THRIVING AS A DISCIPLING COMMU NITY.pptx

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1. THRIVING AS A DISCIPLING COMMUNITY Ephesians 4:13-16

2. Ephesians 4:13-16 The passage here though speaking about how unity in the body of Christ helps to build each of us up through gifts, we would be applying it to the concept of discipling; how discipling in Christianity and coming together in oneness and learning to become like Christ results in what the passage above speaks about .

3. Breakdown of keywords Thriving According to the Oxford Dictionary, it means to be prosperous and growing; flourishing. Cambridge Dictionary says it means growing, developing, or being successful. Biblically, to thrive means to grow vigorously, to prosper, to progress toward or reach a goal (as used in 1 Peter 2:2). So thriving would put you in the process.

4. Breakdown of keywords cont’d Discipling Discipling refers to the process of teaching, guiding, and mentoring individuals in order to help them grow spiritually, intellectually or in any other aspect of life. It involves imparting knowledge, skills, principles and values to someone with the intention of helping them develop a deeper understanding, cultivate positive behaviors and achieve personal growth and transformation. Biblically, its Hebrew word which is “ talmidim ” relates to learning. Its Greek correspondent, “ athetes ” also means to learn. As such a disciple would be said to mean someone who learns .

5. Breakdown of keywords cont’d Discipling is initiating a relationship in which you correct, model, and love. It means bringing an individual through the process of training , exposure and discipline administered by the Master Himself, with the view to making him become like Christ Jesus. At heart, it involves transformation at the deepest levels of our understanding, affection and will by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God, and in relationship with the people of God.

6. Breakdown of keywords cont’d Community Community is basically a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. So with all these that we have heard so far, the theme can be broken down as follows; “Growing as a group of people who are being made to be Christlike and who are also committed to making others to be Christlike”. Clearly from here, we get that we ourselves must be like Christ before we can make others to be like Christ. We cannot give what we don’t have. “A true disciple is someone who is following Jesus Christ, being trained by Him and is committed to His mission”. 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.

7. Biblical Criteria that guide Discipling Character development – John 1:47(Affirmation), Luke 19:22-27 (Diligence), Matthew 20:28 (Humility) Kingdom content – Matthew 5:3-12 (Beatitudes), Matthew 5:43-48 (Love for enemies), Matthew 6:19-24 (Treasures in Heaven), Interpersonal relationships – Matthew 16:21-22, Matthew 17:22-23, John 13:2-17 (Transparency), Luke 5:27-32 (Relating to all kinds of people) Transferring leadership – Mark 6:7-12, Matthew 28:18-20

8. Why Discipleship? It is the very passion of Jesus Christ (Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:18-20), He Himself instructs it. It is a key strategy to grow people to full maturity in Christ Jesus (Colossians 1:28). Paul’s key focus of ministry. That’s why he’ll say “imitate me as I imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1)” ; Galatians 4:19 It is the sole reason behind being given gifts (being made church leaders), Ephesians 4:11-19

9. Cost of Discipleship Luke 14:25-35 This passage emphatically speaks about dying to oneself in discipleship (in both ways). V26-Hatred for Family Jesus Christ does not imply literal hatred but rather having an allegiance to Him which is greater in comparison with love for our families (and friends), even for ourselves. V27- Carry your own cross Daily death to selfish desire and willingness to bear reproach for His name’s sake; thus suffering for the sake of His righteousness. V33- Give up everything Let go of every other thing, especially within our hearts and focus solely on Jesus Christ.

10. Outcome of Discipleship Ephesians 4:13-16 Unity in faith and knowledge of the Son of God (v13a) Become mature Christians, attaining the fullness of Christ (v13b) No longer infants (v14a) No longer tossed to and fro (here and there) (v14b) No longer blown by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming (v14c) Grow in all respect to become more and more like Christ (v15)

11. “The greatest issue facing the world today with all the heartbreaking needs, is whether those who profess or claim to be ‘Christians’ will become true disciples – students, apprentices, practitioners – of Jesus Christ, steadily learning from Him how to live the life of the Kingdom of Heaven into every corner of human existence ”. (Prof. Dallas Willard) THE END .