The Concept of Biblical Model for Discipleship - Essay Example

?Table of Contents Introduction to Paul’s Life p1 Application of the Biblical Model for Discipleship in Paul’s Ministry p1-3 Citing Examples from Philippians 4 Examining the different methods of evangelism p3-4 Assessing which methods are most effective p4 Which resources I would use, if I were a pastor p4-5 Biblical Model for Discipleship: Reflective Essay Paul is one of Jesus’ disciples who is considered one of the greatest leaders of all time. This is because of the fact that he obeyed God and stayed true to his mission of spreading God’s word to those who are lost. In the book of Philippians in the Bible, we can truly be able to ascribe how it is to be a true follower of Christ and what kind of attitude we have to embrace to keep running the race God has intended us to do as Paul tirelessly reminds them of God’s love, faithfulness, and decrees to live a full life. Applying Paul’s ministry to this week’s lesson on the “Biblical Model for Discipleship”, I have realized that obeying God and being a faithful servant of His is simple. It can basically be summed up to – A change of heart, a change of life. According to Michael Mitchell, in his book, “Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples”, the Biblical model for discipleship could be achieved in as easy as four steps – Accepting God’s words; Listen and Apply; Study God’s word to gain more understanding; and lastly, Walking in the ways of Good Men (Mitchell, Michael R., Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples). In studying the book of Philippians, a book written by Paul in his journey to win the people of Philippi to God, we can see Paul’s practical approach in ministering to the Philippians that are as 1 practical as the four steps of discipleship suggested by Michael Mitchell. To get a clearer background of what he did, it is best to look at the verses of Philippians 4: 1-2 which says, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord.” (Bible Gateway, Philippians 4 NIV). We can see that Paul started his teaching to the Philippians by directing them to having a heart and mind that is in line with God’s will. We all know that our hearts and minds direct us towards certain actions that may or may not be pleasing to God. The danger of sin only happens when we set plans in our lives without consulting God first. Thus, Paul urges the Philippians here to start their walk with God by teaching their hearts and minds to get to know who God really is and what He wants us to do, so obedience would be easier and purposeful, knowing that despite the rocky roads you are sent to take, you know you are on your way to giving God the glory He deserves. This complements the first model of discipleship which is to accept God’s word and having faith to do it. Also, in Philippians 4: 5-7, that says, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus”, we can see that Paul encourages the Philippians to listen and apply God’s teachings even when it seems impossible or unreasonable at times, parallel to Mitchell’s second model for discipleship. We all know that in our Christian life, it is easy to hear God’s word and 2 accept them as truth. However, the challenge for us is greatly seen in how well we stick to what we know and actually obey God despite persecutions, inconvenience, and doubt. Today, especially when the world presents so much good things that are not necessarily pleasing to God, the only way we can fight temptation is to cling onto God’s word and promises, and rely on His grace to help us withstand it all. To sum up Paul’s life of ministry, Philippians 4: 9 says, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” This verse encompasses Mitchell’s third and fourth model of discipleship put into practical ministry as Paul here suggests that people continue to seek God’s will by reading the Bible and praying, that by doing so, we can all continue to run the race victoriously, unlike some Christians who fall or turn their backs on God because of painful circumstances or loss. Indeed, it is very important that we are able to establish a strong foundation with our relationship with God, one that is not based on traditions, cultural beliefs, or a system of rewards. I believe that the most successful and happiest ones in their Christian lives would be those that truly know who God is as a Savior, Father, Brother, and friend because only in knowing who He is and what He is in your life would one be able to have the right perspective on things, allowing us to have a cheerful and hopeful disposition even in times of trials and pain. 3 In today’s disciple-making, I have observed that people now use a lot of materials to invite them to a knowledge of who our God is. Based on interviews with ministers and ordinary believers in Christ, some of the most effective way to share the gospel to others would be through Bible reading; testimonials; evangelical activities such as Christian concerts, charity events, retreats and etc. In a retrospect of my own experiences in ministering to other people, I would say that the most effective resource in sharing the gospel would be one’s own testimonial about what God has done in one’s life. This is because of the fact that it makes Christians like us very much like those who still do not know Christ, one who is still depending on God’s grace, love, and provision in overcoming life’s challenges every day. I am able to say so because I have heard of comments where non-Christians would dub Christians as righteous and proud of their knowledge which all the more separates them from Christ instead of drawing them towards Him which is something we should avoid. Also, these resources and ways of ministry, though veer away from the traditional way of Bible reading still are able to implement the Biblical Model in such a way that it allows people to grasp an understanding of God’s love, only in ways that are more engaging, relational, and slated to fit people’s interests. Thus, if I were a pastor, I would rather use testimonials and activities such as inviting people to Christian concerts and talks because if these are the only ways non-Christians 4 would be open and interested to hearing something spiritual without feeling terrified or uncomfortable, then I deem it to be the best way. After all, it is all about who gets to know Christ and start having a personal relationship with him as discipleship is not only making disciples but also developing disciple-makers as well. 5 Bibliography: Barna, George. "Growing True Disciples: New Strategies for Producing Genuine Followers of Christ: George Barna: 9781578564231: Amazon.com: Books." Amazon.com: Online Shopping for Electronics, Apparel, Computers, Books, DVDs & more. http://www.amazon.com/Growing-True-Disciples-Strategies-Producing/dp/1578564239#reader_1578564239 (accessed June 5, 2013). "Growing True Disciples | Notes & Review | vialogue." vialogue | Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." (Is.30:21). http://vialogue.wordpress.com/2007/06/29/growing-true-disciples-notes-review/ (accessed June 5, 2013). Mitchell, Michael R.. "Leading, Teaching, and Making Disciples - Michael R. Mitchell - Google Books." Google Books. http://books.google.com.ph/books?id=2NN7E1k8JoQC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false (accessed June 5, 2013). "Philippians 4:9 NIV - Whatever you have learned or received - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204:9&version=NIV (accessed June 6, 2013). "Philippians 4 NIV - Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians%204&version=NIV (accessed June 6, 2013). "The Biblical Model For Discipleship." Reflections and Meditations. http://reflectionsandmeditations.com/2011/05/02/the-biblical-model-for-discipleship/ (accessed June 8, 2013). Read More