Be One - Make One: Class 13
Small Group Discipleship Class: A Disciple Helps Others Grow to Maturity in Christ (Multiplication and Discipleship)
Class Objective:
Explore the biblical foundation of discipleship and spiritual multiplication, focusing on helping others grow in their faith and maturity in Christ. Guide small group discussion on how participants can engage in making disciples by investing in the spiritual growth of others.
Part 1: The Biblical Foundation for Spiritual Multiplication
Key Scripture References:
Matthew 28:20: "And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Ephesians 4:11-13: "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
Overview:
A true disciple not only seeks to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus but also helps others grow in their faith. Discipleship is an ongoing process of teaching, encouraging, and guiding others toward maturity in Christ. Jesus’ Great Commission emphasizes teaching and training others to obey His commands, ensuring the multiplication of disciples across generations.
Discussion Questions:
Why is it important for disciples of Jesus to invest in the spiritual growth of others?
How does helping others grow in their faith contribute to the overall mission of making disciples?
What role does teaching and mentoring play in the process of spiritual multiplication?
Application:
Reflect on someone in your life whom you can help grow spiritually. This may be a new believer or someone struggling in their faith. Pray for an opportunity to invest in their spiritual growth.
As a group, discuss how you can support and mentor others in your community or church, focusing on helping them grow in their relationship with Christ.
Part 2: Building Up Others in Christ
Key Scripture References:
1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Colossians 1:28: "He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ."
Hebrews 10:24-25: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Overview:
Discipleship involves building up others in their faith by teaching, encouraging, and equipping them for spiritual growth. This process helps believers become mature in Christ, capable of understanding and living out His commands. Through one-on-one relationships and community, we can help others grow spiritually and reach their full potential in Christ.
Discussion Questions:
How can we encourage others in their faith journey and help them grow in spiritual maturity?
What does it mean to "build up" another believer, and how can we do that in practical ways?
How can meeting together regularly in community contribute to our spiritual growth?
Application:
Identify someone in your church or community whom you can encourage this week. Whether through prayer, Scripture, or personal support, find a way to build them up in their faith.
As a group, consider forming smaller mentoring groups to encourage and support one another in spiritual growth.
Part 3: Multiplying Disciples Through Mentoring and Teaching
Key Scripture References:
2 Timothy 2:2: "And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."
Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."
Overview:
Spiritual multiplication happens when we disciple others who, in turn, disciple others. Just as Paul instructed Timothy to pass on what he had learned to others, we are called to invest in people who can then teach and disciple others. This process ensures that the Gospel is spread and that generations of believers are equipped to live out their faith and help others do the same.
Discussion Questions:
What does spiritual multiplication mean, and how does it impact the spread of the Gospel?
Why is it important to not only disciple others but to equip them to disciple others as well?
How can mentoring relationships lead to spiritual multiplication in your community?
Application:
Think about someone you have already invested in spiritually. How can you encourage them to start mentoring and discipling others? Share this plan with the group.
As a group, brainstorm ways you can mentor or teach others in your church or community, encouraging spiritual multiplication.
Practical Application: Discipling Others in Everyday Life
Key Focus Areas:
Intentional Relationships: Look for opportunities to build meaningful relationships with those who are younger or less mature in their faith. Be intentional in offering guidance, support, and encouragement.
Teaching the Word: Take time to study the Bible with those you are discipling. Help them understand key doctrines and how to apply God’s Word in their lives.
Modeling Christlike Behavior: Be a living example of Christ’s love and humility, demonstrating how to live as a disciple of Jesus.
Encouraging Multiplication: Encourage those you are discipling to take the step of mentoring others, continuing the process of spiritual multiplication.
Application:
This week, reach out to someone whom you can mentor or disciple. Begin by meeting with them regularly, praying together, and studying Scripture.
As a group, discuss the possibility of starting a discipleship program within your church or community that encourages spiritual multiplication through mentoring and teaching.
Closing Discussion
How can spiritual multiplication through discipleship impact the growth of God’s kingdom?
What steps can you take this week to start investing in someone’s spiritual growth?
Closing Application:
For the coming week, focus on identifying one person whom you can disciple or mentor. Be prepared to share how you plan to help them grow in their faith during the next group meeting.
Next Steps:
Over the next few weeks, we will continue exploring the role of discipleship in building up others and how we can encourage spiritual multiplication in our communities.
This class emphasizes the importance of discipleship and spiritual multiplication, equipping believers to help others grow in their relationship with Christ. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in mentoring and teaching, ensuring that the process of making disciples continues across generations.