Day 31: What to do in Discipleship?

Word:

Jesus commands us to go and make disciples. Having spent the past several days examining the qualities of good discipleship candidates, we now turn our attention to the practical aspects of discipleship relationships.

Our approach centers on a three-part framework: Look Up, Look In, and Look Out. Over the coming days, we'll explore each component in depth.

"Look Up" focuses on cultivating disciples who pursue a lifestyle of knowing and loving the Lord. This dimension of discipleship finds its foundation in three key passages: Mark 12:28-30, which calls us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; John 17:3, which defines eternal life as knowing the Father and Jesus Christ; and John 15:1-9, which illustrates our need to abide in Christ as branches connected to the vine.

Scriptures For Today:

As you read today's Scriptures, read slowly and attentively, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you as you meditate on His Word.

Mark 12.28-30 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

John 17.3 Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.

John 15.1-11 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.

Worship:

Prayer:

Jesus, would You give me wisdom and grace to help the people I am discipling to grow in knowing and loving You. You are the great treasure of our lives!

Listen & Obey:

Spend two minutes in silent, listening prayer. Write down what you sense the Holy Spirit speaking to you.

Here are some prompts to assist you:

Lord, what do You want to speak to me from these passages of Scripture as I start my day?

How do You want me to apply this truth today?

Who do I need to share this with today?