Discipleship

Series

Contents

Lesson 1: COMMITMENT

Lesson 2: LORDSHIP

Lesson 3: INQUIRING OF THE LORD

Lesson 4: THE VOICE OF GOD

Lesson 5: FOUR WAYS OF LIVING

Lesson 6: SMALL GROUP

Lesson 7: THE CHURCH

Lesson 8: WORK

Lesson 9: SERVANT OF GOD

Lesson 10: THE SOLDIER OF GOD

Lesson 11: BLESSING OTHERS

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Lesson 12: MULTIPLYING ONESELF

“COMMITMENT”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES (Lesson 1)

We wonder why there are many Christians who started well in their relationship
with the Lord, but their love for God turned cold in the long run. Some even
returned to their former way of living which they had already surrendered to the
Lord. Others still continue to go to church, but their hearts are already far from
God. There are many possible reasons for this, but one significant cause is their
weak commitment to Him. We will now talk about four types of commitment
discussed in the passages of Luke 9: 57-62.

I. FOUR TYPES OF COMMITMENT

1. Commitment with a Condition
□ One person said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go”. Jesus’
response however was far from what this person expected. Instead of
answering, “Come so you will be blessed”, Jesus said, “Foxes have holes
and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
Jesus implied that there is difficulty in following Him. Is Jesus wrong in His
answer? No. He said this because he knew the heart of this man who only
wanted to follow Him because of blessings.

□ There are many Christians who have wrong motives for surrendering their
lives to Christ. Some follow Him because of the miracles they see
(John 6:2) while others expect material blessings in return (John
6:26).

□ This kind of commitment is very weak because when miracles or blessings

cease, so does a person’s walk with Christ. Even in Jesus’ time, this is the
reason why many disciples turned their backs on Him (John 6:66). Only
those who really know Christ will remain in Him up to the end (John 6:62-
69).

2. Commitment after Ambitions

□ Jesus told one man, “Come, follow me” but the man answered, “Let me
first bury my father”. Jesus commanded him “Let the dead bury their own
dead, but you go and proclaim the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59-60). It is
possible that this man’s father was not yet dead but was about to die, and
the son wanted to wait for the funeral before he would follow Jesus. But
Jesus told him that today is the day that he must start serving God and not
tomorrow.

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□ There are people who cannot commit to God and His ministry because
they are too busy doing things for themselves. Their usual response is,
“Later after I finish my work.” They constantly ignore what God wants them
to do. For them, God’s will is not as important as their personal
ambitions. They promise to commit to God only when they have already
achieved their personal plans in life.

3. Partial Commitment

□ Another person again told Jesus, “I’ll follow you Lord, but let me first go
back and say goodbye to my family. Jesus replied, No one who puts his
hand on the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God”
(Luke 9:61).

□ There are Christians who have already started sowing for the Kingdom,
but they keep looking back at the things of this world. There are still
bondages in their lives making their testimony ineffective. These are the
black sheep in God’s family--Christians who are still enslaved by demons
and the world. They are what we call carnal or worldly Christians. They
are not willing to give up everything for the Lord.

4. Godly Commitment
Three characteristics of a Godly commitment
a. Commitment Without Condition
17
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the
vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I
will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

□ Either God will bless us or not, either He will answer our prayers or
not, either He will prosper us or not, we will still follow and serve
Him. This is the kind of commitment Job has (Job1:13-21).

b. Commitment to God’s Will

□ We are called to abandon our worldly desires and commit our lives
to Him and to His purpose (Mark 8:35). When we hear His call, we
must immediately obey and follow Him. Peter, James and John
immediately left what they are doing when Jesus called them to
follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

c. Commitment without Turning Back

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 □ Before Elisha became Elijah’s servant, he removed everything that
hinders him in following his mentor by killing his 12 cows and by
burning his plowing tools (1 Kings 19:19-21). Just like him, we too
must destroy all the things that hold us back in following
Jesus. We must burn all things that may possibly entice us to turn
our back against the Lord. We must only have one ambition in this
life: to follow God wherever He leads us and to do His work no
matter how difficult it is. This is true commitment.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. What is your motive in following God- to give or just to receive?
2. Among the four types of commitment, which one is yours?
3. Do you have the three qualities of a Godly commitment? Which one do you
lack?
4. What must you do so that you will be more committed to the Lord?

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 LESSON 2
“LORDSHIP”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

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and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11

The Lordship of Christ is one of the very important teachings in the Bible. The word
“Lord” is written 7, 484 times in the Bible. It is written 618 times in the New Testament
while the word “Savior” is mentioned 55 times only. The Bible gives more weight to
Lordship. The word Lord means master, the one who decides and enacts what he wants.

I. LORDSHIP IS IMPORTANT IN SALVATION

Salvation starts with acknowledging Christ as Lord. To confess that Jesus is Lord
means that we are committing to Him and allowing Him to take charge of all aspects
of our lives. If He is not the Lord of everything in us, then He is not our Lord at
all. We cannot just accept Him as Savior only. The Bible says we will be saved if we
accept Jesus Christ as Lord.
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That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that
God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

II. HIS LORDSHIP REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

Whoever accepts Jesus as Lord, he or she must do all that He commands. Outside
confession is not enough. If we profess that He is our Lord, then His Lordship must
be seen in our obedient lives.
46
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46
21
"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but
only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21

III. HIS LORDSHIP BEGINS IN THE HEART

Submitting to His Lordship does not mean running after religious traditions. Rather,
Christ’s Lordship starts in our hearts. This means our hearts are yielded to Him. If
the confession of our mouth is real, then it must be seen in our actions. Our
declaration that Jesus is Lord starts from the inside out.

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 15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15a
IV. HIS LORDSHIP LASTS

Our relationship with God begins with the acceptance of His Lordship over us. We
must continue submitting to His will for the rest of our lives. Acknowledging Him
as Lord is not a single and passing experience but a daily commitment. The more we
know Him, the more we submit and humble ourselves before Him.
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So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted
and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing
with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7a

V. HIS LORDSHIP ENCOMPASSES ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES

Jesus Christ should be Lord in our:

1. Relationship

Our respect of Him must be greater than any important person in our lives. We
must obey Him above others. Jesus said that if we have to compare our love for
him and our love to our family, the latter is so reduced to the point of hatred.
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"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and
children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my
disciple.
Luke 14:26
2. Self

We must love God above ourselves. It is not we who are in charge but He. We
must not anymore make decisions against His will. Our decision then is to walk in
His plans for us.
26
"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and
children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my
disciple. 27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my
disciple.
Luke: 14:26-27
3. Money
We must love God above the material things in this world. There are many
Christians who fell because of love of money, so they departed from the faith and
experienced much sorrow (1 Timothy 6:10).
33
In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be
my disciple
Luke 14:33

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 □ A true believer denies the self so that Christ becomes the Lord of his or
her life. Apostle Paul lived this truth. He said, “I have been crucified with
Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).

APPLICATION:

1. What aspect in your life where Christ is not yet the Lord (relationship, money,
time, self)? Are you ready to surrender it to Him?
2. What happens when Jesus takes charge of our lives? (discuss Gal. 2:20)
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I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Galatians 2:20

3. How do you assess if money has become your master instead of Jesus Christ?

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 LESSON 3
“INQUIRING OF THE LORD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

The Bible says that God gives grace to the humble, but he rejects the proud (James 4:6).
God is against the proud.

WHAT IS PRIDE?

The First Proud Creation

The first of God’s creation who had pride is the one of the chief angels of God--
Lucifer (Ezekiel 28:12-17). Because of his splendor and wisdom, he wanted to
become like God (Isaiah 14:12-14). So he rebelled against God bringing with him 1/3
of all the angels in heaven (Revelations 12:4). They are all living now independent of
God. This is pride- to live for the self. Pride is living separately from God. Pride
started in the heart of Lucifer who became the devil.

Adam Became Proud

The devil tempted the first man to disobey God, enticing that man to become like God
(Genesis 3:4-5) and live independently. (Only Almighty God who is the creator of all
things is the one who is independent because He does not rely with anyone). When
Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he really became independent from God. The first sin of
man is pride. It is going after what the self wants and not what God wants. Just
like God, man already has his own basis of measuring what is right and what is wrong
according to what he thinks (Genesis 3:22). He is already living apart from God, just
like the devil. Indeed, he is independent from God, but he is in bondage to the power
of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).

Pride Was Passed On to All People

Because Adam did not repent, this wicked attitude was passed on to his descendants
(Romans 5:12). A sinful man is lost in the will of God, so he directs his own life
(Isaiah 53:6). He relies on his own ability, wisdom, knowledge and experience. He is
filled with pride. Proud people believe that there is God, but they lived only for
themselves. They think they are so great that they do not anymore trust God. Worse,
others believe and preach that they are even god. A proud man trusts himself instead
of God.

CURSED IS THE ONE WHO RELIES ON MAN’S STRENGTH

“5 This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends
on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like
a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in
the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.”

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 Jeremiah 17:5-6
Destruction happens to a person who trusts in his or her own strength or another’s.
We must understand that we were not created to be alone, but to be with God. Cursed
is the creation separated from the Creator.

BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO TRUSTS GOD

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"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8He
will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does
not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of
drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8

A MAN WHO TRUSTS GOD CONSTANTLY SEEKS HIM

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in
all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

A proud person depends on his or her wisdom, but a person who trusts God always
seeks Him. A humble person does not do ungodly things, so he or she constantly
inquires of God. This person sees God as the one who constantly guides. Finding out
God’s will before making decisions is a sign of a humble heart. (We do not need to
inquire of God whether we do or not the things He already commanded in the Bible
as well as our responsibilities to ourselves, family, work, church, community and
nation). We need to do things with the wisdom and ability from God.

THE PRINCIPLE OF LISTENING BEFORE DOING

This principle was practiced by David when he was still living on earth. He was
called “the man after God’s own heart”. It is true that David had many weaknesses
and failures, but we can see from the Bible that he had trained himself to seek God
first before he carried out decisions (1 Samuel 23: 3-5; 30:8). Because of his
principle of listening to God before doing things, he always won against his
enemies.

Jesus also followed the same principle during Hs time on earth. He said, “I tell you
the truth, the Son can nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees His Father is
doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son also does” (John 5:19). The needs
around Him did not compel Jesus to do the things He did, but what the Spirit of the
Father urged Him to do (John 14:10). Jesus would not do anything except if it was the
Father’s will. He did not rely upon Himself but on the Father who loved Him (John
5:20).

WE NEED TO HEAR FROM GOD

Jesus is our model on how to live life on earth (1 John 2:6). We need to listen and
recognize God’s voice for us to effectively do His will. We must understand that no
matter how noble are the things we do, they are still dead works if they are not God’s
will. We need to be clothed with humility by seeking God in all our important

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 decisions. We must give time to listen to the Holy Spirit because He leads us to
victory, prosperity and success.

APPLICATION:
1. Have you sought God in your decision-making? In what way?
2. Do you have time to listen to God’s voice that directs you?
3. Is there pride in your life?
LESSON 4
“THE VOICE OF GOD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

I. GOD WANTS TO TALK TO US

The Bible says God wants to have a relationship with the people He created in His
own image. He spoke both to the people in the Old and New Testament. He has
revealed His character, ways, and will. Our God is alive and He remains the same
forever (Malachi 3:6). If so, He continues to speak to us today like He did in the past.
He invites us to personally listen to His voice. His commandment to the seven
churches in Revelation, which was to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, is the same
command for us today, “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the
churches!” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

II. WE CAN HEAR GOD

If God wants us to hear Him, this means that He also gives us the ability to hear His
voice. Since we are one with Christ, a new spirit has replaced our old self (Ezekiel
36:26). Therefore we can already hear His voice because we have spiritual ears (Rev
2:7). All God’s children can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:14, 6) in the
same manner the sheep can recognize the voice of the shepherd.
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My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27

III. WHY DO WE NEED TO HEAR GOD?

1. To deepen our relationship with God

Without communication, a relationship cannot be intimate. We understand that

prayer is not only talking to God but also hearing from Him. There are times
when we are the ones who talk to Him, and there are times when we simply listen.
Prophet Isaiah talked about his daily experiences of hearing from God, “He
wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught”
(Isaiah 50:4b). Isaiah’s relationship with God is strong because he listened to His
voice.

2. To be able to obey God and do His perfect will

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When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep
follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4

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 17
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Ephesians 5:17

3. To receive knowledge on the secret things of God

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but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even
the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10

III. GOD’S WAYS OF SPEAKING TO US

The Bible cites many instances of how God speaks to us. Let us discuss seven ways
He communicates to His children who have received His Spirit (Romans 8:15).

1. Bible - God speaks to our lives through the Bible. While reading the Bible, the
Holy Spirit gives us living words that personally speak to us. Called the “rhema
words”, they are very sharp that they pierce the heart and soul (Hebrews 4:12).
(To understand this fully, read Lesson 4 Maturity Series of Equipping the Saints
1).

2. Inner voice - Because the Holy Spirit is already inside us, we can hear His voice
(1 Corinthians 6:19; Romans 8:14).

3. Peace of God - there are times when God leads us by a sense of peace in our
spirits. The Holy Spirit gives us exceptional peace as a sign that our decision is of
God (Colossians 3:15).

4. Vision - Sometimes God gives a picture in our minds which He will use to talk
about something to us (Acts 10:9-13).

5. Dream - God also speaks to us through a dream, just as He did with Joseph
(Matthew 1:20).

6. Spiritual Leaders - God also uses people, especially Godly leaders, to speak to
us (Hebrews 13:17). It is therefore important for us to respect our church leaders
(1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

7. Circumstances - God can also use situations to reveal His message, like what
happened to Jonah (Jonah 1:12).

IV. HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

Not all voices are of God, no matter how loud or clear it is. There are voices that
belong to deceptive spirits (1Timothy 4:1). We need to test if the voice we hear is of
God, man or the devil. The voice must be…

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 1. Biblical

□ The voice must not contradict the principles in the Bible. The message of the
voice is confirmed in the Scriptures. The Bible is the measure on how we judge
the voice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

2. Exalts Jesus

□ If the voice we hear exalts a person, group or ministry more than Jesus Himself,
this voice does not belong to God. The Holy Spirit exalts Jesus Christ only and no
one else (1 Corinthians 12:3).

3. Gives Inner Witness

□ The voice of God gives inner peace (Colossians 3:15) but the voice of the enemy
brings sorrow and confusion (Psalms 55:2-3).

4. Brings Confirmation

□ The Bible says that every matter should be established by two or three witnesses
(Matthew 18:16). If we hear a voice, especially if it pertains to important
decisions, we need to share it to others, especially the spiritual leaders, for
confirmation if it is of God or not.

V. THREE HINDRANCES WHY WE CAN’T HEAR FROM GOD

1. Worldliness

A Christian chained to worldly things can hardly hear the voice of God. What this
person can hear is the sinful nature and evil spirits that push him or her to
wickedness. If we want to hear God, we need to repent from sins that bind us. We
need to remove the hindrances in our spiritual ears to be able to hear God clearly.

2. Unbelief

All in God’s Kingdom operate through faith. We are saved through faith (Ephesians
2:8). We are called to walk in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). We receive in faith (Mark
11:24). Through faith we can please Him (Hebrews 11:6). The same is true with our
communication with God. We need to have faith that He speaks to us if we call upon
Him (Jeremiah 33:3; Proverbs 3:5-6). We also need faith to accept that what we hear
is from Him, and not from our selves only (1 Samuel 3:4-10).

3. Busyness

Busyness is the main reason why we can’t hear from God. Many Christians still
believe that God still speaks to us today; however, they have no time to listen. They

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 are filled with so many activities, but they don’t prioritize God. In their prayers, it is
always they that speak. We need to give time to listen to Him, just like Mary so that
we won’t be filled with worry and weariness like what happened to Martha (Luke
10:38-42).

VI. GOD SPEAKS AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL SITUATIONS

We are called to pray at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This means constant
communication with God. Our Heavenly Father desires to speak to His children. God
is really a conversationalist because He wants a living relationship with us.

VII. WE CAN HEAR ANYWHERE AND ANY TIME

If we have a strong relationship with God, we can hear from Him anywhere even if
we have not asked for it. This is what happened to Phillip (Acts 8:26-30), Ananias
(Acts 9:10-17, Peter 10:9-11), Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:2) and Paul (Acts 16:6-10)
to name a few in the book of Acts. As long as our relationship with God is right, then
we can tune in to His voice.

APPLICATION:

1. Have you heard God’s voice? Is it always or rarely?

2. Which among the three hindrances on hearing His voice is found in you?
3. Do we really need to hear from God in making big decisions? Why?

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 LESSON 5
“FOUR WAYS OF LIVING”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

There are four ways how one can live his or her life here on earth. Among the four, three
of these are faulty because they are not what God intends for us. All the people in this
world manage their lives according to any of these four.

1. TO WASTE LIFE
1
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him.
2
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes
sinners and eats with them." 3Then Jesus told them this parable: 4"Suppose one of
you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine
in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:1-4

□ There are people who have wasted their strength, wealth and time just like the son
we have read in the above passage. They are caught in different vices in the
world. Their money and time are wasted with useless activities like drunkenness,
substance abuse, gambling, illicit sex and other wicked things. They are chained
by many sins. These people are not only wasting their lives but also bring harm to
their future and families. Their lives are very troublesome because they are living
in darkness. Sinfulness brings us to misery, just like what happened to the
younger son in the parable. It is time to wake up and return to our Heavenly
Father in order to gain new life.

2. TO LIVE FOR ONE’S SELF

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"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in
luxury every day. 20At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with
sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. Even the dogs came
and licked his sores.
Luke 16:19-21

□ The rich man in this passage sinned against God. His sin is not because he is rich
or living comfortably. His sin is his indifference to the needy around him.

□ Many people, whether rich or poor, have this fault: indifference to the needs of
others. God called them “goats” (Matthew 25:32, 41-45). They do not know how
to care for others; worse they use others for their personal gain. They even want to
use God to achieve their ambitions and self-interests.

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 □ Their vision is to get rich and glorify themselves, but they have no time to prosper
spiritually. In a parable, Jesus mentioned about this type of person whom He
called “fool”, Luke 12:16-21:
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And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a
good crop. 17He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my
crops.' 18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build
bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And I'll say to
myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy;
eat, drink and be merry." ' 20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your
life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for
yourself?' 21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself
but is not rich toward God."

3. TO LIVE FOR EARTHLY GOALS

1
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may
be saved. 2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their
zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they did not know the righteousness that
comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's
righteousness.
Romans 10:1-3

□ The above passage shows Apostle Paul praying to God for the salvation of his
fellow Jews. Their zealous service to God was in vain because it was not based on
the truth. They did not know God’s righteous ways so they depended on human
effort (Romans 10:3).

□ This third type of people has concern and service for the needy. The problem,
however, lies in their earthly motive. Their motive in serving others is to glorify
self and not God. Their ways are in conflict to God’s principles in the Bible. Their
goal is to uplift their group, doctrines or leaders. This kind of worship is dead in
God’s sight even if it looks pleasant to others.

4. TO LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD’S PLAN

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Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go
for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8

□ The fourth type of living is to submit to God’s will so that His plan be fulfilled on
earth. This is what the Prophet Isaiah did in his time. He said, “Here I am. Send
me.”

We need to abandon all hindrances to our faith and surrender our selves to God,
so He can effectively use us for His purposes (2 Timothy 2:21). We can only
achieve true freedom if we allow ourselves to be of God’s disposal. True
satisfaction is found in the center of God’s perfect will.
APPLICATION:
1. Among the four ways of living, which one do you practice?

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 2. Are you ready to deny your earthly desires in order to obey God’s call?

LESSON 6
“SMALL GROUP”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

One habit we must keep doing is to get together with fellow believers. Fellowship is
needed so we will not stray from God and remain in Him until Jesus returns. The Bible
says:
25
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us
encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25

TWO PLACES FOR GATHERING

There were two places where the believers in the New Testament gathered. One was
in the temple (big group) and the other one was in the home (small group).
46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in
their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Acts 2:46
42
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped
teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.[a]
Acts 5:42

SMALL GROUPS AT HOME

Many Christians today only see each other on Sundays. All the gatherings they attend
are only big meetings. Though this is not wrong, this is not enough. There are
important things we can gain from small meetings that are not found in big
gatherings. We can see in the Bible that the Christians constantly met at their homes.
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You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you
but have taught you publicly and from house to house.
Acts 20:20
5
Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who
was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
Romans 16:5
19
The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla [a]
greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.
1 Corinthians 16:19

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 15
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her
house.
Colossians 4:15
1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear
friend and fellow worker, 2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to
the church that meets in your home:
Philemon 1-2

THE PURPOSES OF THE SMALL GROUP

Our small group gathering which we call “cell group” or “Bible study” has a purpose,
otherwise it is a dead group. We will now discuss four purposes of the small group.

1. Evangelism - Through a small group located in a community, the unsaved can

know God. Bringing the lost to the Lord is the main purpose of the cell group.
Without this vision, the group will eventually die. All members of the cell group
must have compassion to the people around them who have not yet received
salvation. We need to invite these people to our group so they too will be born
again.

2. Discipleship - The purpose of the cell group is not only to save the lost but also to
cultivate the faith of those who are young in the Lord. In the small group, every
individual can be taught how to mature in their Christian lives. In the small group
too, there is newness of attitudes and habits.

3. Edification - There is strengthening of one another in the cell group. There are
times when a Christian becomes weak, but he or she can receive encouragement
from Christian friends. Everyone is being looked after in a small group.

4. Raising of Leaders - Because of the many souls to be saved and discipled, there
is a need for more laborers. The cell group then is the best place to raise new
leaders. In the cell group, each member is being equipped to become a leader.
Each member then must see himself or herself as having a potential of a leader
who will soon be in charge of his or her own cell group. It is therefore important
for all Christians to attend trainings given by the local church to all members for
them to become effective leaders.

ACTIVITIES IN THE CELL GROUP

1. Welcome - This is the time of knowing and making friends among the group.
This is also the time of listening to testimonies and thanksgiving. (person to
person)

2. Worship - This is the time of worshipping God through songs. (person to God)

17
 3. Word - This is the time when we allow God to speak to us through the Bible. We
use lessons in order to have a clear step-by-step approach of receiving God’s
word. (God to person)

4. Work - This the time of planning and praying for people who are not yet in the
Lord and in the cell group. (person to person)

APPLICATION:

1. How has the cell group helped you? Name three.

2. Do you desire to lead your own cell group when the time comes?

18
 LESSON 7
“THE CHURCH”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

18
And I tell you that you are Peter, [a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the
gates of Hades[b] will not overcome it.[c]
Matthew 16:18b

I. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD “CHURCH”?

□ The word “Church” in Greek is “ekklesia” which means “the called out ones” in
English. We are the church because in Christ, we are called from death to everlasting
life, from sin to righteousness, and from the hands of the devil to the family of God.
The Church is not the building but the people who are walking in the light of Christ.

II. WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE PART OF THE CHURCH?

47
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their
number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:47b

□ We can read from the above passage that people who got saved were added to the
early Church. This means that one needs to be saved to be among God’s people.
We don’t join a church to be saved; rather we have to be saved first before we can be
part of the church.

□ In what way can we be saved? Only Jesus Christ can save us, and there is no other
way. Only through faith in Him can we receive salvation (Acts 16:30-31). Through
the blood of Christ, we are saved from our sins and become one with God and His
family called the church (Acts 20:28). If we are saved, then we are part of the group
who are “called”.

□ Jesus Christ is the door of the church of God (John 10:9). We don’t join the church to
be one in Christ, instead we need to be united with Christ first before we join His
people. We need to be one with the Head of the church who is Christ before we
become part of the “body of Christ”.

III.WHERE CAN WE USE THE WORD “CHURCH”?

There are two ways the word “church” is used among Christians.

1. This can be used to mean all people who are part of the body of Christ. This is the
universal church made up of all Christians. This is the body referred by Jesus
Christ when He said, “…I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). This is also
the church described in the Bible as the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:22-23). All

19
 God’s children called from darkness into light belong to this church (Colossians
1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

2. Church can also be used to mean the Christians who are only part of the whole of
God’s people. This term can be used for Christians who gather in small groups
(Romans 16:5), for one local church (Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5), and for all
believers in one place (Acts 8:3; 20:28, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2
Thessalonians 1:1).

IV. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH

AND THE LOCAL CHURCH?

1. The universal church is the whole body of Christ while the local church is just a
part of it. All Christians in the world are part of the universal church.
2. The local church is led by people placed there by God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4)
but the universal church is governed only by the Head who is Jesus Christ
(Ephesians 1:22).
3. The local church is the visible church while the universal church is the invisible
one. The universal church is manifested through the local churches.

A. ARE ALL LOCAL CHURCHES PART OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH?

□ No. Just like the fact that false servants of Christ exist, so do false local
churches. Not all churches that proclaim God are part of the universal church.
There are many false churches around us.

B. HOW TO IDENTIFY A TRUE LOCAL CHURCH?

There are five signs of a true local church:

1. Jesus is the Savior

□ In the true church of Jesus Christ, the free gift of salvation is experienced by
all members. The members live in Christ and are sure of eternal life after
death (Philippians 1:21). They also preach the message of salvation to all who
are still unsaved (Acts 5:42).

□ In the false church, most of the members and even the leaders have no
assurance of salvation. They strive hard to be saved through good works. They
have not received “grace through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Only Jesus is Lifted Up

□ In the true church where the Holy Spirit dwells, Jesus Christ is the only one
lifted up (1 Corinthians 12:3) and not any person or any group. Jesus Christ is
acknowledged as the one who became flesh as a sacrifice for our sins. He is
the center of worship and praise. He is the God and leader of the church.

20
 3. Jesus Lives and Moves

□ A true church experiences the Living Presence of God. There are changes that
can be seen in the lives of the members. The fruits of the Holy Spirit can be
recognized among many (Galatians 5:22-23). They can also always
experience miracles as a result of God’s Living Presence in their midst (Acts
2:43; 3:1-10; 4:31; 5:12-16; 6:8).

□ In the false churches, there are no positive changes in the lives of the
members; rather they are chained by many vices and sins. Their meetings are
dry and lifeless. They have religion but no relationship with the Living God.
They know God only in their minds, but they have no personal experience
with Him.

4. All of God’s Words are Followed

□ A true church follows all the commands and principles of the Bible. The Bible
is the ultimate authority all the members believe and follow (2 Timothy 3:16-
17). The members are taught to trust the Scriptures as the light in their paths
(Psalm 119:105). They see the Bible as the word of God and not as of man.
The Bible is above the church. Whatever the Bible says, they follow.

□ In the false church, the principles and thoughts of man are given more value
than the Bible. Though they believe the Bible, they select what principles they
want to accepts as the ones coming from God. Moreover, what they accept are
those they like only. They see the Bible as under the authority of the church.
They believe that the church leader is the final authority who must be
followed.

5. God is Worshipped in Spirit and In Truth (John 4:23-24)

□ Worship in the true church is founded on the “spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).
This means that the worship comes from the heart and guided by the Spirit,
and the conduct of worship is Biblical.

□ False churches worship through tradition. They do religious acts because they
are used to them. Their worship is not heartfelt because they don’t understand
much what they are doing (Matthew 15:8). Also, many of their ways are based
on human principles (Matthew 15:9).

V. DO WE NEED TO BE PART OF THE TRUE CHURCH?

□ We must be! Just as we need a good home to become “normal” persons, we also
need a good “spiritual home” to become “normal” Christians. There are many of
God’s children who are still immature even if they have been with Him for a long
time because they are not planted in a living, strong and flourishing local church.

21
 They are planted in dead groups and religions where the Holy Spirit cannot be found
and the Word is not completely preached.

VI. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING PLANTED IN THE TRUE

CHURCH?

1. We are established - Because of God’s Presence, we receive rest and peace

(Haggai 2:9).

2. We are taken cared of - Because the leader of the local church has real concern
for all the members, then we are taken cared of.

3. We grow and change - Because the group belongs to God, there is life and
complete spiritual nourishment. These lead us to a life of constant growth and
fruitfulness (Read Psalms 92:12-14).

4. We can endure - Because of God, righteous leaders with real concern, and loving
fellow members, we can keep going with Him.

5. We can be used by God - A real church teaches and equips its members so they
can respond to God’s call for ministry.

APPLICATION:
1. What new things have you learned in this lesson? Give two.
2. Can you say that the local church where you attend is a true and living church?
3. What’s the relationship with our obedience to God and our being planted in a true
church?

22
 LESSON 8
“WORK”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

2
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy
with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul
went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked
with them. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and
Greeks. 5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself
exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.[a]
Acts 18:2-5

We can read from above verses that Apostle Paul made tents for the whole week except
for the rest day when preached in the synagogues. Before his financial help from
Macedonia arrived, he worked so that he could support himself and his ministry. One has
to understand the real value of work. We will now discuss three things why it is
important to work.

IF WE WORK….

1. Our needs will be met

14
Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they
may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.
Titus 3:14

□ God blesses the work of our hands (Deuteronomy 28:8, 12). Through good
income, we can provide for our daily needs, and we don’t have to rely on others in
order to survive. King David said that he has already become old, but he has not
seen a righteous person forgotten by God and his children begging for food
(Psalms 37:25-26). A diligent person will not go hungry (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11;
14:23).

2. We become good examples to others

8
nor did w56e eat anyone’s food without paying for it, On the contrary, we worked
night and day. Laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
9
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make
ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with you, we gave you
this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:8-10

□ A lazy person, aside from suffering much, will not also be a good example to
others. The Bible does not encourage laziness, in fact Apostle Peter said, “If a
man will not work, he shall not eat”.

23
3. We become effective in serving God
2
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from
Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave
Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a tentmaker as they were, he
stayed and worked with them. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to
persuade Jews and Greeks
Acts 18:2-4

□ Work is not a hindrance in our service to the Lord; rather it is an instrument of an

effective service to God. We work so we can serve God. Our purpose in working
is to support ourselves, family and ministry. We can make our work a support
system in doing God’s will of saving and changing others, like what Apostle Paul
did (Acts18:2-4).

□ Our work must not be a wall but a bridge in accomplishing God’s call for us. If
our work stops us from serving God, then we should look for another job. Or
maybe, we just need a proper time management to balance quality time for our
family, work and ministry. We have to ask the Holy Spirit to help us set our
priorities right because God does not give us work that hinders His call in our
lives.

4. We can help the needy

8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

□ Through work we can provide for our needs as well as the needs of others. God
commands us to help the poor and needy (Matthew 26:35-45; James 1:27).
However, how can we help them if we ourselves do not have enough income?
How can we prosper if we don’t work?
□ God intends us to be the lender and not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28:12). God
wants us to prosper financially so we can help those who have needs. It is not
right for us to ask only for ourselves and our family. Too much money becomes
wrong when our heart and motive for asking are not right with God.
□ When we help the needy, the Holy Spirit guides us in doing so. We are not called
to provide for all the needs in this world but only those commanded by God. Only
what God says, then we must do. We must make sure that when we help others,
they should not become lazy or “parasites”. There are times when we give fish,
but there is also a time to help others how to fish.

5. We can support ministries of the Lord

10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test
me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates
of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Malachi 3:10a

24
 □ If we have good jobs, then we can give much to the local church through our
tithes and offerings. If we have big income, we can also support God’s
missionaries through our special offerings, just like what the Philippians gave to
Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:14-18).

TWO TYPES OF WORK

1. Working for others (employee)

Advantages of being an employee
a. Stable daily wage
b. Stable monthly income

2. Working for one’s self (self-employed)

Advantages of being self-employed
a. There is a possibility for our income to greatly increase
b. We can do what want since we are the boss
c. We can enlarge our business
d. We are the one in-charge with our time

WAYS TO FIND THE RIGHT JOB:

1. Make right our relationship with God (Romans 12:1-2).
2. Realize what are the things we desire or want to do (Psalms 37:4)
3. See what we have in our hands-ability and skill (Deuteronomy 8:18).
4. Listen to God’s guidance and see what opportunities He is opening for us
(Proverbs 3:5-6; Revelations 3:7).

WARNINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE WORKING

1. Watch out that we don’t fall into the danger of loving money (1 Timothy 6:10).
2. Watch out that we don’t stray from our service to God (Matthew 6:24).
3. Watch out also that we don’t take our jobs for granted for the sake of the ministry.
If our support is taken from us, so is our ministry. We need to maintain a balanced
life. We need to put God first, family second, work third and the ministry follows.
Why must work be above the ministry? As mentioned earlier, work is the support
system of the ministry so it must be prioritized first.

FOUR TYPES OF MEMBERS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

1. One who has money because of work but has no ministry

2. One who has ministry but not money because there is no work
3. One who has no money and no ministry
4. One who has both money and ministry

APPLICATION:

1. Cite three things that speak to you in this lesson? Why?

25
 2. Among the four types of members in the church, which one are you? Among the
four, which one is right?

LESSON 9
“SERVANT OF GOD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a]
God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself
nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8And being
found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death—even
death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8

RECEIVE THE MIND OF CHRIST

We are commanded to receive the mind of Christ (v. 5) because our minds have been
bombarded with the principles of this world. Through the media, we receive many
false beliefs and doctrines. Even in our homes, schools, government and traditional
churches, we receive teachings in conflict with the Bible. There are many good things
we enjoy in these institutions, but there are also plenty of garbage there that can
destroy us. This is mainly the reason why we are called to renew our minds in Christ
(Romans 12:2).

GOD WHO HUMBLED HIMSELF AND BECAME A SERVANT

Philippians 2:6-8 tell us that Jesus Christ did not use His power as God, instead he
became man. He was a person who received the attitude of a servant. He said that He
came not to be served but to serve (Matthew 20:28). All His activities were in
accordance to the Father’s will (John 15: 19-20). The mind of Christ when He came
to earth was set on obeying the Father’s will-to save the whole world (John 3:16;
Luke 19:10). He served by dying on the cross to redeem the sins of the world and to
save all sinners (John 1:29). He was the only one worthy to pay for our sins because
He was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22). He humbled Himself and became
the instrument and servant of the Father.

A TRUE CHILD OF GOD SERVES

We who are also children of God must become servants. We don’t serve to become
God’s children, rather, because we are His children (through faith in Jesus Christ),
then we serve our Heavenly Father. We are called to daily deny ourselves and carry
our own cross (Luke 9:23). The cross represents our individual responsibilities in
God’s Kingdom. We are entrusted to carry on the work of Jesus in calvary (Luke
24:47). We are the ones to implement what He finished in calvary.

DIAKONO OR DOULOS
One mark of a mature Christian is neither how long he or she has known the Lord nor
his or her knowledge of the Bible but the person’s capacity to carry out
responsibilities in the ministry. All mature Christians naturally serve God. There are
two Greek words for the word “servant”-- diakono or doulos. A Christian who serves
can either be these two.

26
WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIAKONO AND A DOULOS?

1. Diakono - a Christian who serves God according to how he or she wants to serve
Him. This Christian chooses what he or she can serve to the body of Christ. Many
times the Diakono looks at what can be received in return for the service. He or
she wants to be praised for all his or her good deeds. All servants of God started
as a Diakono.

2. Doulos - a servant of God who denies the self in the desire to follow only the will
of God. He or she is not anymore interested with praises or rewards. As long as he
or she pleases the Master, the Doulos is already satisfied. A doulos freely binds
himself or herself to the Master. His or her life and honor is in the Master
Himself.

THE SERVANT OF GOD

(Exodus 5-6)
2
"If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year,
he shall go free, without paying anything.
Exodus 21:2

Four things about a servant:

1. Servanthood is a result of the servant’s great love to the Master. Our service
to God is not forced but it stems from the heart. This is the result of our great love
to Him who redeemed us from the punishment of our sins (Galatians 2:20). We
love Him because we know that He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

2. A servant only serves in the family of the Master. The home of the Master is
also the servant’s home. This means that the servant does not need to build his
own home and family. All his services are centered in God’s family (Haggai 1:2-
9).

3. A servant listens and obeys only the voice of the Master. The ear of the servant
will be pierced by the Master to symbolize that the servant will listen only to Him.
A true servant of God does not anymore follow the self, others or even situations.
His or her spiritual ears belong to God alone. The servant’s desire is to obey
God’s will in all situations and all times (Ephesians 5:15-17; Romans 12:2; James
4:13-15).

4. A servant serves for the rest of his or her life. Once the servant’s ear has been
pierced, he remains a servant for the rest of his life. A doulos is God’s servant
forever. There is no retirement in God’s service. We must serve God until Jesus
returns (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

APPLICATION:

1. What do you call a son or a daughter who has no concern for the family of God?
2. Have you received the mind of Christ when He came to earth for our behalf?

27
 3. Are you ready to be His servant? Are you ready to obey anything He calls you to
do?
4. Are the things you do focused on the progress of God’s family?
LESSON 10
“THE SOLDIER OF GOD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

3
When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a
compact with them at Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over
Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he became king, and he reigned forty years.
2 Samuel 5:3-4
Why did God’s King enlarge in the time of King David?
1. God was in the life of David
2. David obeyed the call of God
3. There were noble soldiers behind David
What kind of people approached David and became noble soldiers?
2
All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and
he became their leader. About four hundred men were with him.
1 Samuel 22:2
1. Problematic people
2. People in debt
3. Discontented people

□ We must not see ourselves as who we are now, but we must focus on what God can
do for us in the future!

Characteristics of David’s three most mighty men:

1. Josheb-Basshebeth
8
These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, [a] a Tahkemonite,
[b]
was chief of the Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he
killed [c] in one encounter.
2 Samuel 23:8

□ Passionately used what he had no matter how insignificant

Josheb-Bashebeth killed 800 enemies using only a single weapon in one fight. God
wants to use whatever we have no matter how small it seems. Can God use a
Christian who has only one verse to save 800 souls? Yes indeed! No matter how
small our weapon is, it can still accomplish much.

The devil’s strategy is to magnify our lack and weaknesses and hide our strengths.
The truth is we have received so much from the Father because of Christ who is with
us. The Bible says, Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in
Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

28
2. Eleazar
9
Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men,
he was with David when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim [a] for
battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, 10 but he stood his ground and struck down
the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The LORD brought
about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the
dead.
2 Samuel 23:9-10

□ Stands firm in the midst of many problems

In the midst of a heated battle, only Eleazar did not retreat among David’s men, so
God gave them victory. Let the problems retreat but not us. There is no problem that
can destroy us unless we allow it. We must not retreat. We must keep on!

Why some left the ministry?

i. Fear- fear of failure, fear of men and fear of more responsibilities

ii. Conflict and misunderstanding with fellow servants
iii. Disillusionment and confusion with the church system
iv. Discouragement and lukewarmness
v. Lack of trust with the leader of the group

No matter what happens, we must not turn our backs on God’s call. We need to be
like Paul who said, “…I was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (Acts 26:19).

□ Ready to sacrifice his life for the master

Eleazar did not run for his life because He defended his leader David. He was ready
to die for his master. The worst thing is for the soldier to kill the master instead!
We can praise Shem and Japhet, the sons of Noah who covered the nakedness of their
father but not Ham who took advantage of his father’s weakness (Genesis 9:18-23).
Children who defend their Father are blessed but those who don’t are cursed (Genesis
9:24-27).

3. Shammah
11
Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded
together at a place where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from
them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the middle of the field. He defended it and
struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great victory.
2 Samuel 23:11-12
□ Has a sense of ownership with his work
Shammah did not leave the field planted with beans when the Philistines banded
there. He considered it as his own because he was the one who planted the field. We
need to recognize that it is God and not just someone who called us for the ministry.
God entrusted us with such responsibility, and we must give our lives for it.

□ Has a sense of accountability

29
 The comrades of Shammah ran when the Philistines came because they did not
understand that they were entrusted with the field. Whatever would happen to it, they
would be held accountable. If we know that God has assigned us for a certain task, we
work hard to produce fruits.

We must not hide away our God-given talents; instead we must use them to succeed.
In the Day of Judgment, what we want to hear from our Master are the words, “Well
done though good and faithful servant. Because you can be entrusted with little, I will
entrust you with much” and not the words, “Useless and lazy servant! Throw this
worthless servant outside, into the darkness where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25: 14-30).

APPLICATION:

1. Give two things you learn in this lesson. Discuss

2. What do you call a soldier who has no concern over his or her responsibilities?
3. Do you accept that you are God’s soldier called to implement His Kingdom and
will on earth? (2 Timothy 2:3-4)

30
 LESSON 11
“BLESSING OTHERS
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

Our blessings in Christ are not only for ourselves but also for those are not yet saved.
God saved us first so that those who are still lost will also be saved. We are blessed so
we can become blessings. How can we bless others?

1. HOLINESS
12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing
wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:12

□ Through our changed lives, we can bless people who surround us. Because of our
oneness with the branch (Jesus), we can bear fruits of the Holy Spirit (John 15:5;
Galatians 5:22-23). Our godly living is our most effective message to the
unsaved that Christ is here and He is with us. Before we can preach the good
news, it must be first seen in our lives.

2. FRIENDSHIP
19
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win
as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those
under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the
law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like
one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's
law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the
weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save
some.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22
□ Apostle Paul knew how to deal with different people to effectively bring them to
Christ. He knew how to relate with all people, whether religious or sinner, strong
or weak. This does not mean though that he also sinned to win the sinners. The
Bible clearly states that he lived victoriously against sins and temptations (1
Thessalonians 2:10; Galatians 2:20). What he did was to befriend the sinners.
Even Jesus Christ in his time did not avoid sinners, but he related with them that
they might be saved (Matthew 9:10-12). He was called the “friend of sinners”
(Luke 7:34). We are called “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14; Ephesians
5:8). The light does not run away from the darkness, rather it goes to those in
darkness that they may be enlightened!

3. SERVICE

31
 16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

□ One way to effectively bless others is to serve them. Many people want to be
served. But our Lord Jesus Christ left us with an example that it is better for us to
serve than to be served (John 13:13-17; Matthew 20:28). A pure religion takes
care of the needy (James 1:27; Galatians 2:10). To serve others is to minister to
their needs whether physical, financial, emotional, mental or spiritual. If we
serve someone, we are touching this person’s heart making it possible for him or
her to be open to the good news.

4. TESTIMONY
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging
to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into
his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

□ All of God’s children have something to say on how God is so good in their lives.
Each Christian has a testimony. This testimony must be shared to others so they
too will be blessed. Wherever Apostle Paul went, he always testified what he was
like before he knew God, how did he encounter God and how he was changed by
God (Acts 22: 2-21; 26:2-23). These three, 1) our past, 2) how we met Jesus
Christ and 3) who we are in Christ now are very important details we must
include in sharing our testimony. A Christian with a personal experience with the
Lord cannot stop testifying to others (Acts 4:19-20).

5. EVANGELISM
15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Mark 16:15

□ Evangelism is bringing the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to the unsaved.
This is God’s commandment (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47) obediently followed
by the early church (Acts 5:42) and must still be followed by all Christians today.
A true disciple is not only committed to his or her relationship with God but also
in spreading the good news to the lost (Mark 8:35).
APPLICATION:
1. Among the five ways of blessing others, which one you want to start doing?
2. What is the meaning of “don’t be equally yoke with the unbelievers (2
Corinthians 6: 14)? Does this mean that we must not befriend the sinners?
3. Is it possible for a true disciple to commit to his or relationship with God but not
to the Great Commission of saving others?

32
 LESSON 12
“BLESSING OTHERS”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

Our blessings in Christ are not only for ourselves but also for those who are not
yet saved. God saved us first so that those who are still lost will also be saved.
We are blessed so we can become blessings. How can we bless others?

6. HOLINESS
12
Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of
doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he
visits us.
1 Peter 2:12

□ Through our changed lives, we can bless people who surround us.
Because of our oneness with the vine (Jesus), we can bear fruits of the
Holy Spirit (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23). Our godly living is our most
effective message to the unsaved that Christ is here and He is with
us. Before we can preach the good news, it must be first seen in our lives.

7. FRIENDSHIP
19
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone,
to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the
Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I
myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not
having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free
from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the
law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things
to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
1 Corinthians
9:19-22

□ Apostle Paul knew how to deal with different people to effectively bring
them to Christ. He knew how to relate with all people, whether religious or
sinner, strong or weak. This does not mean though that he also sinned to
win the sinners. The Bible clearly states that he lived victoriously against
sins and temptations (1 Thessalonians 2:10; Galatians
2:20). What he did was to befriend the sinners. Even Jesus Christ in his
time did not avoid sinners, but he related with them that they might be
saved (Matthew 9:10-12). He was called the “friend of sinners” (Luke
7:34). We are called “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8).
The light does not run away from the darkness, rather it goes to
those in darkness that they may be enlightened!

8. SERVICE

33
 16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your
good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew
5:16

□ One way to effectively bless others is to serve them. Many people want to
be served. But our Lord Jesus Christ left us with an example that it is
better for us to serve than to be served (John 13:13-17; Matthew 20:28). A
pure religion takes care of the needy (James 1:27; Galatians 2:10). To
serve others is to minister to their needs whether physical, financial,
emotional, mental or spiritual. If we serve someone, we are touching this
person’s heart making it possible for him or her to be open to the good
news.

9. TESTIMONY
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out
of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
□ All of God’s children have something to say on how God is so good in their
lives. Each Christian has a testimony. This testimony must be shared to
others so they too will be blessed. Wherever Apostle Paul went, he always
testify what he was like before he knew God, how did he encounter God
and how he was changed by God (Acts 22: 2-21; 26:2-23). These three,
1) our past, 2) how we met Jesus Christ and 3) who we are in Christ now
are very important details we must include in sharing our testimony. A
Christian with a personal experience with the Lord cannot stop testifying to
others (Acts 4:19-20).

10. EVANGELISM
15
He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all
creation.
Mark 16:15
□ Evangelism is bringing the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to the
unsaved. This is God’s commandment (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47)
obediently followed by the early church (Acts 5:42) and must still be
followed by all Christians today. A true disciple is not only committed to his
or her relationship with God but also in spreading the good news to the
lost (Mark 8:35).

APPLICATION:
4. Among the five ways of blessing others, which one you want to start
doing?
5. What is the meaning of “don’t be equally yoke with the unbelievers (2
Corinthians 6: 14)? Does this mean that we must not befriend the sinners?

34
 6. Is it possible for a true disciple to commit to his or relationship with God
but not to the Great Commission of saving others?
“MULTIPLYING ONESELF”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and
female he created them. 28 God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase
in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the
air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
Genesis 1:27-28

i. God’s Intention and Plan

God made us in His own so we can understand Him. He wanted to relate with us. God
is not understood by His other creations (animals, fish, birds, vegetation, etc.) because
they were not made in God’s image. Only man and woman are made in the likeness
of God. He or she can understand God, and God can understand him or her. God did
not intend for Adam and Eve to be His only offspring, but He desired to have many
more. So He commanded them to bear many children to fill the whole earth.

ii. The Devil Twisted God’s Plan

The devil cannot touch God, but he can hurt God by destroying His plans. He
deceived the first woman and used her to tempt the first man (Genesis 3:1-7; 1
Timothy 2: 14). This was where the devil succeeded in driving man away from the
plan and glory of God.

iii. The Result of Sin in the First Man

When man sinned against God, his relationship with Him was cut off and his
relationship with the devil started (1 John 3:8). The Spirit of God left him and evil
spirits dwelt inside him (Matthew 12:43-45). The blessings of God departed and the
curse arrived. The authority that God gave to man was lost, so worldly things
dominated him. The image of God in him was lost, and the characteristics of the devil
overtook him (John 8:37-44).

iv. Sinners Dominate the Earth

Sin was passed on to all people after the first man and woman sinned (Romans 5:12).
People who were supposed to be God’s children became the children of the devil (1
John 3:10). It is true that all people came from God but because of sin, all people
became slaves of evil spirits (Ephesians 2:2). Because of what Adam did, Satan
became the god of this world fallen into darkness (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19).
Instead of God’s children taking charge of the whole earth, the children of the devil
inhabited it. The wicked spread in the whole world (Galatians 3:22).

v. Jesus Came to Defeat the Devil and Save His Creation

35
Jesus came to destroy the work of the enemy (1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38). He preached
everywhere that the Kingdom of Heaven is already on earth (Matthew 4:17). He
spread the power of the Kingdom through miracles. He went to the cross to defeat
death and strip darkness of its power (Colossians 2:15). There in the cross He took
upon Himself the punishment of our sins that we may gain freedom.

vi. Jesus’ Strategy of Regaining the Nations

When God wanted His children to multiply in the world, He started with only two
people-Adam and Eve. When the devil opposed Him, His goal and strategy
remained the same- to multiply His children through a small group. Before Jesus
went to the cross, he took enough time to produce 12 disciples (Mark 3:13-15). Jesus
came to save the whole world, and His strategy was to raise and equip strong
disciples. They were very committed believers who would continue what their Master
started (Matthew 24:14).

vii. All Believers are Called to Become Disciples

It is not enough that we are saved. It is very important that the image of God in us
stolen by the devil be returned (2 Corinthians 3:18). We need to be disciples of
Christ. This means that we must live out the teachings of Jesus Christ (John 8:31) that
we may be like Him. This is what the Father intends us to be (Romans 8:29). A
disciple is a copy of his or her Teacher who is Jesus Christ.

viii. All Disciples Need a Spiritual Father

All are called to be under a “spiritual father” to become a mature Christian. This is
the relationship of Joshua to Moses (Exodus 33:11), Elisha to Elijah (2 Kings 2:2)
Paul to Barnabas (Acts 11:25-26), Timothy to Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 2:2), and
Mark to Peter (1 Peter 5:13). No one will become a disciple if he or she will not
submit to a discipler.

ix. All Christians are Called to Make Disciples

Jesus left this earth with a commandment to His disciples to make more disciples who
will also make some more disciples. This process will go on and on until all nations
will be filled with them.

x. Through Us, God’s Offspring will Increase

God did not only call us to grow mature in Him, but we also need to give birth
(evangelism) and raise many disciples. A disciple is like Jesus Christ, and God wants
many disciples through us. Just as we follow Christ, let us also encourage others to
follow us, like what Apostle Paul said, “…imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1
Corinthians 11:1).

xi. A True Disciple Will Yield Many More Disciples

A true disciple will bear spiritual children (John 4:1-2). This is the mark of a mature
believer of Christ. Only a mature Christian can persuade others to grow. We cannot

36
 lead young Christians to spiritual journeys we ourselves have not walked through. We
can only share truths that we ourselves have experienced and lived out.

xii. The Spirit of the Father is in Us

What we need in order to raise disciples in not our spiritual gifts, but the Spirit of the
Father inside us. Jesus became an effective discipler in His time because of the Holy
Spirit in His life (John 14:7-10). Discipleship is a process of caring, equipping and
fathering others. Fathering is the will of the Father through the Holy Spirit to work in
us for the sake of others. Through the giving of our time to our disciples, our
Heavenly Father can work in their lives so they may change, grow and walk to His
call in their lives. This is what Jesus did in His time.

APPLICATION:

1. What happens to a child without a Father to take care of him or her?

2. Are you ready to submit to a spiritual father or discipler?
3. Are you ready to make disciples just like Jesus whom you follow?

37