WHAT IS DISCIPLESHIP?
‘Disciples’ was the first name for the Christians. The Greek word mathētēs is used regarding the church in Acts 6:1, 19:9, 11:26.
In Antioch, the disciples were for the first time called Christians. Acts 11:26
Discipleship can be understood as one Christian building into the life of another to glorify Christ, practice sound doctrine, and grow in grace so that they will, in time and turn, disciple others.
WHO NEEDS TO BE DISCIPLED?
All believers.
We find in the earthly ministry of Jesus, Him discipling Peter, James, John, and the rest of the Twelve.
Of the ninety times, Jesus was addressed in the Gospel, sixty of those He was addressed as Teacher. Disciples of Christ are students of Christ.
Seeing the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him. And He opened His mouth and taught them. Matthew 5:1,2
WHY SHOULD BELIEVERS BE DISCIPLED?
The New Testament clearly portrays disciples as students of Christ. No one will ever grow past the need to be continuously discipled.
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. 2 Timothy 2:2
WHAT IF I WANT TO DISCIPLE OTHERS?
Great! Believers should disciple believers. Nowhere in Scripture do we see it any different.
So, for a whole year, Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. Acts 11:26