DISCIPLESHIP DEFINED
Discipleship is the basis for building strong Christians. This in turn produces strong marriages, strong families, strong societies, strong churches, and strong nations.
The word disciple comes from the Greek (Greek=Gk.) word mathetes. This word literally means a LEARNER; from the root word Gk.-manthano , or math, which indicates THOUGHT ACCOMPANIED BY ENDEAVOR.
A disciple of Jesus Christ is not only a PUPIL, but also a devoted follower. Therefore, disciples are spoken of as IMITATORS OF THEIR TEACHER.1 Disciples are continually growing in conformity to Christ, successfully proclaiming and leading people to the Lord Jesus through evangelism (achieving "fruit"), and working to mature and conserve his fruit.
Scripture defines a disciple as:
Salt and Light 2
Sheep among wolves 3
Innocent as Doves 4
Wise as Serpents 5
Lambs among wolves 6
Laborer in the Harvest 7
Wise to what is good 8
Innocent to what is evil 9
THE DISCIPLESHIP TRIANGLE
The following Discipleship Bible Study Series is called the Discipleship Triangle because it has three sides that continually and progressively work together. It is recommended the studies be used in a consecutive manner to achieve maximum of understanding and benefit. Although each study is separate, collectively they are designed for progression of thought and study. For example: the principal found in lesson #26, VINE DRESSER will be difficult to understand without many of the previous studies to lay foundation for this principle.
Additionally, we recommend that the Discipleship Triangle be taught and used after a the disciple has completed the eLighthouse Basic Bible Studies #1-16. Our experience tells us that FOUNDATION (Basic Bible Studies #1-16) concepts and truths should be established before the believer goes on to EQUIPPING (Discipleship Triangle) concepts.
The Discipleship Triangle is based on Three Principles:
1. SEED (Seeding-Loving relationship)
2. FEED (Feeding-Abiding relationship)
3. SUCCEED (Succeeding-Bearing Fruit relationships)
First of all, the disciple is a sower. "The seed is the Word of God".10 The disciple must first allow the Word of God to be sown in his life. Then in return the disciple must take the fruit of what God has produced in his life, and sow into the lives of others.
Secondly, the disciple must continually nurture or feed his relationship with the Lord, Jesus, the Word of God. Through things such as prayer, fellowship, study, character development, and personal testimony, the disciple will dramatically grow the life that has been given by God.
Finally, the disciple must ultimately succeed by bearing "fruit". Scripture states that a branch that does not bear fruit will wither and die. The Apostle James tells us, "faith without works is dead".11 And Jesus said, "the Kingdom of God will be taken away from those not producing the fruit of it". Therefore, as with any healthy plant, if sown and fed properly, the disciple will bear fruit, and this, of course, will greatly bless and bring glory to God who loves to see His children succeed.
DISCIPLESHIP TRIANGLE STUDY QUESTIONS
Each study in the Discipleship Triangle series is a complete study of a particular subject, though relating to the others in the series. Each study has only one or two follow up questions. These questions, however, are CONCEPTUAL in nature. Each disciple is asked to fully answer each question with a mini-essay type answer. This helps the disciple to form opinion and process the way one thinks about a particular subject.
Feel free to print and make copies of the bible studies, as needed for off-line study.
Blessings and enjoy!
Ben Fike
1. John 8:31, John 15:8, Hebrews 13:7
2. Matthew 5:13-16
3. Matthew 10:16
4. Matthew 10:17
5. Matthew 10:17
6. Luke 10:3
7. Luke 10:2
8. Romans 16:19
9. Romans 16:19
10. Luke 8:11, John 1:1
11. James 2:26
