| Each study has been structured with the following considerations: | |
| STUDY 1 | |
| Description | Time |
| Opening prayer and a short worship | 5 minutes |
| Learning the provided memory verse | 5 minutes |
| Teaching of the main study | 30 minutes |
| Revision of the memory verse | 5 minutes |
| Open counseling and questions | 10 minutes |
| Offertory | 3 minutes |
| Closing prayer | 2 minutes |
A deep reflection on the great commission as recorded in Matthew 28:18-20 and Mark 16:15-20, reveals four main aims of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.
(1) Discipleship.
(2) Saving all mankind.
(3) Demonstrating his power through soul-winning.
(4) Rewarding the obedient soul-winner with His presence till the end of the world.
From the gospel of Matthew, it is undoubtedly clear that DISCIPLESHIP is the single most important subject in context. We can then deduce that Jesus is not interested in having converts. He wants disciples.
The difference between a disciple and a convert is so huge. It is like the difference between the heavens and the earth. In fact, a disciple is comparable to an adult whilst a convert is a baby or a child. Note that in this analogy, whilst an adult can reproduce after his kind, a baby or/child is incapable. A child literarily depends on an adult to be alive. A major purpose of this teaching is to enable us independently assess our selves as disciples and also acquire the needed knowledge and kills to help our souls/converts.
Because it takes only a disciple who has availed him/her
self to be trained, to impart the same training to others. 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
This is a divine method to sustain the church by providing more trained workers who will help bring the harvest in from the field. The true gospel of Jesus does not support the pew warmer attitude.
There are four main areas of discipleship to be considered.
(1) Principles of discipleship.
(2) The six basic doctrines of the bible in the book of Hebrews. Gives grounding in our faith.
(3) To identify the signs of a maturing disciple or Christian. To help us identify our current state in Christ Jesus and to measure our selves by God’s standard ie. Divine standard.
(4) Inform you about expected possible hindrances in your faith/life.
A. What is discipleship 1: Matthew28:18-20
INTRODUCTION: The responsibility of discipleship is popularly called the “great commission or Last commission” It is an instruction from Jesus, so that the heart desire of God will be fulfilled through our obedience and commitment to reach out to the lost everywhere on earth.
(a) What is the basis given by Jesus as the foundation for this command?
(b) Where did Jesus send us to go?
(c) Give the two things we are to do for the people when we reach-out to them.
(d) What reward will we acquire in Matthew28:20?
(e) How do you understand ‘all authority and all power’?
(f) In what ways should we go into all nations?
