The Way Class I and Disciple Maker Pathway Review

DISCIPLESHIP CLASS – 7

The DiscipleMaker Pathway is the discipleship process within Greater Shiloh Church.
It is designed to equip followers of Jesus in their spiritual growth and empower them to become effective disciple-makers.
The program lasts for 12 months and meets on Wednesday evenings.
The Way is the first 8-week course of the Disciple Maker Pathway.
The objective of “The Way: Discovering Christ Pathway for Discipleship” is to understand and explore the process of growing and maturing as a disciple of Jesus.
This process is explored through five central points.

Central Points of Discipleship
The Definition of a Disciple: A central point is defining what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.
- A disciple is someone who chooses to follow Jesus.
- This involves basing one’s identity on Him.
- A disciple recognizes themselves as a child of God, an alien in this world, and an ambassador for Christ.
- The term “disciple” defines who we are as Christians and also what we do.

Surrender and Reliance on God: Following Jesus requires surrendering control of one’s life to Him.

Disciples are called to actively participate in God’s redemptive mission for the world.
- This involves sharing the gospel and working with other believers.
- Disciples participate in this mission in community.

Community is important in the discipleship process.
- Following Jesus is not an individual activity but one done within a community of Christians.
- Disciples are encouraged to support and encourage each other in their faith.
- They should live within a community, including their local church and fellow disciples.

III. What the Scriptures Teach About Being a Disciple (Based on John 1:29-42)

A disciple follows Jesus: This involves learning from Jesus, imitating His life, and obeying His teachings.

Following Jesus means to:

Imitate Jesus by obeying his teachings, imitating his example, and living out his values.

▪ Transform: Leave behind old habits and embrace Jesus’s teachings.

▪ Surrender: Give up what you thought your life could be and submit to Jesus’s call.

▪ Die to self: Make a commitment to Jesus and say “no” to self.

▪ Take up the cross: Be willing to go to the end for Jesus’s sake.

▪ Be steadfast: Commit to following Jesus with devotion.

The opening scripture (John 1:29-42) shows John the Baptist pointing his disciples to Jesus, and two of them followed Jesus.

A disciple finds their identity fully in Christ:

Disciples are to base their identities on Jesus.
They see themselves as children of God, aliens in this world, and ambassadors for Christ.
The phrase “In Christ” signifies a deep union with Christ.
Accepting Jesus makes one a “new creation“.
Believers are adopted children of God, granting them privileges and inheritance.
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers are considered righteous.

A disciple fully and intently surrenders their heart, mind, and soul to Jesus

“Surrender to Jesus” means completely yielding one’s own will and control to His will.
It involves placing one’s life fully in His hands and trusting His guidance.
It is a conscious decision to prioritize God’s desires above personal desires.

Key aspects of surrender include:

Submission: Acknowledging His power and sovereignty.
Trust: Placing absolute trust in Jesus.
Letting go: Releasing control over circumstances.
Transformation: Leading to personal growth and a deeper relationship with God.
Daily Confession + Repentance: Acknowledging sin and turning from it.

A disciple actively participates in God’s redemptive mission for the world:

Jesus has a redemptive mission to fix the problem of sin through his death and resurrection.
Participating in this mission involves sharing the good news.
John the Baptist and Andrew are examples of those who brought others to follow Jesus.