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.