Biblical Discipleship Preview
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Enjoy this preview of Biblical Discipleship provided by Bob Warren and The Hill.
This course has been written for those who desire intimacy with Jesus Christ—who want to know Him as their life (Philippians 3:10; Colossians 3:4). Our goal is not to learn the Bible as an end in itself, or to learn how to pray as an end in itself, or even to become a great orator of the things of God. Our goal is Him—not to know about Him, but to know Him.
As we deepen our intimacy with Christ, He makes us into disciples. Yes, it takes discipline on our part to become disciples. We are called to devote ourselves to prayer, study, and fellowship. But these tools are only the means through which the Lord draws us closer to Himself, for the essence of the whole process is to know His heart. He then lives His life through us and touches everyone who crosses our path. Simple, isn’t it?
We will spend much time in the “Book” over the next several weeks. When God’s Word is embraced for the purpose of knowing Christ’s heart, and not for the purpose of intellectual stimulation, the results are incredible. We want to be people who not only talk a good game, but whose lifestyle is consistent with the commitment we have made to Christ in our hearts. I have met hoards of people who know the facts of the Bible but have no idea what it means to share intimacy with our Savior. Therefore, this course is not just a Bible study—not even a discipleship course. It is an endeavor that should change your whole life—every aspect of it, for He changes lives. The end result should be that you fall more deeply in love with Jesus Christ. (A tremendous difference lies between knowing Christ as Savior and falling in love with His heart.) As this relationship develops, the natural by-product is God’s character lived out through your experience. Only then, does love, joy, peace, and everything else the world cannot have or attain become yours for the keeping. Also, as you grow, others are drawn to Him as you go about your normal routine, allowing Him to express His divine character through your unique personality. Then, you most definitely will have become His disciple.
God Himself—not the course—will make you into a disciple. However, we do trust that our time together will cause 2Timothy 2:2 to be fulfilled, to the greatest degree possible, in your experience.
Each week, during your time alone with God, you will answer questions relating to the Scriptures or materials covered in that week’s portion of the course. These questions are designed to be answered on a daily basis in an average of thirty to forty-five minutes per day. Also included are lessons that should supplement your answers to all the questions and tie everything that you have covered during the week together. Ideally these lessons should be read after you have answered the questions. However, if you still can’t answer a particular question after exhausting all resources, feel free to read the portion of the lesson that pertains to that question.
We hope you find the course to be very practical and helpful in preparing you for discipleship. It doesn’t contain as much theology as some of the other courses I have written (the Romans course). But it doesn’t need the theology to accomplish its purpose.
New Testament reading assignments are placed at the end of each day’s questions. You should read these assignments in the order specified in the course; their order will enhance your understanding of the questions and lesson covered each week. Be as diligent as possible in finishing what is assigned. You will not believe what a difference this perseverance will make… Trust me! You should record your new insights in a separate notebook.
In addition to your personal prayer and study, small groups will play a vital role in what we are trying to accomplish. (If your only alternative is to take the course by yourself, you will be fine. Just make sure that you hold yourself accountable to finish what you have started.) You should meet once each week in groups of six or less. (Note: If possible, try to form same-gender groups—men with men, and women with women. We have found that this arrangement works best. If this separation is not possible, mixing will be fine.) These small groups should retain the same people from week to week. You should meet in a home, church, or any other private location. Privacy is of utmost importance. Group meetings should normally last from 45 minutes to an hour, but allow flexibility—your group may want to meet for a shorter or longer time period. These groups give you an opportunity to pray together, share personal concerns, and discuss the questions and lesson covered in that week’s material. Remember, we are coming together to minister to one another, as well as to learn from God’s Word. No group should be so rigid that the Holy Spirit is prevented from doing His work.
One person in each group should be designated as the discussion leader. This responsibility should be rotated throughout the group from week to week so everyone will have an opportunity to fill this position. The discussion leader does not do the majority of the talking. His (or her) responsibility is to keep the group discussion on course.
You should begin your group meetings with prayer. After prayer, you can discuss the questions. The input from the group members should be the answers they have written down during the week. This keeps you on track and prevents the group from “chasing rabbits.” If your group members aren’t completing their assignments, your group will have little to discuss from the questions. Believe me, this format will hold everyone accountable. After you have finished discussing your answers, and if time permits, discuss the lesson, the weekly Scripture assignments, or anything else that the group decides is important.
Also, set a definite time to start your small group meetings and be on time. A disciple can learn discipline by fulfilling his commitment and being punctual. An outright emergency is the only excuse for missing your small-group meetings. Throughout the course we will be learning to put first things first, to persevere, and to be diligent; be faithful to your small groups with promptness and regular attendance.
Both The Master Plan of Evangelism (by Robert Coleman) and Ordering Your Private World (by Gordan MacDonald) will be covered in the latter part of the course. These books can be purchased at most Christian bookstores. I highly recommend these two resources. (Be sure to purchase prior to week 13)
You will also begin a prayer journal. This journal will contain both prayer requests and God’s answers to them. It will be exciting to watch God honor your petitions. Your journal can be a notebook or any other resource that can be kept nearby.
Scripture memory will be a vital part of what we are trying to accomplish. We must begin to write God’s Word on our heart (mind) if we desire to become disciples.
As we begin this journey, I pray that we might all arrive at a place of total surrender to the Lord Jesus. When this surrender occurs, we will become disciples. Remember Philippians 4:13!
Go to Week 1 and begin. Get ready to have fun!!
Weekly lessons and map references will be located under documents. Be sure to read the lesson at the end of each week.
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