LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA
Society often seeks out easy solutions and quick fixes but in our spiritual lives, the only way we can grow spiritually is through discipline. Our process for training spiritually is very similar to the process for physical training. In both situations, we need coaching to help us through the challenges we face.

Tom Landry, former coach of the Dallas Cowboys, explained coaching this way: “The job of a football coach is to make men do what they don’t want to do in order to achieve what they’ve always wanted to be.” Just as athletes need a trainer to help them reach their full potential, Christians also need training! In our study today, we will look at the importance of discipleship in the church.

Passages we’ll review:
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Timothy 4:7-8; Deuteronomy 6:4-9

OPEN
What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

Think back to your childhood. Who is someone who influenced you the most and why?

[WATCH THE VIDEO]
Make sure everyone can see the screen and the audio is at a comfortable level.

What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some of the key points that affected you more than others?

READ

Read Matthew 28:19-20
This is where we find Jesus’ command to make disciples. Cambridge Dictionary defines a disciple as a person who believes in the ideas and principles of someone famous and tries to live the way that person does or did. Is there a difference between just being a Christian and being a disciple of Christ?

Once we follow Christ, we have a choice to make. We can either continue on this journey through life as a “fan” of Christ or we can become active players on His team! What is the difference between being a fan and choosing to be an active participant on Christ’s team?

Read 1 Timothy 4:7-8
Paul often compares the Christian life to that of an athlete. Just as physical training can be difficult at the start, so it is with spiritual discipline. We live in a world that is full of distractions. We have more at our fingertips than any other generation before us and oftentimes, our flesh is weak! How does this affect our responsibility of discipleship as believers?

Through physical training, there are two beneficial outcomes: our muscles become stronger and we develop muscle memory through accuracy and repetitiveness of specific actions. Take a moment to think about that in the spiritual realm. How much more value does this hold spiritually?

Discipleship doesn’t just involve our own walk with Christ! We must make sure that we are pouring into others as we live out the calling God has placed on our lives. Many times, what may come across as an “interruption” is indeed an invitation! God invites us to be a part of His work and to be involved in the lives of those around us for whom we can model Christ! —Editor’s Commentary

DIGGING DEEPER

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9
According to this passage, what is the most important role of Christian parenting?

There is no better place to begin discipling others than in our homes! While this passage talks about parents teaching their children, this can also include children, grandchildren, siblings, and other family members! What are some of the ways in which you can disciple those in your family?

LET’S PRAY
Phillips Brooks wrote: “The great purpose of life - the shaping of character by the truth - is to be sought in all the life. There are no wasted hours.” As we disciple other believers, we have a great responsibility! We ought to be as devoted to godliness as an athlete is to his sport.

Consider the following as you pray together:
1. What are some practical barriers you face when it comes to making disciples?
2. In what ways can your life be an example for others to follow today?
3. Do you have someone in your life that you talk with regularly about how they are doing following Christ and where they are struggling? If not, find someone with whom you can have those conversations!

As you go through life, pray for opportunities to disciple others through spiritual conversations and godly encouragement!