Why is Life-to-Life Discipleship Important?
At the time of Christ the Greek word used for "disciple" referred to a learner or pupil, one who follows a teacher. Being a disciple of Jesus involved more than intellectual pursuits. His followers became adherents, requiring that they adopt His philosophy, practices and way of life. The disciples became imitators of Christ. When Jesus called men to follow Him as disciples He required that they leave their families, homes and businesses in order to be with Him. To become like Jesus these "believers" had to embrace a new way of living. They became faithful followers of Jesus Christ who went on to make disciples of Jesus throughout the nations and they changed the world through Christ's transforming power. Jesus preached to the crowd but he made disciples in close life-to-life relationships. Why is life-to-life disciplemaking important today? Here are just three reasons.
1. Jesus Commanded That We "Make Disciples"
At the close of His earthly ministry, Jesus left His followers with this commission, "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." (Matthew 28:18-20)
2. The Principle Of Reproduction And Spiritual Multiplication
True discipleship involves reproducing yourself in the life of another. This process was outlined by the apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy, "You then my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others." (2 Timothy 2:1-2) Paul had discipled Timothy who was to repeat the process with reliable men who would then reproduce themselves in others. Discipleship multiplication starts slowly, but expands rapidly as disciples continue to reproduce themselves in others.
3. The Accountability Triad
Every Christian should have someone to follow and someone to lead. Who is your Paul? Who is the person equipping and discipling you? Who is your Timothy? Who is the person in whom you are investing yourself? By having a spiritual mentor and a spiritual protege you will enjoy the support and accountability that comes from being surrounded by close, vital relationships.
When Jesus instructed His followers to "abide" in His word (see John 8:31, 32) it meant that they were to do more than learn what He had said, they were to adopt His teaching as their way of life (see Luke 6:40 and John 15:7-8). More important, Jesus' call to discipleship was an invitation to a personal relationship with Himself. Being a disciple is a life of obedience to all that He commanded (John 14:15). Jesus is inviting you to be His disciple today.
.
