“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,…Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…” – Matthew 29:19-20 (KJV)
We grow by teaching, encouraging, and walking alongside others in faith. We love not only with words or speech, but it must come from the heart because we are admonished to make disciples, i.e., we help others to follow Christ, the Saviour of the world.
Jesus modelled humility by serving others. This shows a chain of discipleship. Someone humbly teaches you. You grow in faith, then you help others grow by humbly teaching them. Thus, the heart of true discipleship involves:
1. Teaching the Word
2. Encouraging believers
3. Walking with others in their spiritual journey.
4 . Being an example
This is how the body of Christ grows together. 1st Thessalonians 5:11 (KJV) says, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another…”. We follow Christ, and we help others follow Him, too.
Paul the Apostle mentored Timothy by teaching and guiding him. The more practical way is to spend time together, talk about real struggles, and help them apply God’s Word in their daily lives. This, however, does not preclude us from having a mentee who is not in our vicinity, but whom we can also encourage from a distance.
True discipleship, multiples. 2nd Timothy 2:2 (KJV) says, “…commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” We are directed as disciples to encourage others to share their faith, to help them teach others, and to train them to become disciple-makers. And we know that obedience shows real love for and fear of Jesus Christ; this brings blessings (Deuteronomy 28:1-13). True disciples love Jesus sincerely.
Read: John 14:15; Ephesians 3:19
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 8:22-31; Luke 9:10-27; Numbers 33; Numbers 34