Week 1

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 8:34

This year you are going to learn the importance of discipleship. You will be challenged to commit to a lifetime of being a disciple of Christ, to be active in being discipled by another, and to step out as one who is willing and able to disciple others. What is a disciple? Let’s dig in and look at the Greek definition.
Disciple: Mathetes (n): A learner, a pupil.
What does Matthew 8:34 say it takes to be a disciple of Jesus?
Why do you think it is important to deny yourself to become a disciple?
Will a prideful pupil learn or will he/she more than likely stick to his/her own ways?
Have you approached God as a prideful pupil? If so, how?
What are some ways you can deny yourself to be a disciple of Jesus?
What are some simple ways you can begin to follow Jesus?
As you do this study, you will daily learn what it truly looks like to be a disciple of Jesus.

Day 2 – READ GALATIANS 2:20

How does Paul, a disciple of Christ, describe what his life looks like?
Re-read Matthew 8:34. How does what Paul says in Galatians 2:20 help you understand what denying yourself looks like? What do you think it means to “no longer live” but instead live as one who “Christ lives in you”?

Day 3  – READ GALATIANS 5:16-24

How does v. 24 help you understand what being “crucified in Christ” means? What must you do? What are the two forces opposed to each other? Make a list of the desires of the “flesh.” Do you have these desires? Are you willing to give them up to be a disciple of Christ?
Read the list of the fruits of the Spirit in verses 22-23. Do you believe these come naturally to a person? If not, does one have to learn them? What do you think is the best way to learn the fruits of the Spirit?

Day 4 – READ PHILIPPIANS 2:5-10

A good teacher sets an example for his disciples. A good teacher sees the potential in his student. A great teacher does or has done exactly what he asks of his student.
How did Jesus deny Himself to become who He was supposed to become? How does what Jesus did prove Himself worthy of asking someone to give up everything and follow Him?

Day 5 – READ LUKE 18:18-26

Did the rich young ruler want to be a follower of God? What was the rich young ruler not about to do?
Neither history nor scripture mentions this man again. Do you think this man missed out on his God-intended potential? What are other ways this man missed out? How can you relate to the rich young ruler?
Read John 1:35-42 and Matthew 4:18-22
The account in John actually happened before the account in Matthew. Jesus had met Peter (Simon) and Andrew before they were called from the boat. What do you learn from Peter and Andrew and their encounters with Jesus? How were both of them willing to change their lives? What did they give up for following Jesus?
Did they know all the details or did they rely on trust? What can you learn from Peter, Andrew, James and John about being willing to deny yourself and follow Christ?
Scripture is filled with writings and true stories of these men. The accounts and writings of these disciples have impacted lives for thousands of years and continue to do so today. These men are also marked and mentioned in history. Because they give up everything to follow God they reached their God given potential… a potential that was meant to begin the church and impact billions for Christ. Yes, you read that right…billions. These men were not special. They were fisherman, tax collectors, and even former villains (Paul). They were willing to be a pupil, a learner, a disciple. Are you?

Week 2

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 9:9 AND LUKE 5:27-28

What was Levi’s (aka Matthew) profession? Where did Jesus find Matthew? What was Matthew’s response?
Tax collectors were hated by the people because they would take more money than was required by the Roman Government and keep some for themselves. The Jews especially hated the tax collectors because the Romans were taking taxes in their own land. What was even worse to a Jew was one of their own working for the Romans. Matthew, being Jewish, was also a traitor… a wealthy one. What can you learn from Matthew giving up wealth? What can you learn from how Matthew gave up the ways of the world? Do you think it was easy? What is Matthew most known for?
If you were to ask Matthew, how do you think he would answer the question… was being a disciple of Christ worth it? Really, you don’t have to speculate much about Matthew’s answer. His account of the Gospel pretty much tells you what he believes to be valuable.

Day 2 – READ LUKE 5:27-31

Did Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus come without some persecution and tough circumstances? Do you think giving up all you have will cause some hiccups in your own life? What are possible tough circumstances that you fear may happen if you give up everything for Christ?
Are any of those things keeping you from following Christ? Do you believe God is worth it? Do you believe what God can do in you is worth it? Matthew believed God was worth it and look how God used him.

Day 3 – READ LUKE 5:29-32

Who defended Matthew? How did Jesus stick up for Matthew? How did Jesus handle the persecution?
Matthew understood the cost of following Jesus. He knew there would be people who would oppose it. The lesson you need to learn from Matthew’s example is to trust God and let Him handle the tough situations. Matthew didn’t know how it was going to all work out. He probably was nervous about the other disciples accepting him, but he didn’t worry about it because He knew God was on his side.
Read Matthew 6:33
What are you to do first? What happens when you seek God first?
Do you sometimes want to fix everything before you follow God?
Is it easy to want to get our “ducks in a row” before we follow God?
Do you trust that God has a plan to handle anything that comes your way because you are following Him?

I PROMISE YOU

Read Psalm 55:22. True righteousness comes from the blood of Jesus. If you have His righteousness, God promises to stand with and stand for you. This is a true promise. Like Matthew, just follow and let Jesus take care of whatever stands in your way. 

Day 4 – READ MATTHEW 8:18-20What did the scribe say to Jesus? What was Jesus’ response?
What do you think Jesus meant?
Jesus was not saying He was homeless. While He was on earth He had places to sleep. During His first 30 years, He lived with His family. He and His disciples moved around a lot but they found places to stay for His last three years. Jesus was making a point about the cost of discipleship. A home is for most, an earthly place of security. Jesus is making a clear statement that His security does not come from this earth because His home is not on earth. By making this statement, He is telling the scribe that following Him means the earth is not your home or place of security. To follow Christ, you must not hold securely to anything from this earth.
Read Philippians 3:20 and Colossians 3:2
As a follower of Christ, where are you a citizen? What does God ask you to set your mind on? As a disciple of Christ should you find security in any comfort on earth? Why do you believe setting your mind on things above helps you not hold on to the comforts and securities on earth?
The Bible doesn’t tell us how the scribe responded. He might have responded right away, responded later, or he might have walked away. God knows. His fate is not the point. God is asking you a question. Are you able to put your security in Him and not in earthly things?

DIG DEEPER

God does desire for you to care about your family and enjoy the things that He has given you. The problem lies in where those things are more important than God. If those things keep you from following God, then you have placed too much comfort and security in the things of this earth. Is there any earthly security or comfort that keeps you from being a disciple of Jesus?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 8:21-22

What does the second disciple ask Jesus? How does Jesus respond?
Does Jesus’ answer seem harsh?
The lessons of the Bible are relevant for all generations and cultures, but if you take a story in the Bible and use culture to interpret the meaning, you may be confused. Jesus was not telling a man he couldn’t go say “good-bye” to his father who was dying. This man’s father was more than likely not dying at the moment. This man wanted to wait to follow Jesus until after he received his inheritance. In Jesus’ time, the first born would have received the inheritance from his father when he passed. He would have received everything… land, possessions and wealth. This man must have believed he would lose his inheritance if he decided to follow Jesus immediately. Jesus was being firm, but did not lack compassion. Following Jesus brings true life… the life you could never get from wealth and material possessions. The life He offers is a life with purpose and significance. It’s a life that is impactful and allows you to reach your potential. The life He offers is a life that lasts… it’s eternal.
Read 1 Peter 1:3-4
What does God have for you? What is the inheritance like that Jesus gives? Is it better than wealth and possessions on earth? Have you found yourself wanting to wait to “get something” or “do something” before you follow God? Is it worth it?

Week 3

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 6:34

What can keep you from serving God?
If you put “wealth” then you have misread the verse. Look closely; “serving money” will keep you from following God and serving Him. The problem isn’t wealth. There are many people who follow God who have wealth. The problem comes when you serve wealth. In other words, when what you do to get money is more important than serving God. Is making or getting money more important to you than serving God?
Do your actions reflect your answer?
Read Matthew 6:19-21
What does Jesus ask His disciples to do?
How does being a disciple of Jesus help you store up treasures in heaven?

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Peter 2:24. The cost of following Jesus is great. Giving up your life as you know it is no easy thing on your own strength. It’s impossible to do on your own. Remember, the cost to save you was greater. And Jesus paid that bill on the cross so you could have true life.

Day 2 – READ JOHN 3:26-30

What did John the Baptist say when his disciples asked why Jesus was now baptizing? What was John the Baptist’s attitude towards Jesus? Do you think a disciple of Christ will have the same attitude?
What are some practical ways you can “decrease” and Jesus can “increase” in your life?

Day 3 – READ MATTHEW 4:18-20

What did Jesus say to His disciples? How did they respond?
You have read much about the cost of discipleship and what you must leave behind. You must know that God never asks you to leave something or give up something just because. He wants you to exchange it for something better. James, John, Peter and Andrew had a good life as a fishermen. It was their livelihood. They left it because offered them something better in return.
What would the disciples’ new life mission be? Did the disciples fully understand what Jesus meant? Did the disciples know in the beginning what the plan was? Do you trust that what Jesus is offering you as His disciple is better?

Day 4 – READ TITUS 1:16

What is the opposite of a true disciple of Jesus Christ?
What type of faith is one who claims to know God but doesn’t act out his faith?
What types of sacrifice does it take to follow God in our actions?
Is the saying “easier said than done” mean anything when it comes to following God? Why is it easier to say it? When you say something you are claiming your beliefs. When you do it, you become what you believe. True disciples take action. Are you ready to put your words and beliefs to action?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 28:20

What does God promise you? If you choose to be His disciple do you believe He will stick with you? When Jesus asks you to follow Him, He promises to stick with you forever. His commitment to be your teacher, Savior, and friend is never-ending.
Read 2 Timothy 2:13
What happens in our periods of unfaithfulness? How does this encourage you?
Read Luke 22:54-62
How was Peter unfaithful?
Read John 21:1-14
How did Jesus show Himself faithful even after Peter was faithless?
Did Jesus take it out on Peter? Did Peter’s denial keep Jesus from dying on the cross?

Week 4

Day 1 – READ LUKE 14:25-33

This week you are going to read the same passage a few times and consider the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ. How is the Kanakuk value of God first, other’s second, and yourself third supported by this verse? Who should you love above all others?

Day 2 – READ LUKE 14:25-33

God wants you to value your family. God asks you to honor, respect, and be a loving and helpful member of your family. In some circumstances, family cannot understand what God is asking of you. Have you ever experienced this? How can you be obedient to God and respect your family?
Read Isaiah 40:8.
What lasts forever? What fades away?
Does this verse explain why God asks you to give up all you have on earth?
You may or may not have experienced God asking you to give up something. Sometimes you don’t have a choice because you lose something or someone you love. The point is that God wants you to hold people, possessions and earthly treasures with an open hand. What does this mean? Grab a picture of your favorite person or grab something you value most. Don’t just visualize this, get up and do it. Sit down and hold this precious thing to you with tightly closed fists. If you are tightly holding something, do you physically feel at peace or are you tense?
In the clenched position, do you feel like you can let go or are you holding on for dear life? Is tightly holding onto something an action of trust or control?
Now, sit down and pick up the object. Lay the back of your hands down on your lap or on the table in front of you with your palms face up and unclenched with the object resting in your hand. If you hold something openhanded, is your body physically at peace?
Is holding something open-handed an action of trust or control? God wants you to take care of the things He has given you, but he wants you to hold them with open-hands because it shows you trust Him with all you have. It’s also a reminder that all you hold dear is His.

Day 3 – READ LUKE 14:25-33

What examples does Jesus use in verses 28-32?
What does a king do before war? What does a builder do before he builds?
What do you think it means to count the cost of being a disciple of Christ?
The word “count” in the original Greek translation is “Psephizo.” It means to calculate… to consider. God doesn’t want the decision of discipleship to be a “knee jerk” emotional decision. He wants you really to consider what it means and make the decision to fully follow Christ as His disciple.

Day 4 – REFLECT

Take time to “count the cost” of being a disciple of Christ. Look back through this past month. Re-read any verses or comments you wrote. Take some time to pray for God to give you strength and help you.

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 11:29

How does Jesus describe following Him?
Following Christ can seem hard, but the promise Jesus makes is that His way is light and easy. Think about the burdens and the ways of the man and the world. On a sheet of paper make two columns. Title one column “world’s way” and title the other “God’s way.” Write in each column the way that seems right to the world or God.
Example:
World – Focus on outer appearance… God’s way – Focus on the heart
World – Seek Revenge… God’s way – Turn the other cheek
In the world column, write next to each one the long-term consequences that will come from doing these things next to each line. In the “God’s Way” column, write the long term benefits (even if it takes some time) to doing things God’s way.
Why does the world’s way seem so appealing at first?
Are there any consequences that will harm you or another by doing something God’s way? After you have “counted the cost,” is following Jesus as burdensome as following your own way or the ways of the world?

Week 1

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 28:19-20

Each day this month you will read a true account from the Gospels. The Master’s class was always in session and with every act of compassion, miracle, teaching, rebuke, or action Jesus was teaching His pupils about the His kingdom, how to enter it and what it meant to be a part of it. Have you ever read the last page of the book before you began the story? This is what we are going to do today. When He asked these men to drop their nets, they had no clue what He had in store for them. For fun, let’s skip ahead and see what Jesus’ plan was for these 12 men. 11 of them would take Him up on it and it was a pretty big task.
What was Jesus’ instructions to His disciples right before He ascended into heaven? Do you believe that every moment Jesus was with these men, He was preparing them for this task? Do you think He is preparing you for something?

Day 2 – READ JOHN 1:35-41

Who did John the Baptist send with Jesus? Who did Andrew go to get?
What happened when Simon encountered Jesus?
How did Simon (now Peter) learn about how Jesus makes things new?
How did he learn about how Jesus gives ordinary men new purpose?
God has changed your name. It was His plan all along but your name has been changed. You were once just His creation, but now you are His child (Galatians 3:26). You were once an enemy (Romans 5:10) and now He calls you His own (1 Peter 2:9). You were once dead in your sins and now you are called alive (Romans 6). You were once old filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6) and now you are called a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Read these verses and reflect on how Jesus has changed you. As a disciple of Christ, why is it important for you to believe and understand that God can change?

Day 3 – READ JOHN 1:43-51

What happened when Jesus called Nathanael? Why did Nathanael believe?
What miracle did Jesus do? What do you think Nathanael learned about Jesus?
Like Nathanael, when you follow Jesus, you will see amazing things happen. God will never cease to amaze you with what He can do as you watch Him at work. As a disciple of Christ, how does this encourage you knowing you will get to see amazing things? Write about something amazing that you have seen God do.
Grab a red pen (red because in some translations of the Bible, called “red letter” versions, Jesus’ words are printed in red) and write down the last thing Jesus said to Nathanael in verse 51. This promise is true for you as His disciple.

Day 4 – READ JOHN 2:1-11

Take notes of what happened during this wedding in Cana. What did Jesus do? The head waiter did not know the miracle that had taken place. What compliment did He give the bride groom (the term for “groom” in Jesus time)?  What lesson was Jesus teaching His disciples?
There are so many good things packed into all that Jesus did. There are many things to learn from each of these true accounts. For example, Jesus was showing Himself to be the true Creator. He can take something and create something with it, with just a word. He did the same thing in Genesis 1. Jesus, at the very beginning of His time with His disciples, in a unique way was showing that He will save the best for last. They would see many miracles in His Master class but the best miracle would be the last… the empty tomb. This also has direct significance for you as a disciple. God’s plan always saves the best for last. It might be hard to understand while we live on earth, but as His disciples, we need to trust that He has saved the best for last in eternity. As a disciple of Christ, how does it encourage your faith knowing that God saves the best for last?

MEMORIZE JOHN 14:3

Day 5 – READ JOHN 2:13-31

What happened when Jesus went into the temple? What were people in the temple doing? Was the temple there to worship God or make money?
The priests of the temple were making money off the moneychangers during the Passover festival in Jerusalem. The Passover was celebrated to remember how God delivered Israel from the slavery in Egypt. In the temple during Jesus’ time (the second temple built), there was a Gentile court. This is where Gentiles could go and worship. The money changers were substituting business for worship because it was keeping the Gentiles from worshipping God. The priests who were to be concerned with the service of God were making tons of money. The lesson here is that Jesus’ showed His disciples the value of His temple. He values God’s house and will do some “overturning” to get it back to being the house God meant it to be.
Read 1 Corinthians 3:16
We no longer need the physical structure of the temple. Who is now the temple? In other words, who has God set up to be His dwelling place?
Do you think God wants His temple, you, to be used for worldly things?
Do you think God may come in and overturn some things in your life to get you back to what you are meant to do?
Why is it important for God’s disciple to learn how He feels about His house?

Week 2

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 5:1-11

This week you are going to simply be Jesus’ disciple. Jesus sat His disciples down and taught them what His kingdom was like. What the benefits of His kingdom would be, what the King would ask of those who chose to be a part of it and the heart of how we serve Him. This is what theologians called the “Sermon on the Mount.” He was teaching His disciples but there also happened to be hundreds… maybe a few thousand other people listening. Write down all the blessings of being apart and actively participating in God’s Kingdom. Make a list a notebook.
Write down any questions you might have. These are things you would like to know or things you don’t understand. (This is important… you will use it in Month 3)
Go back and highlight all the blessings you will receive.

Day 2 – READ MATTHEW 5:1-11 AGAIN

Look at verses 3 and 4. What is the disposition of the people receiving the blessings? Is the disposition in these verses the actions of one who recognizes they are sinful and in need of a Savior? Have you felt this way? Did you receive these blessings?
Look at verses 5-10. What are the character qualities described of those who have inherited the kingdom and been comforted? Are these qualities of those who follow God? Why do you think Jesus thought it was important for His disciples to know the initial disposition of a person to be able to enter into His Kingdom?
Why do you think Jesus thought it was important to teach His disciples the description and blessings of those who have entered into His Kingdom?

Day 3 – READ MATTHEW 5:17-19

The “Law and Prophets” are what the Israelites in those days called what we now call the Old Testament. What does Jesus say about the Law and the Prophets? What does He say about God’s Word? (God’s Law was another cultural term for God’s Word in those days)
What does God say about those who invalidate God’s Word and teach others to do so? Write down any questions you might have. Questions about knowing more and questions that concern something you don’t understand.
Jesus was validating all of the Old Testament. He was teaching His disciples that all of their obedience to the requirements of the Old Testament were not in vain. In the same statement, He is telling them they will no longer have to follow the requirements of the Old Testament law. By following Jesus, they will naturally fulfill the standards God set in His law. Why do you think knowing Jesus fulfilled the law is important to His disciples? Jesus also validated every word written in God’s Word. He says there is not a stroke of the pen that will not come true. How does this encourage you as a disciple of Christ?

Day 4 – READ MATTHEW 5:20

What does Jesus say here? What do you think Jesus means? Is Jesus contradicting Himself?
Jesus is using irony to make a statement. The Scribes and the Pharisees were considered to be holy. It was very selective and hard to become a Pharisee. Their schooling was the “Harvard” of religious education. To these people, being more righteous than the Pharisees was not possible. Jesus used irony to state that gaining righteousness was not possible for any human.
Read Romans 3:10.
Is anyone righteous on his own? Jesus needed His disciples to see that even the most religious people sinned. Everyone sins. Everyone is need of a Savior. Why is this important for His twelve disciples to learn? Why is this important for you to learn?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 5:21-47Underline all the times Jesus says “You have heard it said… but I say”.
Write down any questions you have. Write down questions if you want to know more. Write down questions that you want explained. Hang onto this as you will use it in month 3. How does Jesus change things up? How does Jesus put the true meaning into the law?
There is lots of good truth in this chapter. As a disciple you want to take note of all the truth that God wants you to learn. Why do you think Jesus wants His disciples to know what He says instead of what they have heard being said?

Week 3

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 6

Write down what Jesus teaches about the following:
Praying | Fasting | Giving | Forgiving | Worry | Wealth
Write down any questions you have and keep them in a place where you can come back to them. Why do you think Jesus wanted His disciples to know the heart behind disciplines of the faith? Did He want His disciples to want to do these important things for the right reasons? What do you believe are the right reasons?

GIVE IT A TRY

After reading Matthew 6-7, take some time to pick one discipline of the faith and set goals to grow in that area of your life.

Day 2 – READ MATTHEW 6:1-12

Write down what Jesus teaches about the following:
Judging Others | How to Treat Others
Why are these topics important to Jesus’ disciples, including you? What do you learn about how God wants you to care for others?

Day 3 – READ MATTHEW 7:13-14

What is the lesson that Jesus taught about the way that leads to life compared to the way that leads to destruction?
Why was this important for His disciples to understand?
Jesus was not saying the gate that leads to life is hard to walk through. Anyone who wants to can easily walk through it but the illustration is to show there is only way.  The gate to destruction is broad. This means there are many different ways you can choose to enter into destruction. The disciples needed to know what they were up against in a world with many different belief systems on how to have true life. Jesus wanted to confirm His way was the only way.
Read John 14:6.
What does Jesus tell His disciples? How does this confirm the illustration of the narrow gate?

Day 4 – READ MATTHEW 7:15-28

What did Jesus warn His disciples about?
How could His disciples know the difference between a false prophet and one who speaks truth? Why is it important for Jesus’ disciples to learn this?
Read Matthew 7:28-29
What happens to the man who built his house on a good foundation? What does Jesus describe as a good foundation?
What happened to the man who built his house on sand? Did either of the men avoid the storm? What was the benefit of having a firm foundation?
Jesus needed to know the true fact of hard times. No one who lives on earth can avoid hard times. Jesus, being God Himself, didn’t avoid hard times. A true disciple doesn’t become a disciple because life on earth will get better. He becomes a disciple because Jesus gives life purpose and the storms may knock you down but will not destroy you.
Do you believe this lesson is crucial for disciples of Christ today?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 9:1-8 and LUKE 5:17-26

What is wrong with the man who needed healing? Was there more than one problem with this man? Which problem did Jesus heal first? Why did Jesus heal his legs?
This is an important miracle because it teaches Jesus’ disciples three things. First, it shows what is important to Him above all else. Jesus is most concerned with our biggest problem… our sin. Sometimes He uses our ailments to help us recognize our need for Him. He knows we will live for eternity with no sickness or pain, so he allows our temporary circumstances to point us toward Him. A short life or a life of being paralyzed is nothing compared to the pain that comes from being separated from God eternally. Jesus does not want that for anyone. The second lesson is that Jesus has the power to heal. The men were right to bring their friend to Him. Third, Jesus always has purpose in His miracles. If He heals, He is using the circumstance to show someone something about Himself. In this instance, He heals a man’s legs to prove that He has the authority to heal sin.

Week 4

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 8:28

What happened in this account of Jesus? What was the demon’s response to Satan? What did Jesus show His disciples about Himself?
The wonderful thing about the Master’s class of discipleship is that the class is always in session, even when He isn’t teaching with His words. This is part of being a disciple. As you walk alongside someone, you should watch and pay attention.
What did Jesus’ actions teach the disciples about Himself? What did they learn about His power? Did you notice the demons bowed to Jesus’ authority? The disciples learned that day that Satan does not have power over Jesus. Not only will He win, they know He will win. How does this encourage you?

DIG DEEPER

Read Matthew 17:1-9. Jesus’ disciples had learned that Jesus was going to die and resurrect.  Then, He told them He was going to return. They didn’t understand what that meant. They didn’t understand that He would come back looking a lot different than an ordinary human. Jesus allowed a few of them to catch a glimpse of His glory, the way He would look upon His return. Did you know Jesus will arrive on earth in a completely different way this next time around? Read Revelation 19 to see how. Jesus’s return gives us just another good reason to keep our eyes looking up.

Day 2 – READ MATTHEW 14:13-21

What happened in this true account in the Gospels? What are the lessons the disciples learned? What are the lessons you learn?
God wants to take care of His people. He also wants His disciples to understand how He will use them to help His people and how He will give you everything you need when He asks you to do so. Just bring your basket to Him and you will have more than enough.
How does this encourage you?

Day 3 – READ MATTHEW 13:31-32

What does Jesus teach about His Kingdom? How small will the Kingdom start? How big will the Kingdom become?
What Jesus said really came true. It started small with Jesus and 12 men and it has kept growing for every generation for the last couple thousand years. There are almost one billion Christians alive today and there are countless others who have gone before us.
Read Acts 5:27-39
What was happening to the disciples? Why were they in trouble? What did the Pharisees want these men to stop doing?
What were they willing to do to stop them? What was Gamaliel’s advice? After Jesus died, did His followers scatter and go away, or are they still vocal and working today? How does this encourage you?

Day 4 – READ JOHN 11:1-46

Write down what happened in this true account of Jesus.
What did Jesus do? What did the disciples learn about Jesus’ timing?
What did the disciples learn about Jesus’ power?
What other lessons did you learn from this passage?
Jesus was literally giving His disciples a preview of what He was about to do. Jesus had explained to them He had to die. Peter didn’t respond very well (Matthew 16:23) because he didn’t understand fully the power Jesus had.  How did Jesus show His disciples He had power over death? What was the disciples’ response?
Remember back to when you read the story of Nathanael and Jesus said that he would see “greater things than these.” The same is true for this story. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead… in just about a week He was going to raise from the dead Himself.

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 16:13-16

What did Jesus ask Peter about others? What did others say about Jesus? Why do you think Jesus asked Peter what others said about Himself? What was the question Jesus asked Peter about Himself? Write the question down. Why do you think this was a very important question for Peter as a disciple of Jesus?
Jesus knew He was going to ask these men to sacrifice their lives for Him. He knew the opposition they would face because He was facing it Himself. He was a teacher, He was a prophet, but most importantly He is the Christ. He is the promised Messiah, the Son of the Living God… the Savior of the world. The world around you has different things to say about Jesus. Some of them are really bad and some of them are not bad… but just not accurate. Some people only allow themselves to know Jesus in “part” instead of the “whole” of who He is. Look at the question you wrote down. Jesus is asking this of you. If you are going to be His disciple, He needs to know what you believe about Him. So… who do you say that He is?

Week 1

Day 1 – READ ACTS 4:8-13

What did Peter do? Re-read verse 13 and write it down. How were Peter and John described? Why were the people amazed? Peter and John were ordinary humans but their mark of greatness was being with Jesus. Being with Jesus is the mark of a great disciple.
This month you are going to just be with Jesus by reading the book of John. You might have read this Gospel before but place yourself in the role of disciple. Look at Jesus with the same eagerness to learn that His disciples did while He was alive. Take every account and learn what Jesus is showing you about Himself and what that means for your life. Take another glance and consider what it means for you when you go and make disciples. Write down any questions you have. Make note of these because you will use them later.

Day 2 – READ JOHN 1

What is Jesus teaching you about Himself?
Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe?
What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else? How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?

MEMORIZE LUKE 6:40

Day 3 – READ JOHN 2-3

What is Jesus teaching you?
Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe?
What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else?
How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?

Day 4 – READ JOHN 4

What is Jesus teaching you?
Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe?
What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else?
How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?

Day 5 – READ JOHN 5

What is Jesus teaching you? Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe?
What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else? How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?

Week 2

Day 1 – READ JOHN 6

What is Jesus teaching you? Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe? What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else? How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?
Is there a promise to claim?

Day 2 – READ JOHN 7

What stuck out to you while reading this passage? Did these verses raise any questions as you read? Write them down. What’s something new you learned about Jesus through this chapter?

I PROMISE YOU

In John 15:26 Jesus promises to give His disciples the Holy Spirit to guide them in truth and help them when they need it. He does the same for you. Read Ephesians 1:13

Day 3 – READ JOHN 8 READ JOHN 2-3

In what ways does this passage make you love Jesus more? Is there an example for you to follow? How could God use you to share this truth with someone else? How could God use you to be an example of this truth to someone who God wants to learn from you?

Day 4 – READ JOHN 9

What did Jesus teach you through this passage? Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe? What does this mean for your life?
Who in your life is spiritually blind? How could God use you to be an example and how can you share truth with them?

Day 5 – READ JOHN 10-11

Today is a longer passage. If you have time, read it all. But if you are short on time, you can skip the story of Lazarus rising from the dead (John 11:1-44) since you studied it last month.
What stuck out to you while reading this passage? What in this passage helped you see more of Jesus? See more of Jesus? What moved you to love Him more? Is there a promise to claim in this passage?

Week 3

Day 1 – READ JOHN 12

Is God teaching you anything new or specific? Is God asking you to stop or start doing anything in your life? How is God preparing you to live more effectively for Him?

Day 2 – READ JOHN 13

What is Jesus teaching you? Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe? What does this mean for your life? Is there an example to follow in this passage?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else?

Day 3 – READ JOHN 14

What stuck out to you while reading this passage? What in this passage helped you see more of Jesus? What moved you to love Him more?

Day 4 – READ JOHN 15

What is Jesus teaching you? Why is this important for His disciples to know and believe? What does this mean for your life?
How could God use you to share this truth with someone else?

Day 5 – READ JOHN 16

What stuck out to you while reading this passage? What in this passage helped you see more of Jesus? Did these verses raise any questions as you read? Write them down.
What promise can we claim in this passage?

Week 1

Day 1 – READ EXODUS 6:6-7

Write down the five promises God gives to the Israelites. (Hint, each promise starts with “I will”) Everything in the Old Testament anticipates Christ. The passage you read is what God promised to the Israelites while they were in slavery in Egypt. It is right here in these verses that God shares His will for all of mankind. Have you asked the question what is God’s will for my life?  Grab your pencil because you are about to read His answer as He says “I will…” Read Exodus 6:6-7 and write it out.
The first three lines is what God has done to make His will possible. Jesus has already accomplished this on the cross. The last two “I will” statements in the list are His WILL for your life… to be His. God wants to walk in an intimate, right relationship. Think about how He initially created Adam and Eve. They walked with God freely in the Garden. They lived in an intimate relationship with God until they sinned. God’s will is to restore this broken relationship and walk with you forever. It’s that simple. That is God’s will.

Day 2 – READ MATTHEW 6:9-10

What is the first thing Jesus teaches His disciples to pray?
If you have grown up in church, you have probably recited the Lord ’s prayer many times. It’s not a coincidence that God’s will is Jesus’ top priority in prayer. God’s will should be the most important thing. We need to always be focused on striving to align ourselves with His will. This will be easy to do in eternity. It takes relying on God while on earth.
Look back to your fill in the blank list from Day #1. Re-write it and note the reference to Exodus 6:6-7.
Since the day you were born you have been burdened with sin. The Bible calls this problem imputed sin (Romans 5:12). God promised that He would solve this problem. In His list of “I wills” #1-3 sums up the work He did to reconcile our sin problem. He brought you out. Another way to say this is “set you apart” (Galatians 1:15). He delivered you from the bondage of sin (Galatians 5:1) and He has redeemed you with an outstretched arm by dying on the cross (Ephesians 1:7). He will one day return and redeem you from the presence of sin through great judgments of the wicked world (1 Corinthians 15:23-24). This is the “plan of salvation.” This is the message of the Gospel. This is the goal of evangelism. This is how God has reconciled your relationship. The last two promises in Exodus 6:7 is how God begins the process of restoration of relationship. He makes you His own and in doing so asks you to be like Him. (Ephesians 5:1-2) Once your relationship is reconciled with God, you are now His and are afforded the opportunity to become like Him. This is why He made you in His own image. (Genesis 1:27) To become like Him you must walk with Him. The goal of discipleship is to grow your walk with God. It is what God has set in place while you live on earth-to start doing what you will do in heaven for eternity… walk with God.

DID YOU KNOW

Reconciliation of relationship is the goal of evangelism. Growing in your walk with God is the goal of discipleship. True growth comes from being taught and serving others.

Day 3It might seem redundant but it is important you understand what God’s will is for you and the goal of discipleship. Write out a list of 5 promises listed in Exodus 6:6-7.
Note which ones have to do with reconciliation or relationship.
Note which ones have to do with restoration of an intimate walking relationship.
Go back through all the verses listed yesterday. Read them and write them out next to the corresponding promise from Exodus 6:6-7.

Day 4 – READ JEREMIAH 29:11

What does God promise you?
It is a common question… what is God’s will? You now know the answer to this. It’s the same for every person to ever walk on earth. Many people join in and some do not. God’s plan for you is different than His will, yet His plan is not APART from His will. They co-exist together. God’s will is to be in a right relationship with you where you walk with Him and He calls you His. His plan for you has to do with what He has mapped out specifically for you to do. This involves the spiritual gifts He has given you, your background, your circumstances, your personality, your talents, your job, your family, your ministry and so much more. Confused? Here is an example from the Bible.
Esther was a Jewish girl who became a Persian Queen. God’s will for her was to walk with Him in an intimate, right relationship. His plan for her was to place her as Queen at the right time so she could save her people from annihilation.
Peter was a simple fisherman who became one of the 12 disciples. God’s will for him was to walk with Him in an intimate, right relationship. His plan for Peter was to be bold, preach the Gospel to the Jews and lead the early church.
Paul was a proud religious leader who persecuted Christians. God’s will for him was to walk with Him in an intimate, right relationship. His plan for Paul was to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles and write God’s word in letters… which would become the majority of the text of the New Testament.
Do you see the difference in God’s will and plan? God’s will is the same for all of the examples, but His plan is unique and different for each of them.  Every person, including you has a plan for their life. A plan that cannot be recognized until you start to walk intimately with God.
Tomorrow you are going to learn how God uses discipleship to not only grow your walk with the Lord but also help you find your purpose. From what you have learned today, how do you think discipleship can help you see what God has planned for you?

MEMORIZE EPHESIANS 2:10

Day 5 – READ JOHN 1:35-42

What happens in this passage? Who is involved? What does John the Baptist do for his disciples?
This story is often overlooked in the Bible. You have read it once but today the focus will be on John the Baptist. John the Baptist had disciples. These men were spending time with John the Baptist and learning from him. John the Baptist did the exact thing every person who is discipling another should do… point their disciples to Christ. Peter was actually a disciple of John but wasn’t there that day. His brother was and eventually went to get him to meet Jesus. It was through spending time with John the Baptist that Peter had the opportunity to meet Jesus. It was when he began to walk with Jesus that he grew in his relationship with Him and eventually learned what God had planned for Him. The same is true for the other two examples listed yesterday. Esther was more than likely taught about the God of her people by Mordecai, a relative who raised her. God used Mordecai to point her in the direction of God’s plan (Esther 4:14). Paul spent time with the disciples before he fully knew how he would share the Gospel with the Gentiles. The goal of discipleship is to grow your walk with God. The result of discipleship, as you grow more like Him, is to be able to recognize what God has purposed for you to do. What is the goal of discipleship? What is the result of growing in your walk with the Lord? How can these results impact the lives of those around you?

Week 2

This week is simple. Read the verses and write down what God’s Word says about the goal of discipleship. There will not be many questions. Just let God’s Word speak to you about why you should be discipled and why you should disciple others.

Day 1

READ VERSES:
Isaiah 54:13
Isaiah 1:17
Ephesians 4:22-24

Day 2

READ VERSES:
1 Peter 2:21
1 John 2:6
John 15:1-17

Day 3

READ VERSES:
Ephesians 3:16-19
John 13:15
Colossians 2:6

Day 4

READ VERSES:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 119:133
John 8:31-32

Day 5

READ VERSES:
1 Peter 2:21
1 John 2:6
John 15:1-17

Week 3

This week is simple. Read the verses and write down what God’s Word says about spiritual growth and accountability. There will not be many questions. Just let God’s Word speak to you about how being discipled will help you grow spiritually. 

Day 1

READ VERSES: 
1 Peter 1:2 
1 Peter 4:2 

Day 2
Colossians 1:9-10 
1 Corinthians 13:10-12 
Psalm 1:1-3 

Day 3
2 Peter 1:5-8 
Titus 2:11-14 
James 1:2-4 

GIVE IT A TRY

Re-read Hebrews 12:1. 
It’s time for a little spring cleaning. What is hindering you from starting the process of discipleship? Is it fear, sin or laziness? Consider what is standing in your way and figure out what type of “spring cleaning” you need to do in your heart

Day 4 

READ VERSES: 
1 Peter 2:2-2 
2 Timothy 3:16-17 
2 Timothy 2:15 
Hebrews 5:12-14

Day 5

READ VERSES: 
Isaiah 54:13 
Isaiah 1:17 
Ephesians 4:22-24 

Week 4

Day 1

READ VERSES:
2 Timothy 2:2
Acts 2:42

Day 2

READ VERSES:
2 Timothy 2:4
John 13:34-35

Day 3

READ VERSES:
Titus 2:1-8
1 Corinthians 11:1

Day 4

READ VERSES:
1 Thessalonians 2:8
Proverbs 27:17
Hebrews 10:19-25

Day 5

In the next couple of months you will be reading about Paul. Paul is an excellent example of discipleship. He was taught by the disciples after his conversion and he spent a lifetime discipling others. He traveled the world to bring the message of the Gospel but many times he stayed with a church or community for a length of time to show them how to live for Christ. Many of the verses you have read this month have come from those letters, which he wrote because God prompted to encourage, rebuke or teach those he had already shared the Gospel with. Today you are going to read part of his letter to the Thessalonians.
Read Acts 17:1-9
What happened when Paul went to Thessalonica? Did anyone respond to the message of the Gospel? What happened after people gave their life to the Lord?
Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1
How did the Gospel come to those in Thessalonica? Who did the people in Thessalonica imitate? What were the people’s circumstances as they received the Gospel?
How does the account in Acts support this?
What impact did the Thessalonians have on others?
How do you see the goal of discipleship being met in this passage?

Week 1

Day 1

The goal of discipleship is to grow in your walk with the Lord. You are meant to grow to your fullest potential in Christ. You do this by walking with Him. You will also learn as you grow that you will hit a wall of growth if you don’t get out there and serve.
Read Ephesians 2:10
What does God call you to do? What has been prepared for you? When did God prepare it?
Walking with God means being a disciple and serving God in the way He has already planned for you. It’s easy to think that when we accept Christ, we need to now be ministry leaders. But if you look at the example of the disciples and Paul, you will find they spent some time learning under Godly men. In doing so these men were preparing what God had for them to do. Eventually you will do the same… and you will disciple another as you do it.

Day 2

This week you are going to learn what you should look for in asking someone to disciple you. We will read these verses a few times this month for different reasons so marking them down in your Bible could be helpful.
Read Titus 2:1.
What should one that disciples another teach? How is sound doctrine an important requirement of choosing someone to disciple you?
Read 2 Timothy 2:15
What does God ask of His followers? How should a faithful man handle the Word of God? Why should you look for this type of person as one to disciple you?
Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17
What should the one who disciples you teach? What is God’s Word able to do?
Remember the goal is to grow in your walk with the Lord. What you are taught needs to be sound doctrine and centered around scripture. Man’s opinions and books are good supplements, but it is God’s Word that convicts, transforms and gives life. When you ask someone to disciple, make sure you ask someone who strives to consistently pursue God’s Word and has a heart to teach it to others.

Day 3 – READ PSALM 145:5

What should one generation do for another?
Read Titus 2:1-8
What should older men do? What should older women do?
Remember these passages use culture contexts but the message is older men have a role in teaching younger men and older women have a role in teaching younger women. This does not have to be an elderly person (although it can be because they are very wise). A good disciple wants to learn from someone a little bit ahead of where they are in life. Here are some good reasons God plans it this way.
Someone older than you has experienced the season of life you are in and has wisdom from that experience. Peers (same age friends) cannot encourage you as one who as gone through it. They are facing the same things that you are.
An older person has an unbiased outside perspective seasoned with wisdom. Your peers have a tendency to be biased without experience. They might be great friends and you can encourage each other’s walk with the Lord by using God’s Word, accountability and fellowship but because they are walking through the same things, it is often their opinion that is given. An older mentor can give Godly wisdom from an outside perspective. They are not in the emotions of your life but they definitely have experienced them.
An older mentor will be best at holding you accountable. Because of their life experience, they can see the pitfalls of the season of life you are in better than you and your friends. They will be less likely to enable your sin and instead challenge you to pursue godliness

DID YOU KNOW?

God meant for family to be a place of discipleship. Read Deuteronomy 6:6-9. Think about the family unity. You have someone older and more experienced in your parents who naturally spend much time with you. It is the environment God intended to train up a child to know Him.

Day 4 – READ 2 TIMOTHY 2:2

What is the standard of character quality in a person you choose to teach you in a discipleship relationship? What does it mean to be faithful in your opinion?
Read Matthew 7:15-19
What does Jesus tell His disciples to be aware of? What can these false prophets look like? How can you tell the difference between doctrine that is sound and doctrine that is false? Do you see now why God wants to entrust His Word to faithful men? How do you know a man/woman is faithful?
There are many people with great words and cool presentations, but the proof is in their actions. Do you see the fruits of the Spirit in their life? Do you see them devotedly walking out their faith? Here are some questions to think through. What do their relationships look like? (Family, friends, acquaintances…)
Family:
A person cannot change the family they were born into. A tough family situation does not disqualify someone from discipling another. You don’t have to pick a person with a perfect family but instead look at how they handle the tough situations of their family.
Friends, dating relationships, marriage:
You need to look at how this is faithful in relationships that are chosen. Do they choose to surround themselves with people who encourage their faith? Are they a faithful friend? Do they have the type of dating relationship that supports a healthy relationship with the Lord? If you happen to be mentored by someone who is married, do they strive to have a loving, God-centered family?
Are they joyfully living out the disciplines of the faith such as prayer, reading the Word, accountability? How do they treat others including people they don’t know or their enemies? What are they like (as best as you know) when no one is around?
Are they actively serving God? What do they do with their time? (It doesn’t all have to be ministry activities but this question will show you their interests and what is important to them.)

Day 5 – READ 1 CORINTHIANS 11:1

What does Paul ask the Corinthians? What does this verse say about your standard for choosing someone to disciple you?
Jesus instituted the “follow me” method. He asked all of His disciples, to do so. He just simply put His life out there for others to learn from. Paul took Jesus’ method and asked his disciples to follow what he was doing and how he was living as he lived for Christ. This is the truest form of discipleship. It is “life with life” style ministry where you not only hear lessons but you see them in action. When you are with someone, you observe how they live their life and in doing so you get to see God in action.

Week 2

Day 1

This month we are going to dig deep into what it means to be discipled. Remember the goal of discipleship is to walk intimately with the Lord. Walking with the Lord has to do with believing, knowing and daily trusting and experiencing Him. Walking with the Lord is also about serving Him. He has prepared for you to do something great.
Read Ephesians 2:10.
What does this verse call us? What has God created us for? The works He has prepared you to do will have significance in the lives of others. The work He has points others toward Him.
Read Ephesians 4:11-17
Everyone’s role is different but we are all working towards the same goal. What is the goal? What is God’s standard of manhood? In Christ, what should you no longer be?
Instead, how should you live?

Day 2 – READ EPHESIANS 4:11-17

Use what you have learned about discipleship so far and think about how it could help you accomplish what God sets out for you to do in this verse.

Day 3 – RE-READ EPHESIANS 4:11-17

Write out these verses and memorize them.

Day 4 – READ 1 CORINTHIANS 2

Paul discipled many men. He taught people great things. Read who he gave credit for all he did. Whose words was Paul speaking? God uses men in many ways. If you ask someone to disciple you, they are being used by God. If you enter into a discipleship relationship with someone you must know it is God talking through them. Remember not to put too much reliance on a person, but instead see the person as a vessel that God is using to grow you into the man/woman God has planned for you to be.

GIVE IT A TRY!

Day 5 – READ HEBREWS 13:7

When you choose someone to lead you, what should you have in them? How should you respect your authority? Should you be a burden or a joy to this person? What are ways you could see yourself being a burden to the one who disciples you?
Here are some things to remember when you ask another to disciple you:
RESPECT THEIR SPACE
This person has opened their life to you. You can be present in a consistent relationship while maintaining a respect for their life, family or circumstances. You should grow in your faith being ready to be sent out to serve on your own. If you find yourself needy of them, you are not allowing the process of discipleship to accomplish growing your walk with God. Being needy is a product of relying on men instead of God.
RESPECT THEIR TIME
To do a discipleship relationship right you must know that the person who is discipling you is sacrificing their time. If you set a time to meet, show up on time. If you are invited to their house, be respectful of the time you spend with them. A discipleship relationship is priority… more than time with friends or a boyfriend/girlfriend. A good discipler will encourage you to have healthy relationships with your friends.
RESPECT THEIR AUTHORITY
If you have chosen this person, you respect them and want to grow in your faith. Their words and advice should matter. It is easy to run away from someone who brings conviction and inspires change but isn’t that why you are there? Allow the Spirit to work among this relationship to help grow you… even if it hurts to change.

Week 3

Day 1 – READ ACTS 4:13

How were the disciples known? Were the disciples special according to the world’s standards? Why were they special?
When you pick someone to disciple you, don’t use the world’s standards. Pick someone who is walking with Jesus; someone who is living their life daily striving to spend time and be like Him. Read 1 Corinthians 11:1 again. If you spend time with someone who is following Christ, what will you more than likely do?

Day 2 – READ JOHN 8:12

What does God call Himself?
Read Matthew 5:16
Because God is light what does He call us to be? How can you use this verse to help you pick someone to disciple you?
Read 1 John 4:7
What happens when we walk in the light? What do we have with others when we walk in the light? What happens to your life when you walk in the light?
This is a great verse that explains the process of discipleship. God didn’t create you to do things all alone. He knows that you need help. He gives you help through the process of discipleship. Discipleship is a relationship with someone who is a little older and very strong in their faith. A good disciple is more than just a Bible study teacher. Teaching God’s Word is a huge part of being discipled, but many forget that one of the most important parts of a discipleship relationship is showing God’s Word in action.

Day 3 – READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:8

What does Paul say to the Thessalonians? What are the two things Paul shares with the people of the church in Thessalonica? Why does he share these things? How is this a good example of discipleship?
A few months ago you studied the ultimate discipler… Jesus. In the next coming months you are going to learn about a man who really takes God’s charge of going and making disciples. His name is Paul. God used him to write most of the New Testament.  God’s will for Paul was that he would believe in Him and have a walking relationship with God. God also had a plan for Paul. Read what God’s plan for Paul’s life was.
Read Ephesians 2:8.
What was God’s plan for Paul?
We will spend time learning how Paul accomplished God’s plan through ministry and discipleship, but you must know that Paul was discipled by others first. We will spend the next few days reading about it.

DID YOU KNOW?

Paul would literally go somewhere and he would spend time with the people.  He would move onto the next location and would write people a letter. For example Acts 17 tells us what happened when Paul goes to Thessalonica. You can find out a little more from what Paul writes to them after He leaves in the books of 1 and 2 Thessalonians.

Day 4 – READ ACTS 9:1-18

What happened in Paul’s conversion story?
Read Acts 9:19.
Who did Paul spend time with in Damascus? (Note: he wasn’t spending time with the 11 disciples who spent time with Jesus. These were disciples living in Damascus) Read Acts 9:20-25. Who was Paul with? What was Paul starting to do? The Bible doesn’t say this, but can you infer that Paul is starting to speak the Gospel more boldly with the help of the disciples?
According to verse 22, what did Paul keep increasing in? How do you think the disciples helped him increase in strength of faith? How is this a great example of discipleship? What can you learn from Paul?
The Lord had changed Paul. Paul had seen the truth. He now had a passion to share the Gospel and he was doing it with the help of the disciples in Damascus.

Day 5 – READ ACTS 9:23-25

How did the disciples in Damascus help Paul and why? What do you learn about the role of one who disciples to protect the one who they are discipling?
These men spent time with Paul and helped Paul grow in strength of faith. They also helped Paul out of a dangerous situation. This is true of any good discipler. A person who disciples another has the role of protector. More than likely, you will not be in danger of being put to death. In most cases, you are in danger of being influenced and affected by the damage of your sin or another’s sin.
Read Hebrews 12:1
What happens when you are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses?
If you choose someone to disciple you, that person’s role can also be one of a protector. Remember, they see your life from an unbiased opinion. They also care about you and can see damaging things that are present. Their role is to help you escape from those damaging situations by helping you submit to God. Maybe you are in an unhealthy relationship with a boyfriend or a girlfriend. Maybe they see an unhealthy pattern of thinking or actions in your life that is causing damage. This is where someone who disciples might have to speak words that are tough to hear. This is where you will feel tempted to walk away because you “feel” mad or don’t want to change. Don’t do this. If you have chosen well, then this word is the word you need to hear. Swallow your pride and lean into their advice. God is using them to protect you from danger. This is where the relationship part of discipleship is key.  They can see damage or potential danger when they spend time with you. Through discipleship, God has created a safe environment (one that you trust) to share the tough stuff.

Week 4

Day 1 – READ ACTS 9:26-36

Who was Paul trying to associate with in Jerusalem? (Hint, these are the eleven men who had spent time with Jesus)
Why did the disciples not want to meet with Paul? Why were they scared of Paul? Who stood up for Paul? How did Barnabas know Paul was safe?
This relationship between Paul is important but it is often missed in scripture. This week we are going to focus on Paul and Barnabas. Most people know about a guy named Timothy, the young man Paul discipled. Often times people miss the relationship between Paul and Barnabas. This is very important because the Bible paints a clear picture that Barnabas was one of the people who discipled Paul.

GIVE IT A TRY!

During month 3 and 4, you were instructed to write down questions you had for anything you read. These questions could be a great start at a discipleship relationship. After you have your initial few meetings and are ready to start with spiritual conversations bring these questions to the table and start learning…

Day 2 – READ ACTS 4:32-37

Let’s spend a few moments learning about Barnabas. Let’s rewind a little bit before Paul’s conversion to learn about him. In Acts 4, Peter and John are preaching the Gospel boldly… so boldly they were put in prison. They miraculously got out and many people began to believe and become part of the church.
What was Barnabas’ real name? Who called him Barnabas and why? What does Barnabas mean? What did Barnabas do? Was Barnabas a strong believer? Did Barnabas show he had a faith worthy of observing? Who believed in Jesus first… Barnabas or Paul?
After Acts 4, the next few chapters focus on Peter and John and the growth and pitfalls of starting the church. It even shares the first martyr for Jesus named Stephen. The next time Barnabas is mentioned is Acts 9. We don’t know how or when he went to Damascus but it is clear God put him there for one important reason… to encourage and disciple Paul. He also went with Paul to Jerusalem and defended Paul to the disciples. Not only did Barnabas contribute to Paul’s spiritual growth (Acts 9:22), but he also stood up for him. We often think a person who disciples will be all about the tough stuff, but we forget that God will use them to help you and stand up for you when it is needed. Maybe you have lived a life of sin that has caused you to have a bad reputation… just like Paul. God can use anyone, no matter what, but He can use a discipleship relationship to help rebuild and restore your reputation. Barnabas had credibility with the disciples and because he had spent time with Paul helping and experiencing his change… he was able to confidently stand up for Paul and tell others that God was doing a new thing in him.
What are ways someone who disciples you can stand up for you?
Why do you think this is important? Do you think it is important for the person who disciples you to know all about you… even the bad stuff? Why or why not?

Day 4

Paul believed in Jesus and was given his mission from God. He then grew with the help of people who taught him, and got to meet some very important people tasked with the same type of calling. Then something crazy happened, he was sent to Tarsus (Acts 9:30). The reason was to keep him safe but Paul probably had no idea how long he would be there… 10-13 years. We don’t know much about what happened but according to Galatians 1:22-24, he was relatively unknown except for the people who saw he had changed. If you know anything about Paul you know that later on his ministry… he was known. He was so well known that the Roman emperor put him in prison.  At this point in time he was under the radar. What? Why would God do this? Paul was converted, and had grown tremendously. Why would God put a “major player” in the plan of spreading the Gospel “on the bench” ministry wise for 10-13 years? First of all, Paul was not on the bench in God’s eyes. We don’t know what happened in those years, but God’s track record in the Bible (and in our own lives) show that God is always at work in our lives preparing us. We don’t know if Paul was discipled or discipling but we can infer that in some way or form he might have been a part of both types of relationships. Tarsus was Paul’s hometown.  The question Paul might have and you will hopefully have is “When does the disciple get to disciple?” Why does God make you wait when you feel you are ready?
Remember, God will call you when you are ready. If you are waiting He is preparing. Another reason for your wait is because God is also preparing the “field” for your ministry. Jesus told Paul himself that He would share the Gospel with the Gentiles (Acts 9:15). When Paul visited Peter, the Gospel message was not ready to be spread that far. Peter knew what Jesus said about who the Gospel was for, but He was too busy sharing the Gospel in Jerusalem and surrounding Israel to be concerned for the gentiles. God had some preparing to do.
Read Acts 9:26-Acts 11:18
Take note of how God was preparing the way for Paul to spread the message of the Gospel to the Gentiles while He was away in Tarsus. What did Peter need to see? What can you learn about trusting God in waiting? What is God doing to prepare you right now?

Day 5 – READ ACTS 11:19-26

The Gospel message had trickled to Antioch where the majority of people where Gentiles not Jews. Paul is in Tarsus… and it’s about to be game time for him… Pay attention to how the disciple turns into the apostle (which means one who is sent out). From here on in scripture, the disciple becomes the one who disciples.
What happened in Antioch? Who was coming to know the Lord?
Who did the disciples send to Antioch to check it out?
Who went to go get Paul? What did they do together?
Barnabas was sent to Antioch. Maybe the disciples had forgotten about Paul in Tarsus. Who knows why they didn’t fetch Paul, but once Barnabas got there he knew he had to go get Paul for the Lord had called him to share the Gospel with the Gentiles. The person who disciples you is a teacher, a mentor, an example, an encourager, and in some ways like a coach. Since they know your strengths and calling, they know when to “put in you in the game.” It was Paul’s time and Barnabas knew it. Take some time to recap what you have learned about being discipled. Why is being discipled important?

Week 1

Day 1 – READ MATTHEW 4:18-24

Many of the verses you will read this month you already read as you learned from Jesus’ example of discipleship or what it looks like to have someone disciple you. This month you are going to take another look and learn what it means for you to disciple others.

What are the exact words of Jesus when He called His disciples?

What is the result Jesus said comes from following Him?

Jesus did not say, “Follow Me and you will be great.” He did not say, “Follow Me and I will put your name in lights.” He did not say, “Follow me and you will get a lot of things.” He said follow me and you will become fishers of men. The more you follow Christ, the more you will understand what God wants for you. It is clearly and simply stated in this verse. Follow God and serve others. If you are wanting to disciple others for your own selfish gain, then you are simply not ready. Following God should inspire you to help others draw closer to Him.

List some reasons for wanting to disciple another. Always pray for God to give you the right motives in anything you are called to do for Him.

Day 2 – READ JOHN 15:16

What does God say about you in this verse?

What should be your attitude in the position you are in?

You are not in the position to disciple others because of your own doing. You are there because God reconciled you to Him and placed His Spirit inside of you to transform and grow you. Do you have a humble attitude about who you are in Christ?

Read Ephesians 2:8-9

Do you find yourself boasting for any reason?

How can you give the credit to God for who you are?

If you think you are awesome, think about Paul. He was pretty awesome. He sacrificed everything to travel the world to share the Gospel. He was in and out of prison and he saw thousands of people come to know the Lord. He wrote most of the New Testament and God has used his words and life to impact billions of people since his death. Re-read 2 Corinthians 2 to remind you of his attitude toward why he is able to do what he has done.

Day 3 – READ ACTS 1:8

What did Jesus tell His disciples would happen?

Where did Jesus say He planned for the Gospel message to go?

This Gospel message started with 11 men in the city of Jerusalem thousands of years ago. You must understand that in deciding to disciple others, you are joining a movement that has been going strong since the day Jesus ascended into heaven. It is important for you to understand the power of this movement. Look what an unbelieving Pharisee said of the movement when it had grown to a couple hundred men.

Read Acts 5:17-39

What did Gamaliel say of the movement at the time when it began?

Has the movement scattered or has it gotten bigger and stronger?

You have significance in this movement of spreading the Gospel and making disciples. God has created you in the right time, and has placed you in the right place to serve specific people. Are you ready to join the movement?

DID YOU KNOW

You are almost out of high school and off to college and adulthood. One of the decisions you will get to make when you start to “fly” on your own is where to go to church. Look for a church that not only has sound doctrine but also a church that has a good balance of evangelism and making disciples. If a church is sharing the Gospel of Jesus and also building into believers, it is a healthy ministry.

Day 4 READ MATTHEW 28:19

What does God ask you to do?

The word “make” in the Greek original text is matheteuo. This word is a continual verb that says to teach and instruct. This word does not suggest simply passing out tracks and going on about life. This verb suggests time, effort and relationship. Evangelism has its place. It is how one hears the message of the Gospel. It is just as important to the process of building others up in Christ. It is vital because God is giving a person the opportunity to move from death to life… to be a part of His people… to be forgiven and reconciled to Him… and to have His righteousness.

Read Romans 10:14-15

Who does Paul explain the importance of evangelism to?

Yes, you are to evangelize, but don’t stop there. God has called you to invest time into making disciples. It starts with evangelism but should progress into discipleship. It is also important for you to know that you will not disciple everyone you evangelize to, but you may also be asked to disciple someone you didn’t evangelize to or lead to Christ. Remember that God is working His plan in everyone’s life so be content with the role He has given you… even if you are the first person who shares the Gospel to someone and they reject you. God’s got them… you don’t know whose up next on the roster God’s using to change their life.

Day 5 – READ HEBREWS 10:24-25

What does God ask of His followers in this verse?

Are you willing to commit to the time and effort it takes to spur another towards love and good deeds? What are things that might get in the way of you committing your time to doing so?

Week 2

Are you someone who commits to teaching sound doctrine?

How are you committed to grow in learning sound doctrine?

Do you strive to accurately handle the Word of God? How can you set yourself up to do so while you teach it to others?

Remember a good teacher remains a good pupil. Think about ways you can continue to grow in your knowledge and application of God’s Word.

Day 2 – READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Do you believe scripture is God’s actual words?

Have you had experience in how God’s Words have instructed, corrected, reproved (convicted), and trained you in righteousness?

Sharing your experiences is a huge part of discipleship. If you have not experienced God’s Word in this way spend more time being disciple and gain more wisdom in this area. Remember wisdom is knowledge with experience. To gain experience, you must apply the Word. If you have experienced these things, spend time writing them down today. Reflect through what God has done in you through His Word. Also remember that God will not stop using His Word for these things in your life. Just because you disciple others does not mean you will stop being conformed and renewed by God’s Word in your own walk.

I PROMISE YOU

Jesus told His disciples that He would be with them always. Notice that He makes this statement right after He charges them to go make disciples. He promises to not only be with you but He has given you the Holy Spirit to help you. If you are nervous about sharing God’s Word and training others in it, remember the Holy Spirit, God Himself, will give you the words to say (Luke 12:12).

Day 3 – READ 2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17

Are you ready to use God’s Word to do these things in another’s life? Why or why not?

DIG DEEPER

Read 1 Peter 2:2. God calls you to drink spiritual milk to grow in your salvation. Like a growing child, God wants you to move on from milk and eat meat. Read 1 Corinthians 3:2. Are you at a point where you still drink “milk” instead of eating “meat” in your spiritual growth? Think about this long and hard. One who disciples should be feeding the milk and eating the meat.

Day 4 READ 2 TIMOTHY 2:2

Are you a person who God would call faithful? Take some time to look at your life and focus in on how you are faithful. How are you faithful with your time, money, attitude, resources, speech, spiritual growth, and personal relationships?

Read 1 Corinthians 11:1

Are your living out your faith in a way that others should follow?

What are ways you are a good example? What are ways you are not a good example?

Read John 15:8

Are you shown as a disciple who bears fruit?

Do your actions and work give glory to God instead of yourself or man?

Day 5 – READ 2 TIMOTHY 2:2

Are you a faithful servant?

Are you ready to be a good steward of the responsibility of a life?

The word “entrust” is a powerful word. If you are entrusted with something, this This means that another trusts you to be faithful with what is theirs. This is exactly what God is doing with you. In bringing you someone to disciple, you must know that God is trusting you with one of His own. Are you ready to take on the responsibility of being faithful with God’s precious child?

Week 3

Day 1 – READ LUKE 10:2-3

What is plentiful? What is few? How does Jesus say He is sending out His disciples?

You must know that while discipleship is the most rewarding thing you can do, it will also come with persecution and hard circumstances. You must know that you will face a few forces against you as you help a person grow in their faith. The first force you are dealing with is the person’s sinful nature.

Read James 1:14-15

What are possible ways you can expect the sinful nature of a person to cause friction and persecution in your life?

Another avenue of persecution might come from non-believers who are associated with this person and who do not want them to change or grow.

Read John 15:18

What is the reason for their persecution?

What are some possible ways you can expect this type of persecution?

Finally, you are fighting against the enemy who does not want the person you are discipling to grow in their faith or want you to reach your potential.

Read Ephesians 6:10-13

How can you prepare yourself for this battle?

MEMORIZE ROMANS 5:3-5

Day 2 – READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-14

You have learned how Paul was a disciple and now we will begin to see how Paul discipled others. As you read this passage, make a list of what you learn from Paul in how he ministered to the people of Thessalonica. Look closely and pay attention. There are lots of good stuff to learn from Paul’s actions with these people.

How can you apply what you have learned from Paul when you disciple others?

Day 3 – READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-14

Focus what you can learn about Paul’s relationship with the Thessalonians?

Did he care for them and how did he show it?

Day4 – READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-14

What can you learn from Paul’s attitude and humility in his relationship with the believers in Thessalonica?

Day 5 – READ 1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-14

What was the result of Paul’s efforts?

This month you have been asked to do a lot of self-check to see if you are ready to make the commitment to disciple another. The question you might naturally ask is if all this time, effort and sacrifice is worth it? Next week we will go into why discipling others is worth the sacrifice.

Week 1

Day 1 – READ ACT 16

This month you will spend your time looking at the discipleship relationship between Paul and Timothy. You will do this by being challenged to study the Word for yourself. If you want to guide others in Scripture, you need to be able to allow the Spirit of God to teach you the Word without the commentary of man. How did Paul and Timothy meet? What do you learn about Timothy? What did Timothy get to observe in action?

Day 2 – READ 1 TIMOTHY 1

You can gather bits and pieces of what Timothy and Paul did together in the book of Acts. Throughout the rest of this month, you will learn about Paul and Timothy’s discipleship relationship through Paul’s first letter to Timothy.

Read it to get familiar with the chapter.

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

DIG DEEPER

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 1 Timothy 1:12-15

Day 3 – READ 1 TIMOTHY 1

Make a list of anything you learn about Paul and Timothy… then make a list of what you‘ve learned about discipleship relationships.  (Look within the Word at what is says, what their actions are, where they are, and how they speak of each other)

Here is an example of how to look beyond what the author is saying to learn something from the passage.

Read verse 3: Paul urged Timothy in Macedonia to stay in Ephesus. It is obvious they did ministry together, but at times are apart.

Day 4

An exhortation is a type of instruction. When you exhort someone, you call someone to action based on the truth of God. For example in verses 3-4:

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

The blue highlighted part is the call to action (the exhortation) and the yellow highlighted part is the truth that inspires the action. Paul exhorted Timothy to teach men sound doctrine because unsound doctrine can stop the growth of people.

Read 1 Timothy Chapter 1 again

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these warnings and exultations to your life?

How have you learned exhortations and warnings are a part of a discipleship relationship?

Day 5 – READ 1 TIMOTHY 1

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life?

Week 2

Day 1 – READ 1 Timothy 2 and 3 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 1 Timothy 2 and 3 – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

Day 3 – READ 1 Timothy 2 and 3 – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life?

Give it a try!

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

2 Timothy 2:1-4

Spend time praying for who Paul exhorts Timothy to pray for. Why do you think this is important?

Day 4 – READ 1 Timothy 2 and 3 – APPLY TRUTH (#ffffff BKG) (#0075bd Font)

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage. How can you apply it to your life? How is God specifically challenging you through this passage?

Day 5 – READ 1 Timothy 2 and 3 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 3

Day 1 – READ 1 Timothy 5 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 1 Timothy 5 – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

Day 3 – READ 1 Timothy 5 – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life?

MEMORIZE 1 TIMOTHY 4:12

Day 4 – READ 1 Timothy 5  – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life? How can you do a better job of applying these truths and promises to your life?

Day 5 – READ 1 Timothy 5 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 4

Day 1 – READ 1 Timothy 6 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 1 Timothy 6 – MAKE LISTS (#f1665f BKG) (#ffffff Font)

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

DIG DEEPER

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

What do you learn from these verses? Are you content?

Note: money is not bad… it’s the love of money. Do you struggle with this? If so, what might you be tempted to do?

Day 3 – READ 1 Timothy 6 – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life? Is there a sin listed that you should try to avoid?

Day 4 – READ 1 Timothy 6  – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life?

Day 5 – READ 1 Timothy 6 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 1

Day 1 – READ 2 Timothy 1 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 2 Timothy 1  – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

Discipleship tip

If you ask someone to disciple you, the last thing you want to do is not let it happen because you can’t fit it in your schedule. This must become priority in your schedule. You move your schedule to fit theirs instead of them changing their schedule to fit yours. Be respectful of what you ask of people. If they see you move mountains in your schedule, then they will see how serious you are about growing.

Day 3 – READ 2 Timothy 1  – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life?

Day 4 – READ 2 Timothy 1   – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life?

Day 5 – READ 2 Timothy 1 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Discipleship tip

If you are ready, pray for God to bring someone into your life to disciple. Allow God to prepare your heart while you wait. You are in high school and a great age to start mentoring is middle school or junior high kid. These kiddos are facing the tough parts of the early teenage world. Your encouragement and example could be what God wants to use to help them follow Him in middle school and high school. Maybe you know a family friend. Maybe you could get involved with a youth group ministry and help out with Junior High.

Remember to be wise in how you spend time with them. Introduce yourself to their parents and respect their authority. Do not take them places unless the parents are okay with it. Even then, let that be the parents idea not yours or the kiddos. You can start healthy relationships by showing up to cheer them on at activities or maybe helping them with school work. At such a young age it might be good to disciple 2-3 at a time so everyone is protected by the rule of three!

Week 2

Day 1 – READ 2 Timothy 2 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 2 Timothy 2  – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

Day 3 – READ 2 Timothy 2  – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life? Are there any exhortations and warning that you specifically need to be reminded of?

Day 4 – READ 2 Timothy 2   – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life?

Day 5 – READ 2 Timothy 2 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 3

Day 1 – READ 2 Timothy 3 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 2 Timothy 3  – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

How is Paul leaving his ministry to Timothy?

Day 3 – READ 2 Timothy 3  – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life?

Give it a try!

Need some helping knowing what spiritual topics to go through with someone who disciples you or with the person you are discipling. If you are being discipled, ask your mentor if they have any suggestions. Here are some to consider:

One to One Cross Training by Joe White

One to One “Climbing Higher” by Joe White

Foundations of the Faith – 13 lessons to grow in the grace of Christ by John MacArthur

30 Days to Understanding the Bible by Max Anders

30 Days to Understanding what Christians Believe by Max Anders

New Christian Handbook by Max Anders

30 Days to understanding the Christian Life by Max Anders

Day 4 – READ 2 Timothy 3   – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life? How were you personally encouraged by this passage?

Day 5 – READ 2 Timothy 3 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 4

Day 1 – READ 2 Timothy 4 –  MAIN THEME

Highlight anything that stands out to you. What is the main theme of the chapter?

Day 2 – READ 2 Timothy 4  – MAKE LISTS

Make a list of what you learn from Paul and Timothy, then make a list of what you’ve learned about discipleship relationships.

What can you learn from Paul as he faces the end of his life? How is he passing on the torch to Timothy? How is “passing the torch” an important part of discipleship?

Day 3 – READ 2 Timothy 4  – EXHORTATIONS AND WARNINGS

Make a list of how Paul exhorts Timothy. List any warnings Paul gives Timothy.

How can you apply these to your life?

What do you need to change in your life based on the passage you just read?

BIGGER & BETTER

Paul and Timothy had a healthy discipleship relationship. Remember you are not to be someone’s “all-in-all” when you disciple another. You should not rely on your mentor as the only one who can help you. Dietrich Bonhoeffer said it best in his book The Cost of Discipleship… “Discipleship is not hero worship, but intimacy with Christ.”

Day 4 – READ 2 Timothy 4  – APPLY TRUTH

Make a list of any truth or promise that God gives you through this passage.

How can you apply it to your life?

Day 5 – READ 2 Timothy 4 – MEMORIZE IT

Pick one or two verses to memorize and write them down.

Week 1

Day 1 – READ EPHESIANS 5:13-25

What does God charge you to do here? God has forgiven your sin, but do you use it as freedom to do what you want or as freedom from the damage and slavery of sin?

Do you think walking by the Spirit is a one-time thing?

Day 2 – READ COLOSSIANS 9:12

What are the ways God desires for you to continue in growth? How are you going to continue to do this in high school?

How could you see yourself doing this in college? How can a mentor help you do these things?

BIGGER & BETTER

If you read the book of Acts, you will see Paul is often doing ministry with Barnabas and Timothy. Paul grew to great things but I am sure he still received encouragement from Barnabas while he was discipling Timothy. Everyone should have a Paul or a Barnabas and every believer should have a Timothy. It can even happen at the same time.

Day 3 – READ HEBREWS 6:1

What does God ask you to do in your faith?

It is okay to be young in your faith and needing to grow, but at some point you need to move forward to the deeper issues of God. Growing means moving forward and God will always ask you to move forward. Are you ready to make the changes in your life that it takes to make growth happen?

Day 4 – READ LUKE 2:53

Answer the questions after reading the verses attached to them.

What are the four ways Jesus increased? How can you increase in stature? Stature means more than just physical growth… it means growth of character – (Romans 5:1-5)

How can you increase in wisdom? (James 5:1; 1 Peter 2:2)

How can you increase in favor with God? (Romans 12:1)

How can you increase in favor with man? (Mark 12:30-31)

Day 5 – READ 2 PETER 1:1-11

According to verse three, what has God given you?

Do you see that God has promised you that He will give you everything you need to live a Godly life? Do you believe this?

According to verse 4, God has given us His promises to partake in what?

Did you read verse 4? Read it again. It says that someone with a sin nature takes on a divine nature through Christ. You are not God, but you can have His character now. You don’t have His attributes, but He has given you the ability to have His righteousness.

What are all the qualities God wants you to increase in?

How can you increase in these qualities?

How will being discipled help you increase in these qualities?

How will discipling others help you increase in these qualities?

What promise does God give you in verse 11?

Week 2

Day 1 – READ 2 PETER 1:11-15

What does Peter say he will do for the people he is writing?

How does this fit within the role of one who serves others and disciples another?

Day 2 – READ PHILIPPIANS 1:21-25

What is Paul’s purpose for living? How does this show that Paul cares for people?

Do you believe your life exists to serve God and help others in their faith?

Day 3 – READ ACTS 20:35

This is so simple! But if you don’t believe it to be true, discipling others will be hard for you. Do you believe it is better to give than receive? If so, do your life and words reflect it?

DIG DEEPER

“He must increase, but I must decrease” John 3:30, ESV

Do you live your life like this?

Day 4 – GALATIANS 5:13-14

What is the heart of God’s law? What is the heart of God’s Word?

Should you be about yourself or others?

Day 5 – READ MATTHEW 23:11

What is God’s definition of great? How is this different than the world’s definition of greatness? Who would you rather be called great by… the world or God?

Week 3

Day 1 – READ 1 PETER 5:1-11

Even if you don’t think you will have the role of a leader, know that at some point you will! It looks different for every person. You might be an upfront leader someday. You might lead a ministry. Maybe you will just lead one person in a discipleship relationship. Guys will grow up to be a dad and will be called to lead a family. Future moms will lead the flock of kids. Don’t avoid leadership… embrace it and trust God to bring it about in a way that fits with the gifts and personality He has given you. No matter what way God calls you to lead, He has the same standard for famous theologians, high school mentors of a few students, or stay at home moms.

Day 2 – READ 1 PETER 5:1-11

Make a list of how God wants you, as a leader, to take care of the “flock” that has been entrusted to you.

Day 3 – READ 1 PETER 5:1-11

Look back at your list from yesterday. Use some practical ways you can apply these leadership principles to your life and ministry.

Day 4 – MEMORIZE 1 PETER 5:1-11

If you want to lead… you need to write on your heart how God wants you to do it.

Day 5 – REFLECT

Look back on this week’s notes. What did you learn?