I LOVE DISCIPLING! A Biblical and Practical presentation on the MMCC Call to Commitment Series – Part 4 By Rolan D. Monje [some slides adpated from Koko Enrile]

MMCC teaching statements of 2003 Have you read the 2003 Disc statement? We are upholding it as taught in the Bible As a church we are not throwing out the concept of discipling Discipling is not static but grows in time. We need to seek discipling as it applies to our situations, needs and maturity.

Discipling in the last few years Some Christians have experienced a breakdown of the discipling in their lives. Yet, many Christians have fought to keep their convictions about discipling.

Outline The GOAL is Christ. The MOTIVATION is love. The ATTITUDE is urgency.

#1 The GOAL is to be like Christ But if anyone obeys his word, God's love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. – 1 Jn To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. – 1 Pet 2.21

#1 The GOAL is to be like Christ Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me. Col (GNB)

Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Jesus commands his disciples… To go and make disciples of all nations 1. baptizing them 2. teaching them to obey We can’t improve on Jesus’ plan.

From the original language “make disciples of all nations” in Matt 28 is originally written as   “Matheteusate panta ta ethne” literally means “make pupils/followers of all races” Jesus expected his disciples to make disciples who make disciples.

How was Jesus’ relationship with his disciples? Jesus used every opportunity to teach and inspire them to become more godly. The simple fact is that Christians ought to imitate Jesus relationships with people. This simple fact alone should be sufficient to settle issue that we need to have the heart to disciple and be discipled by one another.

1 John 2:6 “Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.”

#2 The MOTIVATION is love The NT paints a picture of a church that is greatly in love with each other. There is no doubt that this is because of God’s love. Christians say “We love because God loved loved us first.”

LOVE John 13:34-35 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

LOVE The conclusion is enescapable. Those who claim to be disciples of Jesus must love one another in the manner that Jesus loved them. How? – He served, taught, encouraged, rebuked, challenged and died for them. He did everything he could to help them make it to Heaven.

LOVE Question – Are my relationships with other disciples characterized by Jesus love?

Romans 13:8-10 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law. … "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

#3 The ATTITUDE is urgency Whether we realize or not, we are in a spiritual war. Sin is always present in the world, wooing and pulling disciples. The Bible constantly warns that positive action must be done to protect and nurture our hearts.

Hebrews 3:12-13 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness.

Encourage (para-kaleo) Also translated “comfort,” “beg,” “plead,” “urge” A strong emotional appeal for someone to be in a certain state or place. In the church setting, a vital ingredient of growth in friendships

Hebrews 10:24 (ISV) And let us continue to consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,

Hebrews 10:24 (BBE) And let us be moving one another at all times to love and good works; (CEV) We should keep on encouraging each other to be thoughtful and to do helpful things. (Darby) and let us consider one another for provoking to love and good works; (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

One another passages… “Confess your sins to each other” and “pray for each other” James 5:15-16 “Be devoted to one another”; “Honor one another” – Romans 12:10 “Live in harmony with each other/agree with each other” Romans 12:16, 1Co 1:10 “Accept one another” – Romans 15:7 “Have equal concern for each other” – 1 Co 12:24-25 “Serve one another”– Galatians 5:13

Let’s listen to each other…

Words used to avoid discipling/to lessen the impact of discipling “You can’t relate with me/us” “Hindi mo ako maintindihan” “Eh ba’t ikaw…” “[marrieds] Kami lang ang makakatulong sa sarili namin” “Yung iba ganun din naman”

From principle to practical Nakita natin na ang ‘discipling’ ay isang biblical concept at godly expectation sa New Testament church. Habang hinahawakan natin ang prinsipyo at tawag ng Bibliya, mabibigyan natin ng direksyon at praktikalidad ang mga tuntunin.

Goal related to function If we are agreed on the goal (everyone to be like Christ), then the function of discipling is clear. Our relationships (including discipling) exist because all of us want to be like Christ! Jesus is my goal Jesus Jesus is my goal

One function, many forms As the church matures, more levels of discipling and types of needs are met best friend relationship ‘mentor’ relationship kuya/ate relationship ‘support group’ relationship YOU

Conclusions Discipling is a biblical expectation. Discipling is needed practically in our lives. Discipling works when our individual goal is to become like Christ. Discipling changes and matures as the body of Christ changes and matures.

As We Build Up One Another, We Build Up the Church for God’s Glory!

D-group time Anong na-appreciate mo about discipling sa church? Discuss and set-up your regular d-time.