In Matthew 28, Jesus told his believers to “go and make disciples of all nations” - a commandment that remains the same today for every believer. We see in Acts 2 how the early church practically lived this out:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers WERE TOGETHER and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 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, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number DAILY those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)
Verse 47 says the disciples were “enjoying the favor of all the people” and that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Why? Simply because of their genuine and authentic love for God, one another, and the lost. Arguably the most important detail from this passage - this love was displayed as they met TOGETHER DAILY. The early church made consistent time throughout the week to walk, connect, impart, and invest in discipleship. God honored their obedience and grew His church.
Every Christ-follower is called to make disciples. As group leaders, we must remind ourselves and our group members that evangelism and discipleship is a weekday walk. Often times, we rely solely on an invitation to a weekend service as the extent of our discipleship. Although important, by itself it is insufficient and impersonal. Discipleship is an ongoing personal journey as we walk with someone to be more like Christ. Therefore, like the early church, we must make consistent time in the week to spend with an unsaved person we are reaching and/or a new believer we are discipling.
Discussion Questions:
Do you and the members in your group consistently make time in the week to walk with someone in the process of discipleship or do you rely solely on the weekend services to do that? Why or why not?
What can you do to keep yourself and your group members accountable to walk with someone during the week to help them grow in their walk with God?
Application:
The next time you meet with your group, discuss with them who they are going to reach and disciple. Have each member discuss with one another their game plan to make consistent weekly time with this person.
Prayer:
Pray that our members would make consistent time in the week to make disciples.
Pray that first-time guests or visitors would radically encounter the presence of God and get connected to someone for discipleship.