As disciples of Christ, many are not following His commands.
In Matthew 28:19, Jesus declares, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” While these words are etched for all eternity in God’s word, Christians are still apprehensive about following through.
First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s theme for 2025 is “Be a disciple, make a disciple.” So our leadership wants to make sure that we present every opportunity for our congregants to expand in discipleship through being disciples and, in turn, making disciples. Church, it is our distinct responsibility and honor to bestow upon others what is being poured into us.
Unfortunately, one of the challenges the church faces is that very few church bodies are active in true, authentic discipleship. In fact, throughout the last few political seasons, we have proven to be effective in raising great republicans and democrats, yet many are unable to reach across the aisle and engage with those who believe differently than they do.
As you progress in your relationship with Christ, you should expect to become spiritually seasoned and mature, living life differently than you ever have. Similarly to how patient the Lord has been with us, we too must give patience and space for God to reveal Himself to those around us.
So, how can we, disciples of Christ, move forward in making disciples of men? Let’s take a look at three tangible ways to make ourselves available in our spheres of influence.
3 Spiritual Secrets For Discipling Others
As I was considering what biblical discipleship meant, the Lord prompted me to read 2 Timothy 2. Here, Paul is depositing discipleship secrets to his spiritual son, Timothy. I believe that one verse in particular can apply to our lives as we lead others to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Posture of Hearing
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV
What kind of listener are you? Many times, we hear something only to forget what was said moments later.
When you are a true disciple of Christ, you are intentional in remaining in a posture of listening. This means you are actively learning and applying the ways of discipleship. You take heed to those in leadership and allow the Holy Spirit to continually mold and shape you into the person He desires you to be.
We should ceaselessly hunger after God’s word and look for Him to guide our paths through lessons for today and tomorrow. As a deer pants for water, so our souls should thirst for the living God!
Leaders, take note: backsliding usually occurs when the believer stops listening. Periodically ask yourself, “Am I still engaging?” Your answer will be a good indicator of how well you are listening to the voice of God.
Posture of Commitment
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV
Paratithēmi, the Greek word used for “commit” in 2 Timothy 2:2, can be defined as to set something before someone.
Discipleship involves believers setting the truth in front of someone and helping them understand what it means. While you can’t force someone to believe or do something, you can still come alongside them and help them along. Sooner or later, the God we serve will open their eyes to what you were trying to communicate.
Faithful Men
Paul doesn’t just tell Timothy to commit. He is very clear on who we should disciple: faithful individuals. The faithful are those who are reliable and keep their word. Their yes is yes, and their no is no.
God wants us to find reliable people and cultivate personal relationships with them. The problem with those in the church today is that they are asking others to change bad habits and behaviors without building trust first.
Early on in my years of being the pastor of FBCG, I specifically remember one Sunday morning when a few women came to church. Well, these ladies were dressed in a less-than-admirable way. This drew attention and concern within a specific group of women, and they felt it was their responsibility to straighten these young females out. This posed a large problem. Sure, they could share their concerns that morning, or they could come alongside these girls and get to know their story, love on them, and invest in their lives.
Leaders, take note: It can be easy to be critical of someone when you don’t know what their journey has been like. Take the time to get to know someone whose circumstances are different than yours. Share your story and build a relationship.
Posture to Teach
“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
2 Timothy 2:2, NKJV
What an incredible discipleship cycle Paul laid out for Timothy, and not only was this for him but also for us today. The main component of discipling others is the call to take what you have learned and teach others what you have gleaned.
For the last thirty-five years, I have had the incredible opportunity to pour into people. Each weekday morning, I am able to spend a thirty-minute phone call with a prayer partner. Together we ask the Holy Spirit to bless our time, read one chapter of the Bible, discuss any specific revelations, and close our time by praying for one another. This time is precious and powerful because I get to pour into someone else the way I have been poured into.
Leaders, take note: Can you think of one person in your sphere of influence that you could lead to Jesus so they can become everything God wants them to be? Invest in them, teach them, call them, and share what God is doing in your life.
Discipleship isn’t always easy. But it is always worth it. Together, let’s be hearers, committers, and teachers of Jesus’ command.
Let’s make disciples.
For more on discipleship, check out Pastor John K. Jenkins, Sr.’s sermon, Discipling Others.
