Discipleship

Series
 DISCIPLESHIP
SERIES
Contents

Lesson 1: COMMITMENT

Lesson 2: LORDSHIP

Lesson 3: INQUIRING OF THE LORD

Lesson 4: THE VOICE OF GOD

Lesson 5: FOUR WAYS OF LIVING

Lesson 6: SMALL GROUP

Lesson 7: THE CHURCH

Lesson 8: WORK

Lesson 9: SERVANT OF GOD

Lesson 10: THE SOLDIER OF GOD

Lesson 11: BLESSING OTHERS

Lesson 12: MULTIPLYING ONESELF

“COMMITMENT”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES (Lesson 1)
We wonder why there are many Christians who started well in their relationship with the Lord, but
their love for God turned cold in the long run. Some even returned to their former way of living which
they had already surrendered to the Lord. Others still continue to go to church, but their hearts are
already far from God. There are many possible reasons for this, but one significant cause is their
weak commitment to Him. We will now talk about four types of commitment discussed in the
passages of Luke 9: 57-62.

I. FOUR TYPES OF COMMITMENT

1. Commitment with a Condition
□ One person said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go”. Jesus’ response however was
far from what this person expected. Instead of answering, “Come so you will be blessed”,
Jesus said, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay
his head.” Jesus implied that there is difficulty in following Him. Is Jesus wrong in His answer?
No. He said this because he knew the heart of this man who only wanted to follow Him
because of blessings.

□ There are many Christians who have wrong motives for surrendering their lives to Christ.
Some follow Him because of the miracles they see (John 6:2) while others expect
material blessings in return (John 6:26).

□ This kind of commitment is very weak because when miracles or blessings cease, so does a
person’s walk with Christ. Even in Jesus’ time, this is the reason why many disciples turned
their backs on Him (John 6:66). Only those who really know Christ will remain in Him up to the
end (John 6:62-69).

2. Commitment after Ambitions

□ Jesus told one man, “Come, follow me” but the man answered, “Let me first bury my father”.
Jesus commanded him “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the
Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59-60). It is possible that this man’s father was not yet dead but was
about to die, and the son wanted to wait for the funeral before he would follow Jesus. But
Jesus told him that today is the day that he must start serving God and not tomorrow.

□ There are people who cannot commit to God and His ministry because they are too busy doing
things for themselves. Their usual response is, “Later after I finish my work.” They constantly
ignore what God wants them to do. For them, God’s will is not as important as their
personal ambitions. They promise to commit to God only when they have already achieved
their personal plans in life.

3. Partial Commitment

□ Another person again told Jesus, “I’ll follow you Lord, but let me first go back and say goodbye
to my family. Jesus replied, No one who puts his hand on the plow and looks back is fit for
service in the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:61).
 □ There are Christians who have already started sowing for the Kingdom, but they keep looking
back at the things of this world. There are still bondages in their lives making their testimony
ineffective. These are the black sheep in God’s family--Christians who are still enslaved by
demons and the world. They are what we call carnal or worldly Christians. They are not willing
to give up everything for the Lord.

4. Godly Commitment
Three characteristics of a Godly commitment
a. Commitment Without Condition
17
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive
crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no
cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Habakkuk 3:17-18

□ Either God will bless us or not, either He will answer our prayers or not, either He will
prosper us or not, we will still follow and serve Him. This is the kind of commitment Job
has (Job1:13-21).

b. Commitment to God’s Will

□ We are called to abandon our worldly desires and commit our lives to Him and to His
purpose (Mark 8:35). When we hear His call, we must immediately obey and follow Him.
Peter, James and John immediately left what they are doing when Jesus called them to
follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

c. Commitment without Turning Back

□ Before Elisha became Elijah’s servant, he removed everything that hinders him in
following his mentor by killing his 12 cows and by burning his plowing tools (1 Kings
19:19-21). Just like him, we too must destroy all the things that hold us back in
following Jesus. We must burn all things that may possibly entice us to turn our back
against the Lord. We must only have one ambition in this life: to follow God wherever
He leads us and to do His work no matter how difficult it is. This is true
commitment.

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. What is your motive in following God- to give or just to receive?
2. Among the four types of commitment, which one is yours?
3. Do you have the three qualities of a Godly commitment? Which one do you lack?
4. What must you do so that you will be more committed to the Lord?
 “COMMITMENT”
We wonder why there are many Christians who started well in their relationship with the Lord,
but their love for God turned cold in the long run. Some even returned to their former way of
living which they had already surrendered to the Lord. Others still continue to go to church, but
their hearts are already far from God. There are many possible reasons for this, but one
significant cause is their weak commitment to Him. We will now talk about four types of
commitment discussed in the passages of Luke 9: 57-62.

I. FOUR TYPES OF COMMITMENT

1. Commitment with a Condition
? One person said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go”. Jesus’ response however
was far from what this person expected. Instead of answering, “Come so you will be
blessed”, Jesus said, “Foxes have holes and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has
nowhere to lay his head.” Jesus implied that there is difficulty in following Him. Is Jesus
wrong in His answer? No. He said this because he knew the heart of this man who only
wanted to follow Him because of blessings.

? There are many Christians who have wrong motives for surrendering their lives to Christ.
Some follow Him because of the miracles they see (John 6:2) while others expect
material blessings in return (John 6:26).

? This kind of commitment is very weak because when miracles or blessings cease, so
does a person’s walk with Christ. Even in Jesus’ time, this is the reason why many
disciples turned their backs on Him (John 6:66). Only those who really know Christ will
remain in Him up to the end (John 6:62-69).

2. Commitment after Ambitions

? Jesus told one man, “Come, follow me” but the man answered, “Let me first bury my
father”. God commanded him “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim
the Kingdom of God” (Luke 9:59-60). It is possible that this man’s father was not yet dead
but was about to die, and the son wanted to wait for the funeral before he would follow
Jesus. But Jesus told him that today, not tomorrow, must he serve God.

? There are people who cannot commit to God and His ministry because they are too busy
with many things they do for themselves. Their usual response is, “Later after I finish my
work.” They constantly ignore what God wants them to do. For them, God’s will is not
as important as their personal ambitions. They promise to commit to God only when
they have already achieved their ambitions in life.
 LESSON 2
“LORDSHIP”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

9
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:11

The Lordship of Christ is one of the very important teachings in the Bible. The word “Lord” is written 7, 484
times in the Bible. It is written 618 times in the New Testament while the word “Savior” is mentioned 55 times
only. The Bible gives more weight to Lordship. The word Lord means master, the one who decides and enacts
what he wants.

I. LORDSHIP IS IMPORTANT IN SALVATION

Salvation starts with acknowledging Christ as Lord. To confess that Jesus is Lord means that we are
committing to Him and allowing Him to take charge of all aspects of our lives. If He is not the Lord of
everything in us, then He is not our Lord at all. We cannot just accept Him as Savior only. The Bible
says we will be saved if we accept Jesus Christ as Lord.
9
That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from
the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9

II. HIS LORDSHIP REQUIRES OBEDIENCE

Whoever accepts Jesus as Lord, he or she must do all that He commands. Outside confession is not enough.
If we profess that He is our Lord, then His Lordship must be seen in our obedient lives.
46
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?
Luke 6:46

"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the
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will of my Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 7:21

III. HIS LORDSHIP BEGINS IN THE HEART

Submitting to His Lordship does not mean running after religious traditions. Rather, Christ’s Lordship starts
in our hearts. This means our hearts are yielded to Him. If the confession of our mouth is real, then it must
be seen in our actions. Our declaration that Jesus is Lord starts from the inside out.

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks
15

you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect
1 Peter 3:15a
IV. HIS LORDSHIP LASTS

Our relationship with God begins with the acceptance of His Lordship over us. We must continue
submitting to His will for the rest of our lives. Acknowledging Him as Lord is not a single and passing
experience but a daily commitment. The more we know Him, the more we submit and humble ourselves
before Him.
 6
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7rooted and built up in him,
strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:6-7a

V. HIS LORDSHIP ENCOMPASSES ALL ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES

Jesus Christ should be Lord in our:

1. Relationship

Our respect of Him must be greater than any important person in our lives. We must obey Him above
others. Jesus said that if we have to compare our love for him and our love to our family, the latter is so
reduced to the point of hatred.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers
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and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.

Luke 14:26
2. Self

We must love God above ourselves. It is not we who are in charge but He. We must not anymore make
decisions against His will. Our decision then is to walk in His plans for us.

"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers
26

and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. 27And anyone who does not carry his cross
and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke: 14:26-27
3. Money
We must love God above the material things in this world. There are many Christians who fell because
of love of money, so they departed from the faith and experienced much sorrow (1 Timothy 6:10).
33
In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple
Luke 14:33

□ A true believer denies the self so that Christ becomes the Lord of his or her life. Apostle Paul
lived this truth. He said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in
me” (Galatians 2:20).

APPLICATION:

1. What aspect in your life where Christ is not yet the Lord (relationship, money, time, self)? Are you
ready to surrender it to Him?
2. What happens when Jesus takes charge of our lives? (discuss Gal. 2:20)
20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Galatians 2:20

3. How do you assess if money has become your master instead of Jesus Christ?
 LESSON 3
“INQUIRING OF THE LORD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

The Bible says that God gives grace to the humble, but he rejects the proud (James 4:6). God is against the
proud.

WHAT IS PRIDE?

The First Proud Creation

The first of God’s creation who had pride is the one of the chief angels of God--Lucifer (Ezekiel 28:12-17).
Because of his splendor and wisdom, he wanted to become like God (Isaiah 14:12-14). So he rebelled
against God bringing with him 1/3 of all the angels in heaven (Revelations 12:4). They are all living now
independent of God. This is pride- to live for the self. Pride is living separately from God. Pride started in
the heart of Lucifer who became the devil.

Adam Became Proud

The devil tempted the first man to disobey God, enticing that man to become like God (Genesis 3:4-5) and
live independently. (Only Almighty God who is the creator of all things is the one who is independent
because He does not rely with anyone). When Adam ate the forbidden fruit, he really became independent
from God. The first sin of man is pride. It is going after what the self wants and not what God wants.
Just like God, man already has his own basis of measuring what is right and what is wrong according to
 what he thinks (Genesis 3:22). He is already living apart from God, just like the devil. Indeed, he is
independent from God, but he is in bondage to the power of the devil (2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2).

Pride Was Passed On to All People

Because Adam did not repent, this wicked attitude was passed on to his descendants (Romans 5:12). A
sinful man is lost in the will of God, so he directs his own life (Isaiah 53:6). He relies on his own ability,
wisdom, knowledge and experience. He is filled with pride. Proud people believe that there is God, but they
lived only for themselves. They think they are so great that they do not anymore trust God. Worse, others
believe and preach that they are even god. A proud man trusts himself instead of God.

CURSED IS THE ONE WHO RELIES ON MAN’S STRENGTH

“5 This is what the LORD says: "Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength
and whose heart turns away from the LORD. 6 He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see
prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one
lives.”
Jeremiah 17:5-6
Destruction happens to a person who trusts in his or her own strength or another’s. We must understand that
we were not created to be alone, but to be with God. Cursed is the creation separated from the Creator.

BLESSED IS THE ONE WHO TRUSTS GOD

7
"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. 8He will be like a tree planted
by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always
green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8

A MAN WHO TRUSTS GOD CONSTANTLY SEEKS HIM

5
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6
in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6

A proud person depends on his or her wisdom, but a person who trusts God always seeks Him. A humble
person does not do ungodly things, so he or she constantly inquires of God. This person sees God as the one
who constantly guides. Finding out God’s will before making decisions is a sign of a humble heart. (We do
not need to inquire of God whether we do or not the things He already commanded in the Bible as well as
our responsibilities to ourselves, family, work, church, community and nation). We need to do things with
the wisdom and ability from God.

THE PRINCIPLE OF LISTENING BEFORE DOING

This principle was practiced by David when he was still living on earth. He was called “the man after God’s
own heart”. It is true that David had many weaknesses and failures, but we can see from the Bible that he
had trained himself to seek God first before he carried out decisions (1 Samuel 23: 3-5; 30:8). Because of
his principle of listening to God before doing things, he always won against his enemies.

Jesus also followed the same principle during Hs time on earth. He said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can
nothing by Himself; He can only do what He sees His Father is doing, because whatever the Father does, the
Son also does” (John 5:19). The needs around Him did not compel Jesus to do the things He did, but what
the Spirit of the Father urged Him to do (John 14:10). Jesus would not do anything except if it was the
Father’s will. He did not rely upon Himself but on the Father who loved Him (John 5:20).
WE NEED TO HEAR FROM GOD

Jesus is our model on how to live life on earth (1 John 2:6). We need to listen and recognize God’s voice for
us to effectively do His will. We must understand that no matter how noble are the things we do, they are
still dead works if they are not God’s will. We need to be clothed with humility by seeking God in all our
important decisions. We must give time to listen to the Holy Spirit because He leads us to victory,
prosperity and success.

APPLICATION:
1. Have you sought God in your decision-making? In what way?
2. Do you have time to listen to God’s voice that directs you?
3. Is there pride in your life?

LESSON 4
“THE VOICE OF GOD”
 DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

I. GOD WANTS TO TALK TO US

The Bible says God wants to have a relationship with the people He created in His own image. He spoke
both to the people in the Old and New Testament. He has revealed His character, ways, and will. Our God is
alive and He remains the same forever (Malachi 3:6). If so, He continues to speak to us today like He did in
the past. He invites us to personally listen to His voice. His commandment to the seven churches in
Revelation, which was to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit, is the same command for us today, “He who
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches!” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22).

II. WE CAN HEAR GOD

If God wants us to hear Him, this means that He also gives us the ability to hear His voice. Since we are one
with Christ, a new spirit has replaced our old self (Ezekiel 36:26). Therefore we can already hear His voice
because we have spiritual ears (Rev 2:7). All God’s children can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit (Romans
8:14, 6) in the same manner the sheep can recognize the voice of the shepherd.
27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
John 10:27

III. WHY DO WE NEED TO HEAR GOD?

1. To deepen our relationship with God

Without communication, a relationship cannot be intimate. We understand that prayer is not only talking
to God but also hearing from Him. There are times when we are the ones who talk to Him, and there are
times when we simply listen. Prophet Isaiah talked about his daily experiences of hearing from God,
“He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being taught” (Isaiah 50:4b).
Isaiah’s relationship with God is strong because he listened to His voice.

2. To be able to obey God and do His perfect will

4
When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they
know his voice.
John 10:4

17
Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Ephesians 5:17

3. To receive knowledge on the secret things of God

10
but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
1 Corinthians 2:10

III. GOD’S WAYS OF SPEAKING TO US

The Bible cites many instances of how God speaks to us. Let us discuss seven ways He communicates to
His children who have received His Spirit (Romans 8:15).
 1. Bible - God speaks to our lives through the Bible. While reading the Bible, the Holy Spirit gives us
living words that personally speak to us. Called the “rhema words”, they are very sharp that they pierce
the heart and soul (Hebrews 4:12). (To understand this fully, read Lesson 4 Maturity Series of Equipping
the Saints 1).

2. Inner voice - Because the Holy Spirit is already inside us, we can hear His voice (1 Corinthians 6:19;
Romans 8:14).

3. Peace of God - there are times when God leads us by a sense of peace in our spirits. The Holy Spirit
gives us exceptional peace as a sign that our decision is of God (Colossians 3:15).

4. Vision - Sometimes God gives a picture in our minds which He will use to talk about something to us
(Acts 10:9-13).

5. Dream - God also speaks to us through a dream, just as He did with Joseph (Matthew 1:20).

6. Spiritual Leaders - God also uses people, especially Godly leaders, to speak to us (Hebrews 13:17). It
is therefore important for us to respect our church leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

7. Circumstances - God can also use situations to reveal His message, like what happened to Jonah (Jonah
1:12).

IV. HOW TO HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD

Not all voices are of God, no matter how loud or clear it is. There are voices that belong to deceptive spirits
(1Timothy 4:1). We need to test if the voice we hear is of God, man or the devil. The voice must be…

1. Biblical

□ The voice must not contradict the principles in the Bible. The message of the voice is confirmed in the
Scriptures. The Bible is the measure on how we judge the voice (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

2. Exalts Jesus

□ If the voice we hear exalts a person, group or ministry more than Jesus Himself, this voice does not
belong to God. The Holy Spirit exalts Jesus Christ only and no one else (1 Corinthians 12:3).

3. Gives Inner Witness

□ The voice of God gives inner peace (Colossians 3:15) but the voice of the enemy brings sorrow and
confusion (Psalms 55:2-3).

4. Brings Confirmation
 □ The Bible says that every matter should be established by two or three witnesses (Matthew 18:16). If we
hear a voice, especially if it pertains to important decisions, we need to share it to others, especially the
spiritual leaders, for confirmation if it is of God or not.

V. THREE HINDRANCES WHY WE CAN’T HEAR FROM GOD

1. Worldliness

A Christian chained to worldly things can hardly hear the voice of God. What this person can hear is the
sinful nature and evil spirits that push him or her to wickedness. If we want to hear God, we need to repent
from sins that bind us. We need to remove the hindrances in our spiritual ears to be able to hear God clearly.

2. Unbelief

All in God’s Kingdom operate through faith. We are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8). We are called to
walk in faith (2 Corinthians 5:7). We receive in faith (Mark 11:24). Through faith we can please Him
(Hebrews 11:6). The same is true with our communication with God. We need to have faith that He speaks
to us if we call upon Him (Jeremiah 33:3; Proverbs 3:5-6). We also need faith to accept that what we hear is
from Him, and not from our selves only (1 Samuel 3:4-10).

3. Busyness

Busyness is the main reason why we can’t hear from God. Many Christians still believe that God still speaks
to us today; however, they have no time to listen. They are filled with so many activities, but they don’t
prioritize God. In their prayers, it is always they that speak. We need to give time to listen to Him, just like
Mary so that we won’t be filled with worry and weariness like what happened to Martha (Luke 10:38-42).

VI. GOD SPEAKS AT ALL TIMES AND IN ALL SITUATIONS

We are called to pray at all times (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This means constant communication with God.
Our Heavenly Father desires to speak to His children. God is really a conversationalist because He wants a
living relationship with us.

VII. WE CAN HEAR ANYWHERE AND ANY TIME

If we have a strong relationship with God, we can hear from Him anywhere even if we have not asked for it.
This is what happened to Phillip (Acts 8:26-30), Ananias (Acts 9:10-17, Peter 10:9-11), Paul and Barnabas
(Acts 13:2) and Paul (Acts 16:6-10) to name a few in the book of Acts. As long as our relationship with God
is right, then we can tune in to His voice.

APPLICATION:

1. Have you heard God’s voice? Is it always or rarely?

 2. Which among the three hindrances on hearing His voice is found in you?
3. Do we really need to hear from God in making big decisions? Why?

LESSON 5
“FOUR WAYS OF LIVING”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

There are four ways how one can live his or her life here on earth. Among the four, three of these are faulty
because they are not what God intends for us. All the people in this world manage their lives according to any
of these four.

1. TO WASTE LIFE
1
Now the tax collectors and "sinners" were all gathering around to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and the
teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." 3Then Jesus told them
this parable: 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the
ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luke 15:1-4

□ There are people who have wasted their strength, wealth and time just like the son we have read in the
above passage. They are caught in different vices in the world. Their money and time are wasted with
useless activities like drunkenness, substance abuse, gambling, illicit sex and other wicked things. They
are chained by many sins. These people are not only wasting their lives but also bring harm to their
future and families. Their lives are very troublesome because they are living in darkness. Sinfulness
brings us to misery, just like what happened to the younger son in the parable. It is time to wake up and
return to our Heavenly Father in order to gain new life.

2. TO LIVE FOR ONE’S SELF

19
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20At his
gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21and longing to eat what fell from the rich
man's table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
Luke 16:19-21

□ The rich man in this passage sinned against God. His sin is not because he is rich or living comfortably.
His sin is his indifference to the needy around him.

□ Many people, whether rich or poor, have this fault: indifference to the needs of others. God called them
“goats” (Matthew 25:32, 41-45). They do not know how to care for others; worse they use others for
their personal gain. They even want to use God to achieve their ambitions and self-interests.

□ Their vision is to get rich and glorify themselves, but they have no time to prosper spiritually. In a
parable, Jesus mentioned about this type of person whom He called “fool”, Luke 12:16-21:
 16
And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17He thought
to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.' 18"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I
will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19And
I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and
be merry." ' 20"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then
who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21"This is how it will be with anyone who stores up
things for himself but is not rich toward God."

3. TO LIVE FOR EARTHLY GOALS

1
Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. 2For I can
testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. 3Since they
did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not
submit to God's righteousness.
Romans 10:1-3

□ The above passage shows Apostle Paul praying to God for the salvation of his fellow Jews. Their
zealous service to God was in vain because it was not based on the truth. They did not know God’s
righteous ways so they depended on human effort (Romans 10:3).

□ This third type of people has concern and service for the needy. The problem, however, lies in their
earthly motive. Their motive in serving others is to glorify self and not God. Their ways are in conflict
to God’s principles in the Bible. Their goal is to uplift their group, doctrines or leaders. This kind of
worship is dead in God’s sight even if it looks pleasant to others.

4. TO LIVE ACCORDING TO GOD’S PLAN

8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said,
"Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8

□ The fourth type of living is to submit to God’s will so that His plan be fulfilled on earth. This is what the
Prophet Isaiah did in his time. He said, “Here I am. Send me.”

We need to abandon all hindrances to our faith and surrender our selves to God, so He can effectively
use us for His purposes (2 Timothy 2:21). We can only achieve true freedom if we allow ourselves to be
of God’s disposal. True satisfaction is found in the center of God’s perfect will.
APPLICATION:
1. Among the four ways of living, which one do you practice?
2. Are you ready to deny your earthly desires in order to obey God’s call?

LESSON 6
“SMALL GROUP”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

One habit we must keep doing is to get together with fellow believers. Fellowship is needed so we will not stray
from God and remain in Him until Jesus returns. The Bible says:
 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and
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all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25

TWO PLACES FOR GATHERING

There were two places where the believers in the New Testament gathered. One was in the temple (big
group) and the other one was in the home (small group).
46
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate
together with glad and sincere hearts,
Acts 2:46
42
Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming
the good news that Jesus is the Christ.[a]
Acts 5:42

SMALL GROUPS AT HOME

Many Christians today only see each other on Sundays. All the gatherings they attend are only big meetings.
Though this is not wrong, this is not enough. There are important things we can gain from small meetings
that are not found in big gatherings. We can see in the Bible that the Christians constantly met at their
homes.
20
You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you
publicly and from house to house.
Acts 20:20
5
Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to
Christ in the province of Asia.
Romans 16:5

The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla [a] greet you warmly in the
19

Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

1 Corinthians 16:19

15
Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.
Colossians 4:15
1
Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker,
2
to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier and to the church that meets in your home:
Philemon 1-2

THE PURPOSES OF THE SMALL GROUP

Our small group gathering which we call “cell group” or “Bible study” has a purpose, otherwise it is a dead
group. We will now discuss four purposes of the small group.

1. Evangelism - Through a small group located in a community, the unsaved can know God. Bringing the
lost to the Lord is the main purpose of the cell group. Without this vision, the group will eventually die.
All members of the cell group must have compassion to the people around them who have not yet
received salvation. We need to invite these people to our group so they too will be born again.
 2. Discipleship - The purpose of the cell group is not only to save the lost but also to cultivate the faith of
those who are young in the Lord. In the small group, every individual can be taught how to mature in
their Christian lives. In the small group too, there is newness of attitudes and habits.

3. Edification - There is strengthening of one another in the cell group. There are times when a Christian
becomes weak, but he or she can receive encouragement from Christian friends. Everyone is being
looked after in a small group.

4. Raising of Leaders - Because of the many souls to be saved and discipled, there is a need for more
laborers. The cell group then is the best place to raise new leaders. In the cell group, each member is
being equipped to become a leader. Each member then must see himself or herself as having a potential
of a leader who will soon be in charge of his or her own cell group. It is therefore important for all
Christians to attend trainings given by the local church to all members for them to become effective
leaders.

ACTIVITIES IN THE CELL GROUP

1. Welcome - This is the time of knowing and making friends among the group. This is also the time of
listening to testimonies and thanksgiving. (person to person)

2. Worship - This is the time of worshipping God through songs. (person to God)

3. Word - This is the time when we allow God to speak to us through the Bible. We use lessons in order to
have a clear step-by-step approach of receiving God’s word. (God to person)

4. Work - This the time of planning and praying for people who are not yet in the Lord and in the cell
group. (person to person)

APPLICATION:

1. How has the cell group helped you? Name three.

2. Do you desire to lead your own cell group when the time comes?
 LESSON 7
“THE CHURCH”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

And I tell you that you are Peter, [a] and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades [b] will not
18

overcome it.[c]
Matthew 16:18b

I. WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THE WORD “CHURCH”?

□ The word “Church” in Greek is “ekklesia” which means “the called out ones” in English. We are the church
because in Christ, we are called from death to everlasting life, from sin to righteousness, and from the hands
of the devil to the family of God. The Church is not the building but the people who are walking in the light
of Christ.

II. WHAT MUST WE DO TO BE PART OF THE CHURCH?

praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who
47

were being saved.

Acts 2:47b

□ We can read from the above passage that people who got saved were added to the early Church. This means
that one needs to be saved to be among God’s people. We don’t join a church to be saved; rather we have
to be saved first before we can be part of the church.

□ In what way can we be saved? Only Jesus Christ can save us, and there is no other way. Only through faith
in Him can we receive salvation (Acts 16:30-31). Through the blood of Christ, we are saved from our sins
and become one with God and His family called the church (Acts 20:28). If we are saved, then we are part
of the group who are “called”.

□ Jesus Christ is the door of the church of God (John 10:9). We don’t join the church to be one in Christ,
instead we need to be united with Christ first before we join His people. We need to be one with the Head of
the church who is Christ before we become part of the “body of Christ”.

III.WHERE CAN WE USE THE WORD “CHURCH”?

There are two ways the word “church” is used among Christians.

1. This can be used to mean all people who are part of the body of Christ. This is the universal church
made up of all Christians. This is the body referred by Jesus Christ when He said, “…I will build my
church…” (Matthew 16:18). This is also the church described in the Bible as the body of Christ
(Ephesians 1:22-23). All God’s children called from darkness into light belong to this church
(Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9-10).

2. Church can also be used to mean the Christians who are only part of the whole of God’s people. This
term can be used for Christians who gather in small groups (Romans 16:5), for one local church
(Matthew 18:17; 1 Timothy 3:5), and for all believers in one place (Acts 8:3; 20:28, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1
Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:1).

IV. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH AND THE LOCAL
CHURCH?

1. The universal church is the whole body of Christ while the local church is just a part of it. All Christians
in the world are part of the universal church.
2. The local church is led by people placed there by God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4) but the universal
church is governed only by the Head who is Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:22).
3. The local church is the visible church while the universal church is the invisible one. The universal
church is manifested through the local churches.

A. ARE ALL LOCAL CHURCHES PART OF THE UNIVERSAL CHURCH?

□ No. Just like the fact that false servants of Christ exist, so do false local churches. Not all churches
that proclaim God are part of the universal church. There are many false churches around us.

B. HOW TO IDENTIFY A TRUE LOCAL CHURCH?

There are five signs of a true local church:

1. Jesus is the Savior

□ In the true church of Jesus Christ, the free gift of salvation is experienced by all members. The
members live in Christ and are sure of eternal life after death (Philippians 1:21). They also preach
the message of salvation to all who are still unsaved (Acts 5:42).

□ In the false church, most of the members and even the leaders have no assurance of salvation. They
strive hard to be saved through good works. They have not received “grace through faith”
(Ephesians 2:8-9).

2. Only Jesus is Lifted Up

□ In the true church where the Holy Spirit dwells, Jesus Christ is the only one lifted up (1 Corinthians
12:3) and not any person or any group. Jesus Christ is acknowledged as the one who became flesh as
a sacrifice for our sins. He is the center of worship and praise. He is the God and leader of the
church.
 3. Jesus Lives and Moves

□ A true church experiences the Living Presence of God. There are changes that can be seen in the
lives of the members. The fruits of the Holy Spirit can be recognized among many (Galatians 5:22-
23). They can also always experience miracles as a result of God’s Living Presence in their midst
(Acts 2:43; 3:1-10; 4:31; 5:12-16; 6:8).

□ In the false churches, there are no positive changes in the lives of the members; rather they are
chained by many vices and sins. Their meetings are dry and lifeless. They have religion but no
relationship with the Living God. They know God only in their minds, but they have no personal
experience with Him.

4. All of God’s Words are Followed

□ A true church follows all the commands and principles of the Bible. The Bible is the ultimate
authority all the members believe and follow (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The members are taught to trust
the Scriptures as the light in their paths (Psalm 119:105). They see the Bible as the word of God and
not as of man. The Bible is above the church. Whatever the Bible says, they follow.

□ In the false church, the principles and thoughts of man are given more value than the Bible. Though
they believe the Bible, they select what principles they want to accepts as the ones coming from
God. Moreover, what they accept are those they like only. They see the Bible as under the authority
of the church. They believe that the church leader is the final authority who must be followed.

5. God is Worshipped in Spirit and In Truth (John 4:23-24)

□ Worship in the true church is founded on the “spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24). This means that the
worship comes from the heart and guided by the Spirit, and the conduct of worship is Biblical.

□ False churches worship through tradition. They do religious acts because they are used to them.
Their worship is not heartfelt because they don’t understand much what they are doing (Matthew
15:8). Also, many of their ways are based on human principles (Matthew 15:9).

V. DO WE NEED TO BE PART OF THE TRUE CHURCH?

□ We must be! Just as we need a good home to become “normal” persons, we also need a good “spiritual
home” to become “normal” Christians. There are many of God’s children who are still immature even if
they have been with Him for a long time because they are not planted in a living, strong and flourishing
local church. They are planted in dead groups and religions where the Holy Spirit cannot be found and the
Word is not completely preached.

VI. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING PLANTED IN THE TRUE CHURCH?

1. We are established - Because of God’s Presence, we receive rest and peace (Haggai 2:9).

2. We are taken cared of - Because the leader of the local church has real concern for all the members,
then we are taken cared of.
 3. We grow and change - Because the group belongs to God, there is life and complete spiritual
nourishment. These lead us to a life of constant growth and fruitfulness (Read Psalms 92:12-14).

4. We can endure - Because of God, righteous leaders with real concern, and loving fellow members, we
can keep going with Him.

5. We can be used by God - A real church teaches and equips its members so they can respond to God’s
call for ministry.

APPLICATION:
1. What new things have you learned in this lesson? Give two.
2. Can you say that the local church where you attend is a true and living church?
3. What’s the relationship with our obedience to God and our being planted in a true church?

LESSON 8
“WORK”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

2
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he was a
tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying
to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself
exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.[a]
Acts 18:2-5

We can read from above verses that Apostle Paul made tents for the whole week except for the rest day when
preached in the synagogues. Before his financial help from Macedonia arrived, he worked so that he could
support himself and his ministry. One has to understand the real value of work. We will now discuss three
things why it is important to work.

IF WE WORK….

1. Our needs will be met

Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily
14

necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Titus 3:14
□ God blesses the work of our hands (Deuteronomy 28:8, 12). Through good income, we can provide for
our daily needs, and we don’t have to rely on others in order to survive. King David said that he has
already become old, but he has not seen a righteous person forgotten by God and his children begging
for food (Psalms 37:25-26). A diligent person will not go hungry (Proverbs 10:4; 12:11; 14:23).

2. We become good examples to others

8
nor did w56e eat anyone’s food without paying for it, On the contrary, we worked night and day. Laboring
and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9We did this, not because we do not have the
right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10For even when we were with
you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:8-10

□ A lazy person, aside from suffering much, will not also be a good example to others. The Bible does not
encourage laziness, in fact Apostle Peter said, “If a man will not work, he shall not eat”.

3. We become effective in serving God

2
There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife
Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and because he
was a tentmaker as they were, he stayed and worked with them. 4Every Sabbath he reasoned in the
synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks
Acts 18:2-4

□ Work is not a hindrance in our service to the Lord; rather it is an instrument of an effective service to
God. We work so we can serve God. Our purpose in working is to support ourselves, family and
ministry. We can make our work a support system in doing God’s will of saving and changing others,
like what Apostle Paul did (Acts18:2-4).

□ Our work must not be a wall but a bridge in accomplishing God’s call for us. If our work stops us from
serving God, then we should look for another job. Or maybe, we just need a proper time management to
balance quality time for our family, work and ministry. We have to ask the Holy Spirit to help us set our
priorities right because God does not give us work that hinders His call in our lives.

4. We can help the needy

8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,
you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8

□ Through work we can provide for our needs as well as the needs of others. God commands us to help the
poor and needy (Matthew 26:35-45; James 1:27). However, how can we help them if we ourselves do
not have enough income? How can we prosper if we don’t work?

□ God intends us to be the lender and not the borrower (Deuteronomy 28:12). God wants us to prosper
financially so we can help those who have needs. It is not right for us to ask only for ourselves and our
family. Too much money becomes wrong when our heart and motive for asking are not right with God.
 □ When we help the needy, the Holy Spirit guides us in doing so. We are not called to provide for all the
needs in this world but only those commanded by God. Only what God says, then we must do. We must
make sure that when we help others, they should not become lazy or “parasites”. There are times when
we give fish, but there is also a time to help others how to fish.

5. We can support ministries of the Lord

10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the
LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing
that you will not have room enough for it.
Malachi 3:10a

□ If we have good jobs, then we can give much to the local church through our tithes and offerings. If we
have big income, we can also support God’s missionaries through our special offerings, just like what
the Philippians gave to Apostle Paul (Philippians 4:14-18).

TWO TYPES OF WORK

1. Working for others (employee)

Advantages of being an employee
a. Stable daily wage
b. Stable monthly income

2. Working for one’s self (self-employed)

Advantages of being self-employed
a. There is a possibility for our income to greatly increase
b. We can do what want since we are the boss
c. We can enlarge our business
d. We are the one in-charge with our time

WAYS TO FIND THE RIGHT JOB:

1. Make right our relationship with God (Romans 12:1-2).
2. Realize what are the things we desire or want to do (Psalms 37:4)
3. See what we have in our hands-ability and skill (Deuteronomy 8:18).
4. Listen to God’s guidance and see what opportunities He is opening for us (Proverbs 3:5-6; Revelations
3:7).

WARNINGS TO REMEMBER WHILE WORKING

1. Watch out that we don’t fall into the danger of loving money (1 Timothy 6:10).
2. Watch out that we don’t stray from our service to God (Matthew 6:24).
3. Watch out also that we don’t take our jobs for granted for the sake of the ministry. If our support is taken
from us, so is our ministry. We need to maintain a balanced life. We need to put God first, family
second, work third and the ministry follows. Why must work be above the ministry? As mentioned
earlier, work is the support system of the ministry so it must be prioritized first.

FOUR TYPES OF MEMBERS IN THE LOCAL CHURCH

 1. One who has money because of work but has no ministry
2. One who has ministry but not money because there is no work
3. One who has no money and no ministry
4. One who has both money and ministry

APPLICATION:

1. Cite three things that speak to you in this lesson? Why?

2. Among the four types of members in the church, which one are you? Among the four, which one is
right?

LESSON 9
“SERVANT OF GOD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

5
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider
equality with God something to be grasped, 7but made himself nothing, taking the very nature[b] of a servant,
being made in human likeness. 8And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became
obedient to death—even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8

RECEIVE THE MIND OF CHRIST

We are commanded to receive the mind of Christ (v. 5) because our minds have been bombarded with the
principles of this world. Through the media, we receive many false beliefs and doctrines. Even in our
homes, schools, government and traditional churches, we receive teachings in conflict with the Bible. There
are many good things we enjoy in these institutions, but there are also plenty of garbage there that can
destroy us. This is mainly the reason why we are called to renew our minds in Christ (Romans 12:2).

GOD WHO HUMBLED HIMSELF AND BECAME A SERVANT

Philippians 2:6-8 tell us that Jesus Christ did not use His power as God, instead he became man. He was a
person who received the attitude of a servant. He said that He came not to be served but to serve (Matthew
20:28). All His activities were in accordance to the Father’s will (John 15: 19-20). The mind of Christ when
He came to earth was set on obeying the Father’s will-to save the whole world (John 3:16; Luke 19:10). He
served by dying on the cross to redeem the sins of the world and to save all sinners (John 1:29). He was the
only one worthy to pay for our sins because He was sinless (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22). He humbled
Himself and became the instrument and servant of the Father.

A TRUE CHILD OF GOD SERVES

We who are also children of God must become servants. We don’t serve to become God’s children, rather,
because we are His children (through faith in Jesus Christ), then we serve our Heavenly Father. We are
called to daily deny ourselves and carry our own cross (Luke 9:23). The cross represents our individual
responsibilities in God’s Kingdom. We are entrusted to carry on the work of Jesus in calvary (Luke 24:47).
We are the ones to implement what He finished in calvary.

DIAKONO OR DOULOS

One mark of a mature Christian is neither how long he or she has known the Lord nor his or her knowledge
of the Bible but the person’s capacity to carry out responsibilities in the ministry. All mature Christians
naturally serve God. There are two Greek words for the word “servant”-- diakono or doulos. A Christian
who serves can either be these two.

WHAT THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DIAKONO AND A DOULOS?

1. Diakono - a Christian who serves God according to how he or she wants to serve Him. This Christian
chooses what he or she can serve to the body of Christ. Many times the Diakono looks at what can be
received in return for the service. He or she wants to be praised for all his or her good deeds. All
servants of God started as a Diakono.

2. Doulos - a servant of God who denies the self in the desire to follow only the will of God. He or she is
not anymore interested with praises or rewards. As long as he or she pleases the Master, the Doulos is
already satisfied. A doulos freely binds himself or herself to the Master. His or her life and honor is in
the Master Himself.
THE SERVANT OF GOD
(Exodus 5-6)
2
"If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without
paying anything.
Exodus 21:2

Four things about a servant:

1. Servanthood is a result of the servant’s great love to the Master. Our service to God is not forced
but it stems from the heart. This is the result of our great love to Him who redeemed us from the
punishment of our sins (Galatians 2:20). We love Him because we know that He first loved us (1 John
4:19).

2. A servant only serves in the family of the Master. The home of the Master is also the servant’s home.
This means that the servant does not need to build his own home and family. All his services are
centered in God’s family (Haggai 1:2-9).

3. A servant listens and obeys only the voice of the Master. The ear of the servant will be pierced by the
Master to symbolize that the servant will listen only to Him. A true servant of God does not anymore
follow the self, others or even situations. His or her spiritual ears belong to God alone. The servant’s
desire is to obey God’s will in all situations and all times (Ephesians 5:15-17; Romans 12:2; James 4:13-
15).

4. A servant serves for the rest of his or her life. Once the servant’s ear has been pierced, he remains a
servant for the rest of his life. A doulos is God’s servant forever. There is no retirement in God’s service.
We must serve God until Jesus returns (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).

APPLICATION:

1. What do you call a son or a daughter who has no concern for the family of God?
2. Have you received the mind of Christ when He came to earth for our behalf?
3. Are you ready to be His servant? Are you ready to obey anything He calls you to do?
4. Are the things you do focused on the progress of God’s family?
 LESSON 10
“THE SOLDIER OF GOD”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

3
When all the elders of Israel had come to King David at Hebron, the king made a compact with them at
Hebron before the LORD, and they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he
became king, and he reigned forty years.
2 Samuel 5:3-4
Why did God’s King enlarge in the time of King David?
1. God was in the life of David
2. David obeyed the call of God
3. There were noble soldiers behind David
What kind of people approached David and became noble soldiers?
2
All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader.
About four hundred men were with him.
1 Samuel 22:2
1. Problematic people
2. People in debt
3. Discontented people

□ We must not see ourselves as who we are now, but we must focus on what God can do for us in the future!

Characteristics of David’s three most mighty men:

1. Josheb-Basshebeth
8
These are the names of David's mighty men: Josheb-Basshebeth, [a] a Tahkemonite, [b] was chief of the
Three; he raised his spear against eight hundred men, whom he killed [c] in one encounter.
2 Samuel 23:8

□ Passionately used what he had no matter how insignificant

Josheb-Bashebeth killed 800 enemies using only a single weapon in one fight. God wants to use whatever
we have no matter how small it seems. Can God use a Christian who has only one verse to save 800 souls?
Yes indeed! No matter how small our weapon is, it can still accomplish much.
The devil’s strategy is to magnify our lack and weaknesses and hide our strengths. The truth is we have
received so much from the Father because of Christ who is with us. The Bible says, Praise be to the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual
blessing in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

2. Eleazar
9
Next to him was Eleazar son of Dodai the Ahohite. As one of the three mighty men, he was with David
when they taunted the Philistines gathered at Pas Dammim [a] for battle. Then the men of Israel retreated, 10
but he stood his ground and struck down the Philistines till his hand grew tired and froze to the sword. The
LORD brought about a great victory that day. The troops returned to Eleazar, but only to strip the dead.
2 Samuel 23:9-10

□ Stands firm in the midst of many problems

In the midst of a heated battle, only Eleazar did not retreat among David’s men, so God gave them victory.
Let the problems retreat but not us. There is no problem that can destroy us unless we allow it. We must not
retreat. We must keep on!

Why some left the ministry?

i. Fear- fear of failure, fear of men and fear of more responsibilities

ii. Conflict and misunderstanding with fellow servants
iii. Disillusionment and confusion with the church system
iv. Discouragement and lukewarmness
v. Lack of trust with the leader of the group

No matter what happens, we must not turn our backs on God’s call. We need to be like Paul who said, “…I
was not disobedient to the vision from heaven” (Acts 26:19).

□ Ready to sacrifice his life for the master

Eleazar did not run for his life because He defended his leader David. He was ready to die for his master.
The worst thing is for the soldier to kill the master instead! We can praise Shem and Japhet, the sons of
Noah who covered the nakedness of their father but not Ham who took advantage of his father’s weakness
(Genesis 9:18-23). Children who defend their Father are blessed but those who don’t are cursed (Genesis
9:24-27).

3. Shammah
11
Next to him was Shammah son of Agee the Hararite. When the Philistines banded together at a place
where there was a field full of lentils, Israel's troops fled from them. 12 But Shammah took his stand in the
middle of the field. He defended it and struck the Philistines down, and the LORD brought about a great
victory.
2 Samuel 23:11-12

□ Has a sense of ownership with his work

 Shammah did not leave the field planted with beans when the Philistines banded there. He considered it as
his own because he was the one who planted the field. We need to recognize that it is God and not just
someone who called us for the ministry. God entrusted us with such responsibility, and we must give our
lives for it.

□ Has a sense of accountability

The comrades of Shammah ran when the Philistines came because they did not understand that they were
entrusted with the field. Whatever would happen to it, they would be held accountable. If we know that God
has assigned us for a certain task, we work hard to produce fruits.

We must not hide away our God-given talents; instead we must use them to succeed. In the Day of
Judgment, what we want to hear from our Master are the words, “Well done though good and faithful
servant. Because you can be entrusted with little, I will entrust you with much” and not the words, “Useless
and lazy servant! Throw this worthless servant outside, into the darkness where there will be weeping and
gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25: 14-30).

APPLICATION:

1. Give two things you learn in this lesson. Discuss

2. What do you call a soldier who has no concern over his or her responsibilities?
3. Do you accept that you are God’s soldier called to implement His Kingdom and will on earth? (2
Timothy 2:3-4)

LESSON 11
“BLESSING OTHERS”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

Our blessings in Christ are not only for ourselves but also for those are not yet saved. God saved us first so that
those who are still lost will also be saved. We are blessed so we can become blessings. How can we bless
others?
1. HOLINESS

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your
12

good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

1 Peter 2:12

□ Through our changed lives, we can bless people who surround us. Because of our oneness with the
branch (Jesus), we can bear fruits of the Holy Spirit (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23). Our godly living is
our most effective message to the unsaved that Christ is here and He is with us. Before we can
preach the good news, it must be first seen in our lives.

2. FRIENDSHIP
19
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
20
To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law
(though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I
became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as
to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to
all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22

□ Apostle Paul knew how to deal with different people to effectively bring them to Christ. He knew how
to relate with all people, whether religious or sinner, strong or weak. This does not mean though that he
also sinned to win the sinners. The Bible clearly states that he lived victoriously against sins and
temptations (1 Thessalonians 2:10; Galatians 2:20). What he did was to befriend the sinners. Even Jesus
Christ in his time did not avoid sinners, but he related with them that they might be saved (Matthew
9:10-12). He was called the “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34). We are called “the light of the world”
(Matthew 5:14; Ephesians 5:8). The light does not run away from the darkness, rather it goes to
those in darkness that they may be enlightened!

3. SERVICE

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your
16

Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16

□ One way to effectively bless others is to serve them. Many people want to be served. But our Lord Jesus
Christ left us with an example that it is better for us to serve than to be served (John 13:13-17; Matthew
20:28). A pure religion takes care of the needy (James 1:27; Galatians 2:10). To serve others is to
minister to their needs whether physical, financial, emotional, mental or spiritual. If we serve someone,
we are touching this person’s heart making it possible for him or her to be open to the good news.

4. TESTIMONY
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may
declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9
 □ All of God’s children have something to say on how God is so good in their lives. Each Christian has a
testimony. This testimony must be shared to others so they too will be blessed. Wherever Apostle Paul
went, he always testified what he was like before he knew God, how did he encounter God and how he
was changed by God (Acts 22: 2-21; 26:2-23). These three, 1) our past, 2) how we met Jesus Christ and
3) who we are in Christ now are very important details we must include in sharing our testimony. A
Christian with a personal experience with the Lord cannot stop testifying to others (Acts 4:19-20).

5. EVANGELISM
 15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Mark 16:15

□ Evangelism is bringing the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to the unsaved. This is God’s
commandment (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47) obediently followed by the early church (Acts 5:42) and
must still be followed by all Christians today. A true disciple is not only committed to his or her
relationship with God but also in spreading the good news to the lost (Mark 8:35).

APPLICATION:
1. Among the five ways of blessing others, which one you want to start doing?
2. What is the meaning of “don’t be equally yoke with the unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6: 14)? Does this
mean that we must not befriend the sinners?
3. Is it possible for a true disciple to commit to his or relationship with God but not to the Great
Commission of saving others?
LESSON 12 “BLESSING OTHERS”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

Our blessings in Christ are not only for ourselves but also for those who are not yet saved. God saved
us first so that those who are still lost will also be saved. We are blessed so we can become
blessings. How can we bless others?

6. HOLINESS

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may
12

see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
1 Peter 2:12

□ Through our changed lives, we can bless people who surround us. Because of our oneness
with the vine (Jesus), we can bear fruits of the Holy Spirit (John 15:5; Galatians 5:22-23). Our
godly living is our most effective message to the unsaved that Christ is here and He is
with us. Before we can preach the good news, it must be first seen in our lives.

7. FRIENDSHIP
19
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as
possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became
like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law.
21
To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from
God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I
became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I
might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22
 □ Apostle Paul knew how to deal with different people to effectively bring them to Christ. He
knew how to relate with all people, whether religious or sinner, strong or weak. This does not
mean though that he also sinned to win the sinners. The Bible clearly states that he lived
victoriously against sins and temptations (1 Thessalonians 2:10; Galatians
2:20). What he did was to befriend the sinners. Even Jesus Christ in his time did not avoid
sinners, but he related with them that they might be saved (Matthew 9:10-12). He was called
the “friend of sinners” (Luke 7:34). We are called “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14;
Ephesians 5:8). The light does not run away from the darkness, rather it goes to those in
darkness that they may be enlightened!

8. SERVICE

In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
16

your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16

□ One way to effectively bless others is to serve them. Many people want to be served. But our
Lord Jesus Christ left us with an example that it is better for us to serve than to be served
(John 13:13-17; Matthew 20:28). A pure religion takes care of the needy (James 1:27;
Galatians 2:10). To serve others is to minister to their needs whether physical, financial,
emotional, mental or spiritual. If we serve someone, we are touching this person’s heart
making it possible for him or her to be open to the good news.

9. TESTIMONY
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that
you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9

□ All of God’s children have something to say on how God is so good in their lives. Each
Christian has a testimony. This testimony must be shared to others so they too will be blessed.
Wherever Apostle Paul went, he always testify what he was like before he knew God, how did
he encounter God and how he was changed by God (Acts 22: 2-21; 26:2-23). These three, 1)
our past, 2) how we met Jesus Christ and 3) who we are in Christ now are very important
details we must include in sharing our testimony. A Christian with a personal experience with
the Lord cannot stop testifying to others (Acts 4:19-20).

10. EVANGELISM
 15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.
Mark 16:15

□ Evangelism is bringing the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ to the unsaved. This is God’s
commandment (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:46-47) obediently followed by the early church (Acts
5:42) and must still be followed by all Christians today. A true disciple is not only committed to
his or her relationship with God but also in spreading the good news to the lost (Mark 8:35).

APPLICATION:
4. Among the five ways of blessing others, which one you want to start doing?
 5. What is the meaning of “don’t be equally yoke with the unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6: 14)? Does
this mean that we must not befriend the sinners?
6. Is it possible for a true disciple to commit to his or relationship with God but not to the Great
Commission of saving others?

“MULTIPLYING ONESELF”
DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

27
So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.
28
God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule
over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground."
Genesis 1:27-28

i. God’s Intention and Plan

God made us in His own so we can understand Him. He wanted to relate with us. God is not understood by
His other creations (animals, fish, birds, vegetation, etc.) because they were not made in God’s image. Only
man and woman are made in the likeness of God. He or she can understand God, and God can understand
him or her. God did not intend for Adam and Eve to be His only offspring, but He desired to have many
more. So He commanded them to bear many children to fill the whole earth.

ii. The Devil Twisted God’s Plan

The devil cannot touch God, but he can hurt God by destroying His plans. He deceived the first woman and
used her to tempt the first man (Genesis 3:1-7; 1 Timothy 2: 14). This was where the devil succeeded in
driving man away from the plan and glory of God.

iii. The Result of Sin in the First Man

When man sinned against God, his relationship with Him was cut off and his relationship with the devil
started (1 John 3:8). The Spirit of God left him and evil spirits dwelt inside him (Matthew 12:43-45). The
blessings of God departed and the curse arrived. The authority that God gave to man was lost, so worldly
things dominated him. The image of God in him was lost, and the characteristics of the devil overtook him
(John 8:37-44).

iv. Sinners Dominate the Earth

Sin was passed on to all people after the first man and woman sinned (Romans 5:12). People who were
supposed to be God’s children became the children of the devil (1 John 3:10). It is true that all people came
from God but because of sin, all people became slaves of evil spirits (Ephesians 2:2). Because of what
Adam did, Satan became the god of this world fallen into darkness (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19). Instead
of God’s children taking charge of the whole earth, the children of the devil inhabited it. The wicked spread
in the whole world (Galatians 3:22).

v. Jesus Came to Defeat the Devil and Save His Creation

Jesus came to destroy the work of the enemy (1 John 3:8; Acts 10:38). He preached everywhere that the
Kingdom of Heaven is already on earth (Matthew 4:17). He spread the power of the Kingdom through
miracles. He went to the cross to defeat death and strip darkness of its power (Colossians 2:15). There in the
cross He took upon Himself the punishment of our sins that we may gain freedom.
vi. Jesus’ Strategy of Regaining the Nations

When God wanted His children to multiply in the world, He started with only two people-Adam and Eve.
When the devil opposed Him, His goal and strategy remained the same- to multiply His children
through a small group. Before Jesus went to the cross, he took enough time to produce 12 disciples (Mark
3:13-15). Jesus came to save the whole world, and His strategy was to raise and equip strong disciples. They
were very committed believers who would continue what their Master started (Matthew 24:14).

vii. All Believers are Called to Become Disciples

It is not enough that we are saved. It is very important that the image of God in us stolen by the devil be
returned (2 Corinthians 3:18). We need to be disciples of Christ. This means that we must live out the
teachings of Jesus Christ (John 8:31) that we may be like Him. This is what the Father intends us to be
(Romans 8:29). A disciple is a copy of his or her Teacher who is Jesus Christ.

viii. All Disciples Need a Spiritual Father

All are called to be under a “spiritual father” to become a mature Christian. This is the relationship of
Joshua to Moses (Exodus 33:11), Elisha to Elijah (2 Kings 2:2) Paul to Barnabas (Acts 11:25-26), Timothy
to Apostle Paul (2 Timothy 2:2), and Mark to Peter (1 Peter 5:13). No one will become a disciple if he or
she will not submit to a discipler.

ix. All Christians are Called to Make Disciples

Jesus left this earth with a commandment to His disciples to make more disciples who will also make some
more disciples. This process will go on and on until all nations will be filled with them.

x. Through Us, God’s Offspring will Increase

God did not only call us to grow mature in Him, but we also need to give birth (evangelism) and raise many
disciples. A disciple is like Jesus Christ, and God wants many disciples through us. Just as we follow Christ,
let us also encourage others to follow us, like what Apostle Paul said, “…imitate me as I imitate Christ” (1
Corinthians 11:1).

xi. A True Disciple Will Yield Many More Disciples

A true disciple will bear spiritual children (John 4:1-2). This is the mark of a mature believer of Christ. Only
a mature Christian can persuade others to grow. We cannot lead young Christians to spiritual journeys we
ourselves have not walked through. We can only share truths that we ourselves have experienced and lived
out.

xii. The Spirit of the Father is in Us

What we need in order to raise disciples in not our spiritual gifts, but the Spirit of the Father inside us. Jesus
became an effective discipler in His time because of the Holy Spirit in His life (John 14:7-10). Discipleship
 is a process of caring, equipping and fathering others. Fathering is the will of the Father through the Holy
Spirit to work in us for the sake of others. Through the giving of our time to our disciples, our Heavenly
Father can work in their lives so they may change, grow and walk to His call in their lives. This is what
Jesus did in His time.

APPLICATION:

1. What happens to a child without a Father to take care of him or her?

2. Are you ready to submit to a spiritual father or discipler?
3. Are you ready to make disciples just like Jesus whom you follow?