Discipleship I

What is a disciple?

A disciple is an adherent, an imitator, a disciplined follower of Jesus Christ: the one who has left everything to follow Him (Luke 14:25-27). From the introduction, the course establishes the crucial difference between evangelism and discipleship: one leads to the new birth; the other leads to maturity. Both are indispensable, but they must not be confused.

The call to make disciples is at the heart of the Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations" (Matthew 28:19-20), and Paul passes it on to Timothy: "The things that you have heard from me, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

The objective: advancing the Kingdom of God

Jesus spent most of His three and a half years of ministry forming disciples. The condition of His Church is His primary concern. The seven letters of Revelation and most of Paul's epistles were written to correct problems in churches. The course draws a strong conclusion from this: if adequate living conditions are not created in the Church, the Kingdom of God cannot advance.

Attributes that block life

A particularly incisive section examines the attitudes that prevent the flow of God's life: pride and an independent spirit, love of approval and supremacy, a spirit of gossip and criticism, and the constant search for other people's faults. It is a healthy mirror for every student.

What you will discover in this course

• The biblical definition of a disciple and the cost of becoming one
• The difference between evangelism and discipleship
• Why the condition of the Church determines the advance of the Kingdom
• The fleshly attitudes that block growth, and how to crucify them

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother... and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple." — Luke 14:26

Who is this course for?

For the one who wants to be a disciple before wanting a ministry, that is, for every Christian, because the call to follow Jesus is addressed to all His children, whatever their role in the church. The second year continues this path with Discipleship II, centered on humility and the crucifixion of the flesh.