Becoming, Growing, Serving, and Multiplying
Series Purpose
This series is designed to help believers understand that discipleship is not merely attending church or gaining Bible knowledge. It is the lifelong journey of following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and helping others follow Jesus.
Series Theme Scripture:
Matthew 28:18–20 — Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
1: The Call to Follow Jesus
Discipleship Begins With Surrender
Main Thought
A disciple is not simply someone who believes certain things about Jesus. A disciple is someone who follows Jesus.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Mark 1:14–18
Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” Passing along by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him.
Luke 9:23
He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.”
Ephesians 2:8–10
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
1. Jesus Calls Us Personally
Jesus did not merely preach to crowds; He called individuals. He saw Simon and Andrew and said, “Come after Me.” The Christian life begins when we hear the call of Jesus and respond.
This call is not simply to believe in His existence, but to follow His direction.
2. Jesus Calls Us to Repent and Believe
Jesus’ first message was clear: “Repent, and believe in the Good News.” Repentance means a change of heart, mind, and direction. Faith means trusting Christ, His death, His resurrection, and His lordship.
A disciple does not add Jesus to an unchanged life. A disciple turns from self-rule to Christ’s rule.
3. Jesus Calls Us to Leave Some Things Behind
Simon and Andrew left their nets. For them, the nets represented their old identity, security, and way of life.
Not every disciple leaves a job, but every disciple must surrender whatever competes with Jesus.
4. Jesus Calls Us Into Purpose
Jesus said, “I will make you into fishers for men.” Discipleship is not only about being forgiven. It is about being formed and sent.
Jesus saves us by grace and then shapes us for good works.
Application
· What is Jesus asking me to leave behind?
· Am I following Jesus, or merely admiring Him?
· Is my life under His lordship?
Closing Challenge
The first step of discipleship is surrender. Jesus still says, “Follow Me.” The question is not whether He is calling. The question is whether we are willing to respond.
2: Building on the Right Foundation
Truth That Holds Us Steady
Main Thought
A disciple must build life on the truth of Christ, not on feelings, culture, or convenience.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Matthew 7:24–27
Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.
1 Corinthians 15:3–4
For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Hebrews 6:1–2
Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgement.
1. Every Life Is Built on Something
Jesus said there are two builders, two foundations, and two outcomes. The difference was not that one heard and the other did not. Both heard. The difference was obedience.
A disciple is not just a hearer of truth, but a doer of truth.
2. Christ Is the Centre of the Foundation
Paul said the message of first importance was that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. Discipleship must never move away from the gospel.
The foundation is not church culture, personality, tradition, or religious activity. The foundation is Jesus Christ.
3. Foundational Truths Must Become Living Convictions
Hebrews speaks of repentance, faith, baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgement. These are not dry doctrines. They shape how we live.
· Repentance changes direction.
· Faith anchors trust.
· Baptism declares new identity.
· Resurrection gives hope.
· Judgement gives urgency.
· Spiritual empowerment equips us to serve.
4. Storms Reveal Foundations
Rain, floods, and winds come to every life. Trials reveal whether our faith is built on emotion or on Christ.
A strong foundation does not prevent storms, but it keeps us standing through them.
Application
· Is my faith built on Christ or circumstances?
· Do I obey what I already know?
· What foundational truth needs strengthening in my life?
Closing Challenge
A disciple builds deeply before building visibly. The strongest Christian life is not the flashiest life, but the one built on hearing and obeying Jesus.
3: The New Beginning
Repentance, Faith, and Baptism
Main Thought
Discipleship begins with a decisive response to Jesus: repentance, faith, and public identification with Him.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Acts 2:37–41
Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” With many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Then those who gladly received his word were baptised. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
Romans 6:3–4
Or do you not know that all of us who were baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
1. The Gospel Calls for a Response
When Peter preached, the people were “cut to the heart.” They did not merely say, “That was interesting.” They asked, “What shall we do?”
The gospel is not information only. It calls for a response.
2. Repentance Is Turning to God
Peter said, “Repent.” Repentance is not merely feeling sorry. It is turning from sin, self-rule, unbelief, and old patterns, and turning toward God.
A disciple does not defend sin. A disciple brings sin into the light and turns to Christ.
3. Baptism Declares New Identity
Baptism is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus. Romans 6 connects baptism with death, burial, and resurrection.
In baptism we declare:
· My old life has been buried with Christ.
· My new life has begun in Christ.
· I now walk in newness of life.
4. New Life Means a New Direction
Paul says that anyone in Christ is a new creation. This does not mean every old habit disappears instantly. It means the old life no longer owns us.
Discipleship is learning to live from our new identity in Christ.
Application
· Have I truly repented and turned to Christ?
· Have I publicly identified with Jesus through baptism?
· Am I living as a new creation?
Closing Challenge
Jesus does not merely improve the old life. He gives new life. The disciple’s journey begins with a new beginning in Christ.
4: Walking Daily With God
Scripture, Prayer, and Obedience
Main Thought
A disciple grows by learning to walk with God daily, not occasionally.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
John 15:4–5
Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for apart from me you can do nothing.
Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.
James 1:22–25
But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.
1. Discipleship Requires Abiding
Jesus said, “Remain in Me.” This speaks of ongoing connection, dependence, and fellowship.
A branch does not produce fruit by trying harder apart from the vine. It bears fruit by staying connected.
2. God’s Word Gives Direction
The psalmist says God’s Word is a lamp and a light. A lamp does not usually show the entire journey, but it gives enough light for the next step.
A disciple learns to ask, “What does God’s Word say, and what step of obedience is before me?”
3. Prayer Keeps the Heart Open to God
Prayer is not merely asking God for things. It is relationship. It is worship, surrender, confession, listening, thanksgiving, and dependence.
A prayerless disciple becomes self-reliant. A praying disciple stays tender before God.
4. Obedience Turns Knowledge Into Growth
James warns against hearing without doing. Bible knowledge without obedience can become self-deception.
The blessing is not promised to the person who only hears, but to the person who hears and acts.
Application
A simple daily pattern:
· Read a portion of Scripture.
· Reflect on what God is saying.
· Respond in prayer.
· Obey one clear step.
· Remember one truth during the day.
Closing Challenge
Spiritual growth is not built in a moment. It is formed through daily surrender, daily Scripture, daily prayer, and daily obedience.
5: Growing in the Family of God
Discipleship Happens in Community
Main Thought
A disciple follows Jesus personally, but not privately. We grow best in the family of God.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Acts 2:42–47
They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. All who believed were together, and had all things in common. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.
Galatians 6:1–2
Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself so that you also are not tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
1. The Early Church Grew Together
Acts 2 shows a church devoted to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. They shared life, worship, meals, generosity, and mission.
They were not consumers of religious content. They were a spiritual family.
2. We Need Encouragement and Accountability
Hebrews tells us to stir one another up to love and good works. This means we all need people who encourage us forward.
Isolation weakens discipleship. Community strengthens it.
3. Restoration Requires Gentleness
Galatians 6 says that when someone is caught in fault, the spiritual response is restoration with gentleness.
Healthy discipleship does not ignore sin, but it also does not crush people. It restores people.
4. Burdens Are Meant to Be Shared
“Bear one another’s burdens” is a practical command. The church should be a place where people are not left to carry life alone.
Disciples grow as they learn to receive help and give help.
Application
· Am I meaningfully connected to the body of Christ?
· Who knows how I am really going spiritually?
· Am I helping carry someone else’s burden?
Closing Challenge
A disciple needs more than a seat in a service. A disciple needs spiritual family, shared life, encouragement, accountability, and love.
The Character of a Disciple
Main Thought
The goal of discipleship is not merely activity for God, but transformation into the likeness of Christ.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Romans 12:1–2
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.
Galatians 5:22–25
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Ephesians 4:22–24
That you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit, and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and put on the new man, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.
1. Discipleship Involves Surrender
Paul says to present our bodies as a living sacrifice. This means our whole life belongs to God.
The disciple does not say, “Lord, You may have this part, but not that part.” True discipleship brings everything to the altar.
2. Discipleship Involves Renewed Thinking
Romans 12 tells us not to be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of the mind.
Many believers struggle because they have a saved spirit but an unrenewed mindset. The Word of God reshapes how we think, value, choose, and respond.
3. Discipleship Produces Spiritual Fruit
Galatians 5 describes the fruit of the Spirit. Fruit is evidence of life. The Spirit works in us to produce the character of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit is not personality improvement. It is Christ being formed in us.
4. Discipleship Means Putting Off and Putting On
Ephesians says to put off the old man and put on the new man. Growth involves both removal and replacement.
We put off bitterness and put on forgiveness.
We put off pride and put on humility.
We put off impurity and put on holiness.
We put off selfishness and put on love.
Application
· Where do I need my mind renewed?
· What old pattern needs to be put off?
· What fruit of the Spirit needs to grow in me?
Closing Challenge
A disciple is not just someone who knows more about Jesus. A disciple is someone who is becoming more like Jesus.
7: Saved to Serve
Using Your Life for God’s Purpose
Main Thought
Every disciple has been saved by grace and called to serve with purpose.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.
1 Peter 4:10–11
As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms. If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Romans 12:4–8
For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; or he who exhorts, to his exhorting; he who gives, let him do it with generosity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
1. We Are God’s Workmanship
Ephesians says we are His workmanship. This means God is not only saving us from something; He is shaping us for something.
We are created in Christ Jesus for good works.
2. Every Believer Has Something to Give
Peter says, “As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another.” Gifts are not for pride, comparison, or personal status. They are for serving others.
No believer is useless in the body of Christ.
3. Gifts Differ, but All Matter
Romans 12 reminds us that the body has many members and different functions. Not everyone serves the same way, but every part matters.
Some teach.
Some encourage.
Some give.
Some lead.
Some show mercy.
Some serve quietly and faithfully.
The church becomes healthy when every member plays their part.
4. Service Must Glorify God
Peter says that service should be done in the strength God supplies, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.
Christian service is not about being noticed. It is about God being honoured.
Application
· What gifts or abilities has God given me?
· Am I using them to serve others?
· Where could I take one step into service?
Closing Challenge
A disciple does not ask only, “What can I receive?” A disciple asks, “Lord, how can my life serve Your purpose?”
8: Disciples Make Disciples
Multiplying the Life of Christ
Main Thought
Discipleship is not complete until we help others follow Jesus.
Key Scriptures in Full Prose
Matthew 28:18–20
Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
2 Timothy 2:2
The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same things to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.
John 15:16
You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
1. Jesus Commands Us to Make Disciples
The Great Commission is not merely to make converts, but disciples. Jesus said to baptise them and teach them to observe all He commanded.
Discipleship includes evangelism, teaching, obedience, formation, and mission.
2. Disciple-Making Happens Through Relationship
Paul told Timothy to pass on what he had received. This shows a chain of discipleship: Paul to Timothy, Timothy to faithful people, faithful people to others also.
Discipleship is not just a programme. It is truth passed through relationship.
3. Every Disciple Can Help Someone Grow
You do not need to be perfect to disciple someone. You need to be faithful. A growing disciple can help another person take their next step.
You can pray with someone.
You can read Scripture with someone.
You can encourage someone.
You can share what God has taught you.
You can model obedience.
4. Jesus Appoints Us to Bear Lasting Fruit
Jesus said, “I chose you, and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.” Discipleship looks beyond the moment. It asks, “What fruit will remain?”
The goal is not merely to gather people, but to see lives changed, families strengthened, believers matured, and others equipped.
Application
· Who helped me follow Jesus?
· Who am I helping now?
· Who could I intentionally encourage or disciple?
Closing Challenge
A disciple follows Jesus, becomes like Jesus, serves Jesus, and helps others follow Jesus. The call is simple, but life-changing: go and make disciples.
Conclusion
The way of a disciple is a lifelong journey.
We begin by coming to Christ.
We build on the truth of Christ.
We walk daily with Christ.
We grow in the body of Christ.
We become like Christ.
We serve through the grace of Christ.
We multiply the life of Christ in others.
Discipleship is not a course to finish. It is a life to live.
Jesus still says, “Follow Me.”
mouth on a stick 