1. The Concept of DiscipleshipThe Concept of Discipleship
Lesson 3Lesson 3

2.  A disciple is a student, learner.A disciple is a student, learner.
 Plato, often called the “father of philosophy,”Plato, often called the “father of philosophy,”
developed a system of thought that dealt withdeveloped a system of thought that dealt with
how we gain knowledge, and issues relating tohow we gain knowledge, and issues relating to
the meaning of life.the meaning of life.
 Plato discipled his student Aristotle, who tookPlato discipled his student Aristotle, who took
Plato’s teaching and built “gymnasiums,” orPlato’s teaching and built “gymnasiums,” or
academies.academies.

3. The Right InformationThe Right Information
 THE BIBLETHE BIBLE
BBasicasic IInstructionsnstructions BBeforeefore LLeavingeaving EEartharth
 Since a disciple is basically a student, aSince a disciple is basically a student, a
disciple must acquire and master a body ofdisciple must acquire and master a body of
knowledge.knowledge.

4. The Right SkillsThe Right Skills
 Discipleship occurs when a person bringsDiscipleship occurs when a person brings
another person or persons along in such aanother person or persons along in such a
way that the teacher imparts the rightway that the teacher imparts the right
information while modeling the right skills.information while modeling the right skills.

5. The Process of SpiritualThe Process of Spiritual
DevelopmentDevelopment
 Discipleship is a process of spiritualDiscipleship is a process of spiritual
development. The goal is spiritual maturity,development. The goal is spiritual maturity,
becoming a full-grown, well developedbecoming a full-grown, well developed
disciple of Jesus Christ.disciple of Jesus Christ.
 You do not wake up the day after you’reYou do not wake up the day after you’re
saved and discover you are a spiritual giant,saved and discover you are a spiritual giant,
a fully mature disciple. Spiritual maturitya fully mature disciple. Spiritual maturity
takes time.takes time.

6. A Progressive Movement TowardA Progressive Movement Toward
MaturityMaturity
 Moving believers toward spiritual maturity is aMoving believers toward spiritual maturity is a
continual process. If the church is doing its job,continual process. If the church is doing its job,
there should always be the process ofthere should always be the process of
discipleship.discipleship.
 There should always be an influx of new believers.There should always be an influx of new believers.
 The Christian’s life is a journey and not aThe Christian’s life is a journey and not a
destination. We never arrive until death or Christdestination. We never arrive until death or Christ
comes to get us.comes to get us.
 There are always crisises in the life of the church,There are always crisises in the life of the church,
which threatens its health and maturity.which threatens its health and maturity.

7. Spiritual DevelopmentSpiritual Development
 Spiritual development is a process and notSpiritual development is a process and not
an event.an event.
 Spiritual development must be intentional.Spiritual development must be intentional.
Growth takes place in a spiritual battle,Growth takes place in a spiritual battle,
trials, suffering and conflict.trials, suffering and conflict.
 Spiritual development is the responsibilitySpiritual development is the responsibility
of the individual. The new believerof the individual. The new believer
mustmust be actively involved.be actively involved.

8. Where Are You?Where Are You?
 Natural ManNatural Man – One who hasn’t accepted the– One who hasn’t accepted the
things of the Spirit of God. I Cor. 2:14things of the Spirit of God. I Cor. 2:14
 Spiritual ManSpiritual Man – One who lives by the Spirit of– One who lives by the Spirit of
God.God. I Cor. 2:15I Cor. 2:15
 BabesBabes – One who is brand-new in the faith.– One who is brand-new in the faith.
I Cor. 3:1I Cor. 3:1
 CarnalCarnal – One who has had time to mature and– One who has had time to mature and
should know how to live with a heavenlyshould know how to live with a heavenly
perspective, but still thinks and acts like a non-perspective, but still thinks and acts like a non-
Christian.Christian.

9. Words of WisdomWords of Wisdom
If you want to pick up your spiritualIf you want to pick up your spiritual
pace, run with someone who ispace, run with someone who is
faster than you, who can set a briskfaster than you, who can set a brisk
pace.pace.

10. Class is DismmisedClass is Dismmised