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A Life ofVictorySERIESHow to bea Real DiscipleSix Bible Study Lessonsfor Group Discipleship
How to bea Real DiscipleSix Bible Study Lessonsfor Group Discipleship
how to be a real discipleCopyright 2004-2006, 2013 by Every Nation ProductionsFirst edition 2004. Second edition 2013.Published by EVERY NATION PRODUCTIONSP.O. Box 12229 Ortigas Center, Pasig City, Philippinesemail: productions@everynation.org.phAll rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmittedin any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording,or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing fromEVERY NATION PRODUCTIONS.All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated,are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society.Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.Printed in the Republic of the Philippines
How to Usethis MaterialIn Victory, the primary venue for discipleshiphappens in a small group. It is called a Victory group.We strongly encourage everyone to be involved sincethese groups are specifically designed to help disciplesgrow spiritually.A Victory group meeting has three sections: Connect,Word, and Prayer, and ideally lasts from forty tosixty minutes.Connect (5-10 minutes)Victory group meetings begin with a time to relate withone another. Depending on the people who comprisethe group, this can be done through a variety of ways: Fun—such as an icebreaker activity Answered prayers—sharing of testimoniesand updates Questions—such as those provided in thematerial, learning each other’s personal stories,and sharing feedback from the weekly messageEffective Questions During the Connect Portion: Are deliberately friendly to first-timers Ask for opinion or experiences Require no Bible knowledge Have no right or wrong answer Are not controversial Are preferably connected to the meeting’s topic
Word (20-30 minutes)Teach the truth and relevance of God’s Word for life application. TheVictory group meeting is not primarily a Bible study. Although teachingand explanation of Scripture is involved, the goal is to minister, notfinish a material.There is no need teach all the points in a material.Within this section, we look at what the Bible says, its relevance to ustoday, and its application in our lives.What: What does the Bible say?Communicate and impart biblical truth clearly and conciselyAll Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking,correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the man of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,1716Tips for Sharing the Word Effectively Let the Bible speak for itself. Use illustrations and tell stories to explain Bible verses. When entertaining clarifications, be watchful not to allow thediscussion to go off-tangent. The primary goal is to minister to the needs of the people, not tofinish a Bible lesson. Be led by the Spirit when using the material.So What: What is the relevance of the Word to my life?Give participants the opportunity to discuss how the Word impactsthe way they live.Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but betransformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to testand approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Romans 12:2
Now What: How do I apply the Word to my life?Our primary reason for sharing the Bible is so that people will knowwho God is and what He has done. In doing so, the participants willbegin to discover who they are and what they should do.If it is a promise, teach them to claim it. If it is a command or aprinciple, encourage them to put it to action by God’s grace. If it is atruth, let them embrace it willingly and not under compulsion. AllowGod’s grace and love to win them by the way you teach God’s Word.Encourage specific, measurable action steps that are consistentwith the life change that the Scripture is bringing about. We do notcommand people, but we spur them on toward love and good deeds.Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.Do what it says. James 1:22Tips for Life-Changing Application You may choose one of the “So What” and “Now What” questionsor you may add your own. An effective standby application question is: “What one actionstep are you going to take as a result of what you heard today?” Designate who will be the first to answer the question asked. Do not allow someone to argue or be critical of others. Remind everyone to apply the lesson to their own lives, not tosomeone else’s. Ask God for wisdom to know when to balance or correct strangeor unbiblical applications. Insensitive correction or criticism cankill the group, as can unchecked heresy. Remind everyone that transformation is God’s work, not ours, andour obedience is a response to who He is and His love for us. It isGod’s grace that enables us to apply and obey His Word.
pray (15-20 minutes)Prayer is the most important part of the Victory group meeting. Makesure you have plenty of time left so your prayer time is not rushed. Thisis not a “closing prayer,” but a time for everyone in the group to takespecific requests to God. This is where the action is. The goal is to createa venue where people will see God move on their behalf.“Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything youask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:19Tips for Powerful Prayer Listen to the Holy Spirit carefully during the Connect and Wordsections for things that may need prayer. Spend your time praying for one another, not sharing anddiscussing prayer requests. Keep your prayers simple, sincere, and short. Most non-believershave never heard an ordinary Christian just talk to God and willbe touched by the sincerity and simplicity of the prayer. Pray, don’t preach. Pray in simple and short sentences, not long“sermon prayers.” Use conversational prayer, not complicated or profound,intercessory prayer. Expect God to answer your prayers.
contents1The Marks of a Disciple . 12Count the Cost. 53Carry Your Cross. 94Follow Jesus. 135Remain in the Vine. 176Go and Make Disciples. 21
The Marksof a Discipleconnect1Do you like reading? Why or why not?Name one famous person whose life you’dlike to live. Why?Who has had the most profound impact inyour life. How?
WORDThen Jesus came to them and said, “Allauthority in heaven and on earth has beengiven to me. 19Therefore go and make disciplesof all nations, baptizing them in the name ofthe Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20and teaching them to obey everything I havecommanded you. And surely I am with youalways, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-2018WHATJesus did more than attract crowds. He made disciples.Furthermore, He commanded His disciples to makedisciples, not just in Israel, but in all the earth. Jesustold them exactly how to make disciples: by baptizingand teaching full obedience to God’s Word. John’sGospel identifies three marks of a genuine disciple.1A disciple obeys God’s Word.To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.”John 8:31The first mark of a real disciple is obedience to God’sWord, or the teachings of Christ. What does it mean to“hold to” the teachings of Jesus?What didJesus teach?2How to bea Real Disciple
2A disciple loves others.“By this all men will know that you are my disciples,if you love one another.” John 13:35The second proof of true discipleship is love.What is “love?”Why is itimportant forreal disciplesto love oneanother?3A disciple bears much fruit.This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit,showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:8(See also John 15:1-7.)But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentlenessand self-control. Against such things there is no law.22Galatians 5:22,23The third mark of real discipleship is fruit. What doesGod do to those who bear no fruit? What about thosewho bear fruit?What is the “fruitof the Spirit”?The Marks of a Disciple3
SO WHATWhy should God’s Word be a priority in our lives?How would our lives be different if His Word wasour priority?What does it mean to love one another and to laydown your life for another? How can you love thosewho are difficult to love?What type of fruit are you bearing in your life? Whichfruit of the Spirit is consistently growing in your life?Which is not?now WHATprayerDo you have a time and place for Bible reading andprayer? In what areas of your life do you need to obeyHim more?Name some people who are difficult to love. How canyou practically show God’s love to them this week?How can you be more fruitful? In what areas do youneed the Holy Spirit to help you bear fruit?4How to bea Real DisciplePray that God would reveal Himself to you throughHis Word and that His Word would be a lamp to yourfeet and a light for your path.Pray and ask God to make you a fruitful disciple. TellHim about the areas where you need more of Hisgrace, patience, and self-control.Ask God to use you to demonstrate His love to yourfamily and friends.
Countthe Costconnect2What subject did you dislike most inschool? How did you get through it?Name one of the most expensive purchasesyou have ever made. Was it worth the priceyou paid? Why or why not?Do you tend to shop on impulse or doyou carefully compare costs beforebuying something?
WORDAnd anyone who does not carry his cross andfollow me cannot be my disciple. 28“Suppose oneof you wants to build a tower. Will he not firstsit down and estimate the cost to see if he hasenough money to complete it?” Luke 14:27,2827WHATA disciple is a follower of Christ and in these verses,Jesus makes it clear that if we are to be His disciples, wewould have to pay a price to follow Him. Jesus warnedHis would-be disciples that they should “count the cost”before starting the journey of discipleship. What does itcost to be a disciple?1Jesus comes before my family and business.Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, Jamesson of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boatwith their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesuscalled them, 22and immediately they left the boat and theirfather and followed him. Matthew 4:21,2221(See also Matthew 10:37-39.)If we are to be Jesus’ disciples, He will take precedenceover our family, work, and life. What did James and Johnhave to leave behind in order to follow Jesus?How do you thinktheir father feltabout their decision?26How to bea Real DiscipleJesus comes before myself.“I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressedyourself and went where you wanted; but when you are18
old you will stretch out your hands, and someone elsewill dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”19Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by whichPeter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”John 21:18,19Discipleship for Peter meant he had to go where hedid not want to go. It meant he no longer made all thedecisions about his own life. Ultimately, it cost himhis life.What does itmean to put Jesusbefore self?3Jesus comes before my reputationand pleasure.Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves inevery way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships anddistresses; 5in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hardwork, sleepless nights and hunger . . . 2 Corinthians 6:4,54(See also 2 Corinthians 6:6-10.)Following Jesus will mean putting Him beforereputation and pleasure, even when it’s inconvenientor difficult.How did followingJesus cause Paulto experiencedishonor anddiscomfort?Jesus promised that those who follow Him and give uptheir lives for His kingdom will receive eternal life. Wehave the privilege of walking with Him and knowingHim more every day. Compare the cost of discipleshipwith the eternal rewards. Share how you came tofollow Christ.Count the Cost 7
SO WHATWhy is it important to “count the cost” beforebeginning this journey of discipleship?Give some examples of how we can put Jesus aboveour family, business, self, reputation, and pleasure.Describe someone you know who has paid a greatprice to follow Jesus. Do you think they regret it? Whyor why not?now WHATprayerHave you made a decision to follow Jesus? If not,what could be holding you back?Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? Whatmight it cost you to be a real disciple? What are youwilling to do to follow Jesus?In what areas of your life have you not put Jesusfirst? Name some practical ways you can put Himfirst this week.8How to bea Real DiscipleAsk God for His grace and wisdom as you put Him firstin every area of your life.Surrender any concerns or questions you have aboutyour family, work, and life. Ask Him to be aboveeach area.Pray for your friends and family who have notyet made a decision to follow Jesus. Ask God foropportunities to share the gospel to them.
Carry YourCrossconnect3Do you like traveling? Why or why not?How do you respond when your day doesnot go as planned? What do you do?Have you or a close friend been in anear-death situation? What happened?How did you feel?
WORDThen he called the crowd to him along with hisdisciples and said: “If anyone would come afterme, he must deny himself and take up his crossand follow me. 35For whoever wants to save hislife will lose it, but whoever loses his life for meand for the gospel will save it. 36What good is itfor a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit hissoul? 37Or what can a man give in exchange forhis soul?” Mark 8:34-3734WHATNo one should follow Jesus empty-handed. Everyone isto carry a cross. This message of the cross is for all whowant to follow Jesus, not just for a few super-saints andancient apostles. The minimal daily requirement for realdiscipleship includes self-denial and cross-carrying.What does it mean for Christians to carry our cross?1Carrying my cross means denying myself.Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciplesand said: “If anyone would come after me, he must denyhimself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34What do you think Jesus meant when He demanded Hisfollowers to deny themselves and take up their crosses?10How to bea Real Disciple
2Carrying my cross means losing my life.For whoever wants to save his life will lose it,but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospelwill save it. 36What good is it for a man to gainthe whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37Or what can a mangive in exchange for his soul? Mark 8:35-3735What does it mean to save your life? What does it meanto lose your life for the gospel?Carry Your Cross11
SO WHATWhat does it mean to deny yourself? Why is this sucha hard thing to do?Why can you save your life only by losing it? What doyou think this means in your life?How does one forfeit his or her soul? Why do youthink many choose to gain the whole world inexchange for their souls?now WHATprayerHave you taken up your cross and have you begun tofollow Jesus? If not, are you willing to do that today?What are some ways you need to deny yourself inorder to fully follow Jesus?What are some areas in your life that need to bebrought to the cross?12How to bea Real DisciplePray for God’s strength for you to deny yourself, carryyour cross, and follow Him daily.Thank Jesus for what He did on the cross and forsaving us so we can have a relationship with Himforever. Acknowledge that apart from Him, we cando nothing.Pray for your opportunities this week to show God’slove to those who do not know Him yet.
Follow Jesusconnect4Have you ever gotten lost?What happened?Has your family ever moved to anotherhome? What was involved in the move, andhow did you feel about it?If someone were to follow your example,what would you want them to follow? Whatwould you not want them to follow? Why?
WORD1“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will makeyou fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19WHATMany foolishly waste their lives following the crowds.Others arrogantly refuse to follow anyone at all andend up going in circles. A true disciple is one whowholeheartedly follows Jesus where He goes. If we wantto follow Christ, we have to know what it requires.Following Christ requires self-denial.Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone wouldcome after me, he must deny himself and take uphis cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:24Jesus tells us to carry our cross and deny ourselves sowe can follow Him unhindered.What is selfdenial? Why isit essential indiscipleship?2Following Christ requires listeningto His voice.“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and theyfollow me.” John 10:27We are to listen to Jesus’ voice not so we can have anew religious experience or gain more knowledge. Welisten to God so we can follow Him.14How to bea Real Disciple
What does itmean to listento God’s voicetoday?3Following Christ requirescomplete obedience.Solomon did evil in the eyes of the LORD; he did notfollow the LORD completely, as David his father had done.1 Kings 11:6 (See also 1 Kings 11:1-11.)Partial devotion to God is always disastrous.In what waysdid Solomonfail to followthe Lordcompletely?What were theresults of hiscompromise?4Following Christ requires following theexample of others.Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:1Sometimes it is easier to learn by watching thanby listening.Why was itimportant forthe Corinthiansto follow Paul’sexample?Follow Jesus15
SO WHATDo you follow the Lord with complete obedience?What would that look like in your life?How have you been helped in your spiritual lifeby another person’s example? Whose exampledo you follow?Can you tell others to follow your example as youfollow the example of Christ? Why or why not?now WHATprayerAre you following Jesus? Are you following Himclosely or from afar? Was there ever a time when youfollowed Him closer? What happened?What are some practical ways you can followJesus closer?In what areas of your life do you need to obeyJesus completely?16How to bea Real DiscipleAsk God to make you more sensitive to hear His voice.Pray for God’s grace in your life so you can denyyourself and follow Him completely.Pray that you would be a good example of what itmeans to follow Christ.
Remainin the Vineconnect5What is your favorite vacation spot? Whatdo you like about it?What do you do regularly to stay healthy?How were you disciplined as a child?
WORD“I am the true vine, and my Father is thegardener. . . . 4Remain in me, and I will remain inyou. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it mustremain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruitunless you remain in me. 5I am the vine; you arethe branches. If a man remains in me and I inhim, he will bear much fruit; apart from me youcan do nothing.” John 15:1,4,51WHATJesus gave specific instructions to His disciples aboutremaining in Him. He mentioned the word “remain”eleven times in the first ten verses of John 15. Let uslook closely at what this means and what it looks like toremain in Him.1We will be pruned.He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit,while every branch that does bear fruit he prunesso that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2Hebrews 12:11 (See also Hebrews 12:7-10.)When we remain in Jesus, we will be pruned. Pruning isa process that makes a branch even more fruitful than itoriginally was by cutting off unfruitful parts.Which branchesare pruned?What is the goalof pruning anddiscipline?2We will be fruitful.“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remainsin me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart fromme you can do nothing. . . . 8This is to my Father’s glory,518How to bea Real Disciple
that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be mydisciples.” John 15:5,8As we remain in Jesus, we will bear much fruit.Can webe fruitful apartfrom Him? Howwill we showthat we are Hisdisciples?3We will be prayerful.“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, askwhatever you wish, and it will be given you.” John 15:7Remaining in Jesus also gives us the confidence to askHim and receive by faith.Does Jesus put alimit on what wecan ask Him? Whycan we have theconfidence to askGod for whateverwe wish?3We will be obedient.“If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love,just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands ‘and remainin his love’”. John 15:10If we are remaining in Christ and His love, we willobey Him. Obedience is not obedience if it is delayedor partial.How did Jesus setthe example ofobedience?Remain in the Vine19
SO WHATWhat does a fruitful person look like? How do youknow if you are bearing fruit?Why do you think some people do not ask and believeGod for greater things? Do you ever have a hard timecoming to God with confidence?What does it look like to obey God completely?now WHATprayerIn what areas is God pruning you? How have youbeen responding to His discipline?Are you obeying God and His Word? What will you doabout it?What do you need to ask and believe God for today?20How to bea Real DiscipleAsk God to give you grace and strength as He prunesyou to become more fruitful.Ask God to make you more prayerful and to bemore sensitive to His voice as He leads you to prayfor others.Pray for your friends and family to know God and toremain in Him.
Go and MakeDisciplesconnect6What was the best and worst part ofyour week?What sports or hobbies did you learn whenyou were a child?Name one person who has supportedyou in difficult times. What did he or she dofor you?
WORDThen the eleven disciples went to Galilee,to the mountain where Jesus had told themto go. 17When they saw him, they worshipedhim; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came tothem and said, “All authority in heaven and onearth has been given to me. 19Therefore go andmake disciples of all nations, baptizing themin the name of the Father and of the Son andof the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obeyeverything I have commanded you. And surely Iam with you always, to the very end of the age.”16Matthew 28:16-20WHATAfter Jesus was resurrected, He gave His disciplesthe apostolic mandate of making disciples of all nations.He did not charge them to gather crowds, converts,or church members. He wanted His disciples tomake disciples. As the disciples obeyed, let us seewhat happened.1The Holy Spirit empowered the disciples tomake disciples.“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comeson you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, andin all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”Acts 1:8 (See also Luke 24:49.)Jesus gave specific instructions for the disciples to waitfor the Holy Spirit.Why do youthink He wantedthem to wait forthe infilling ofthe Holy Spirit?22How to bea Real Disciple
2The church grew as the discipleswere persecuted.Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem,bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits,and all of them were healed. 17Then the high priest andall his associates, who were members of the party of theSadducees, were filled with jealousy. 18They arrested theapostles and put them in the public jail. Acts 5:16-1816(See also Acts 5:41,42.)As the disciples were persecuted, the church grewlarger and stronger. Persecution never hinders the workof God.Why do you thinkthis is so? Howdid the disciplesreact to thepersecution?3God’s presence was with the disciples.“. . . and teaching them to obey everything I havecommanded you. And surely I am with you always, to thevery end of the age.” Matthew 28:20 (See also Hebrews 13:5.)Jesus promised His disciples that as they go and makedisciples, He would be with them.How did God’spromise ofHis presencetransform thedisciples?Go and Make Disciples23
SO WHATWhat does it mean to be a witness? How are we to bea witness? How does the Holy Spirit empower you tobe a witness?How does persecution make a disciple grow? How doyou respond to persecution?As you follow God and help others follow Him,how has the presence of God been a source ofencouragement for you?now WHATprayerAre you obeying Jesus’ command to “go andmake disciples”? Are you a disciple? Are youmaking disciples?Have you been persecuted for your faith? Whathappened? Have you forgiven?Make a list of your friends and family memberswho do not know Christ yet. Ask the Holy Spirit toempower you to be a witness to them.24How to bea Real DiscipleThank God for the power of the Holy Spirit and for Hispresence in your life.Make a commitment to follow Jesus and tomake disciples.Ask God for opportunities and the boldness to obeyHis command to “go and make disciples.”
“And anyone who does not carry his crossand follow me cannot be my disciple.”Luke 14:27How to be a Real Disciple is a seriesof six materials for group discipleshipdesigned to help disciples followJesus together.Topics Include: The Marks of a DiscipleCount the CostCarry Your CrossFollow JesusRemain in the VineGo and Make Disciples
The second proof of true discipleship is love. What is “love?” a disciple bears much fruit. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. JoHn 15:8 (SEE ALSo JoHn 15:1-7.) 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, ki
