Making disciples is at the heart of Jesus’ Great Commission. The Bible encourages us to share our faith and help others grow spiritually. Today, we’ll see how Scripture equips us to fulfill this important mission.
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What Does The Bible Say About Making Disciples
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
This verse emphasizes the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. It highlights the call for every believer to go and make disciples of all nations, sharing the Gospel message and teaching them to follow Christ. The promise of Jesus’ presence assures us that we are not alone in this task but have the divine power and guidance to fulfill it.
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of the Holy Spirit in our mission to make disciples. It assures us that we will receive the power and boldness to be witnesses of Christ, not only in our immediate surroundings but also to the ends of the earth. It is the empowering work of the Holy Spirit that enables us to effectively share the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.
2 Timothy 2:2
“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of multiplication in disciple-making. It encourages us to pass on the teachings of Christ to others who are faithful and capable of teaching others as well. Discipleship is not meant to be a one-time event but a continuous process of equipping and empowering others to carry on the task of making disciples.
Colossians 1:28-29
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”
This verse highlights the goal of disciple-making, which is to present everyone fully mature in Christ. It reminds us of our responsibility to proclaim and teach the Gospel with wisdom, admonishing and encouraging others to grow in their faith. It also emphasizes the need for personal effort and reliance on the power of Christ to accomplish this task.
Ephesians 4:11-12
“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”
This verse highlights the role of different ministries within the Church in the process of making disciples. Each of the mentioned roles—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—is given by Christ to equip believers for works of service. The ultimate aim is the building up of the body of Christ, enabling all believers to actively participate in making disciples and expanding the Kingdom of God.
Galatians 6:1
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
This verse highlights the importance of restoring and discipling fellow believers who have fallen into sin. It emphasizes the need for gentleness and caution in the process, reminding us to be mindful of our own vulnerability to temptation. Discipling others involves coming alongside them, offering loving correction, and guiding them back into a right relationship with Christ.
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of intergenerational discipleship, where older believers guide and teach younger ones. It emphasizes the role of older women in teaching younger women to live godly lives, with virtues such as love, self-control, purity, kindness, and submission. By living out these qualities, younger women become effective witnesses and ambassadors for the Word of God.
1 Corinthians 11:1
“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
This verse calls us to be intentional in our discipleship by setting a good example and being imitators of Christ. As we walk closely with Jesus, our lives should reflect His character and actions. By following Christ and allowing others to follow our example, we create a ripple effect of discipleship that leads others toward a deeper relationship with Him.
Hebrews 6:1
“Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of continually growing in our knowledge and understanding of Christ. Discipleship involves progress and maturity, moving beyond the basics of repentance and faith. It encourages us to deepen our relationship with God and pursue a deeper revelation of His truth, continually challenging and stretching ourselves to grow in our faith.
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse emphasizes the role of our actions in making disciples. As we live out our faith and let our light shine, the world around us takes notice. Our good deeds and Godly character should draw others to glorify our Father in heaven, compelling them to seek after the source of our faith and ultimately become disciples themselves.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
This verse speaks to the importance of cultivating relationships within the body of Christ. Discipleship is not meant to be a solo journey, but a communal one. By engaging in authentic, transparent relationships with fellow believers, we have the opportunity to sharpen, challenge, and encourage one another in our walk with Christ, fostering growth and discipleship.
James 5:19-20
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
This verse emphasizes the vital role of intervening and restoring those who have strayed from the truth. Discipleship involves caring for one another and actively pursuing those who have gone astray, leading them back into a right relationship with God. By doing so, we play a part in their salvation and the forgiveness of their sins.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of being ready to share our faith with others. As disciples, we should be prepared to give a reason for the hope that we have in Christ, always being respectful and gentle in our approach. By effectively articulating our faith, we create opportunities for others to be drawn to Christ and become disciples themselves.
1 Thessalonians 2:8
“So we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
This verse highlights the importance of investing in the lives of those we disciple. It involves not only sharing the Gospel message but also our lives, demonstrating genuine care and love for others. By building authentic relationships and walking alongside them, we create a foundation of trust and support that fosters growth and transformation.
Romans 14:19
“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of pursuing peace and building up one another in faith. Discipleship involves making every effort to promote harmony and unity within the body of Christ, working towards the edification and growth of fellow believers. By cultivating an environment of love and encouragement, we create a fertile ground for discipleship to thrive.
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
This verse reminds us of the necessity of transformation in the process of discipleship. As we renew our minds and align our thoughts with God’s truth, we are able to discern and follow His will. Discipleship involves breaking free from the patterns of the world and allowing the Holy Spirit to shape us into the image of Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.”
This verse speaks to the ongoing transformation that takes place in the lives of disciples. As we fix our gaze on the Lord’s glory, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, we are continually being transformed into the image of Christ. Discipleship involves a lifelong process of growth and conformity to the character of Jesus.
Philippians 2:3-4
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
This verse highlights the importance of selflessness and humility in the practice of discipleship. It calls us to prioritize the interests and needs of others above our own, fostering a culture of servanthood and love. By genuinely caring for others and putting their well-being first, we reflect the heart of Christ and create an environment conducive to making disciples.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship in the process of discipleship. It encourages us to consider ways to motivate and inspire one another to love and good deeds, while also exhorting us not to neglect meeting together. By gathering regularly, we have the opportunity to encourage one another and build each other up in faith as we await the return of Christ.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
This verse challenges us to go beyond mere words in our display of love. True discipleship involves demonstrating love through our actions and living out the truth of God’s Word. By authentically loving and serving others, we create a lasting impact that draws them closer to Christ.
Luke 9:23
“Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'”
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans. Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
John 15:8
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of bearing fruit as disciples of Christ. Bearing fruit involves a life marked by the visible evidence of our faith, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. By bearing much fruit, we reflect the character of Christ and bring glory to the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
This verse encourages us to persevere and remain steadfast in our discipleship journey. It calls us to stand firm in our faith, unshaken by the challenges and obstacles we may face. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is never in vain and encourages us to give ourselves fully to the work of making disciples, knowing that the eternal impact far outweighs any temporary difficulties we may encounter.
Psalm 119:105
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
This verse highlights the significance of God’s Word in guiding and directing our discipleship journey. As we immerse ourselves in the truth of Scripture, it illuminates our path, providing wisdom, insight, and encouragement. The Word of God serves as a faithful guide, shaping our decisions, thoughts, and actions as we seek to make disciples and live in alignment with God’s will.
Proverbs 27:9
“Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”
This verse emphasizes the value of community and the role of wise counsel in our discipleship journey. The advice and words of a trusted friend can bring joy and encouragement to our hearts, offering guidance and support when needed. By surrounding ourselves with godly mentors and companions, we create an environment that fosters growth and discipleship.
Psalm 37:23
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
This verse assures us of God’s guidance and provision as we delight in Him. It reminds us that as we pursue discipleship with a heart devoted to God, He will establish and lead our steps. The Lord’s faithfulness ensures that our discipleship journey is secure, even in the face of uncertainties.