow in their faith and equipping them to disciple others.
Reflection Questions:
- How are you participating in the Great Commission by making disciples in your life?
- In what ways are you intentionally multiplying your efforts by discipling others who can disciple others?
- How can you be more engaged in your church’s mission to equip disciples for service and ministry?
- What practical steps can you take this week to share the Gospel and begin discipling someone in your community?
Wrap-Up and Preview of Next Session:
In this session, we explored the call to missions, focusing on the Great Commission, the principle of multiplication in discipleship, and the role of the church in equipping believers for this mission. As disciples, we are called not just to grow in our faith but to help others grow, multiplying the impact of the Gospel.
Next Session: This concludes the series on The Call of God. Take time to reflect on how God is calling you to live out these teachings in your life, making disciples, and participating in the ongoing mission of the church.
