When someone comes to Christ, their journey is just beginning. Jesus commands us to make disciples—not just converts—by teaching them to follow Him, live in holiness, and walk in His power.
Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Discipleship is about training committed believers to grow in faith, then sending them out to do the same for others. Let’s break down the process of discipling, equipping, and sending out new believers to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and cast out demons.
1. Start with the Committed: Discipleship is for the Good Ground
Not everyone who hears the gospel will become a disciple. Jesus taught that only those with a heart ready for truth will grow.
Matthew 13:23 – “But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”
Discipleship is for those who:
- Are truly committed to following Jesus.
- Have a hunger for God’s Word.
- Are willing to obey and grow in their faith.
Just as Jesus focused on the twelve disciples, we must disciple those who are serious about following Christ and will, in turn, disciple others.
2. Teach Them How to Follow Christ
A new believer must be trained in the fundamentals of following Jesus. This means showing them by example how to:
a) Pray and Seek God’s Presence
Jesus often withdrew to pray, setting an example for us.
Luke 11:1 – “Lord, teach us to pray.”
Teach disciples to:
- Pray daily and consistently.
- Pray in faith, believing for answers.
- Intercede for others and their own spiritual growth.
b) Fast for Spiritual Strength
Fasting helps believers grow closer to God and overcome spiritual battles.
Matthew 6:16 – “When you fast…”
- Teach them to fast regularly for spiritual growth.
- Encourage fasting for breakthrough, wisdom, and power.
c) Study the Word of God Daily
A disciple must be deeply rooted in Scripture.
2 Timothy 2:15 – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
- Encourage daily Bible reading and meditation.
- Teach them how to apply the Word, not just read it.
d) Fear the Lord and Walk in Holiness
A true disciple must live in obedience to God’s commands.
Proverbs 9:10 – “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.”
- Teach them to live set apart from sin.
- Encourage them to make choices that honor God.
e) Endure Trials and Persecution
Disciples must learn that trials will come, but God will strengthen them.
James 1:12 – “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life.”
- Teach them to trust God through difficulties.
- Encourage them to stay faithful even in hardships.
3. Send Them Out to Preach, Heal, and Cast Out Demons
Once disciples are trained, they must be sent out—just as Jesus sent His disciples.
John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, I also send you.”
Jesus gave His disciples authority to:
- Preach the gospel.
- Heal the sick.
- Cast out demons.
Mark 16:15-18 – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel… And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues… they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”
4. Teach Them to Make More Disciples
Discipleship does not stop when someone is trained. They must go and train others.
2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
- Send them out to start discipling others.
- Encourage them to continue the cycle of discipleship.
5. The Church Continues to Grow
When we follow this biblical pattern, the church multiplies. Just as Jesus discipled the twelve, who then discipled others, we must do the same.
Acts 6:7 – “Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly.”
Final Challenge: Will You Make Disciples?
Jesus is calling you to:
- Disciple new believers.
- Train them in prayer, fasting, holiness, and faith.
- Send them out to preach, heal, and cast out demons.
- Teach them to make more disciples.
By following this process, we fulfill the Great Commission and build God’s kingdom. Are you ready to answer the call?
