RE-Vision: St. Patrick 101
Community Group Discussion, Week 3
Core Value #2: The Gospel Creates Passionate Disciples Who Make Disciples
Matthew 28:16-20
Summary
What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus? The word Scripture most often
uses to describe someone who follows Jesus is disciple. But what exactly does that
entail? After all, it is a word that’s rarely used today—and rarely practiced. Finding
clarity on this issue is of paramount importance, because it was of that same
importance to Jesus. In Matthew 28, we read about Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Of all
the commands Jesus could have given his disciples before departing, what does he
tell them to do? What are his final instructions? Verse 19 tells us: “Go, therefore, and
make disciples of all the nations…”
If you think about it, this shouldn’t come as a surprise. This is the method
Jesus used to turn the world upside down. He chose twelve men at the beginning of
his ministry and poured into them for three years, with the expectation that these
twelve would in turn lead others into the a life-changing encounter with the gospel
of Jesus. In fact, the gospel does just that. When we, by the work of the Holy Spirit,
realize how much we are loved and embraced by God through Jesus, it makes us
want to share that news with others as well. When we begin to live life the way it’s
supposed to be experienced, we want others to have that same joy. In Core Value #2,
we put it like this: “The Gospel Creates Passionate Disciples Who Make Disciples.
By its very nature, the message of the gospel creates followers of Jesus who are eager to help
others follow him as well.”
When we take our cue from Jesus and his relationship with his disciples, we
can break down what discipleship looks like from three perspectives, or aspects. All
these have to be present for true discipleship to be happening.
 A Rational Aspect. This means that discipleship is driven by content—it is
based upon objective truth: the Word of God, specifically read and studied
under the Lordship of Jesus, with Jesus as its ultimate centerpiece and goal.
 A Relational Aspect. Discipleship is not merely about passing on information,
but is about understanding, applying, and passing on that truth in
community—real relationships with others.
 A Mission Aspect. The gospel, by its very nature, puts us on mission. We
receive the gospel and share it with others. God is a missionary God, and he
has put us on mission as well. This is part and parcel with being a disciple.
As we live and speak the truths of the gospel, God uses our efforts to bring
others to himself.
So, what kind of impact did this sort of discipleship have? Scripture tells the
beginning of the story, and history records the rest. A handful of imperfect men
became thousands, than millions, as the power of the gospel “turned the world
upside down.” (Acts 17:6)
So what does it mean to make a disciple (i.e., to “disciple” someone), or to
become a new or more committed disciple (i.e., to have someone “disciple” you)?
In basic terms, to be a disciple means that you are learning to live life as a follower of
Jesus, allowing the gospel to shape your thoughts, desires, words, and actions more and
more. In modern terminology, you are making yourself an apprentice of Jesus. To
disciple someone means that you are helping another person follow Jesus by
helping him/her apply the gospel to every area of life.
Questions for Discussion
1.) When you think of the word disciple, what comes into your mind? How
about discipleship?
2.) Why is it important that St. Patrick sees discipleship as a key part of our
ministry? Do you agree that it should be a core value? Why or why not?
3.) Think of a hobby or activity you enjoy. How did you learn it? Have you
ever passed it on to someone else? What has that experience been like?
4.) We said above that discipleship has three basic aspects—rational,
relational, and mission. Which do you think you are or would be better at
naturally? Which do/would you need help with the most?
5.) Do you agree with this statement: “You can disciple anyone—Christian or
not.” (Hint: think about the disciples early on. Jim mentioned this
Sunday.)
6.) Why do we say, “The gospel, by its very nature creates followers of Jesus
who are eager to help others follow him as well”? In other words, what
about the gospel makes us want to share it with others?
7.) How can you begin discipling someone? What would that look like for
you personally? What truth(s) could you live out or share with someone
that God could use to bring them closer to Jesus, whether they are
currently a Christian or not?
Note: If you would like to talk more about how you can take specific steps in discipling
someone, or would like to begin being discipled by someone, talk to Jim, Brian, or any of
our elders. We would love the chance to discus this with you further!