MULTIPLYING DISCIPLES AROUND THE WORLD

Day 1 – What is Discipleship?

Imagine someone walking into your workplace today and saying just two words: “Follow me.” And imagine you immediately leaving everything – your career, your security, your plans – to follow that person. Sounds crazy, right? Yet that’s exactly what happened when Jesus called His first disciples.

In Matthew 4:19, Jesus said to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” They immediately left their nets and followed Him. This wasn’t just a career change – it was the beginning of the greatest adventure in human history: discipleship.

Here’s the truth I want you to grasp today: Discipleship is God’s plan for spiritual multiplication that leads to world transformation. It’s not just about personal growth – it’s about becoming part of God’s strategy to fill the earth with people who know and love Him.

So what is a disciple? In its most basic form, a disciple is a learner of Jesus. Not just learning about Jesus – getting information – but learning OF Jesus. There’s an impartation of His life through the Holy Spirit so we can grow and become like Him.

Romans 8:29 reveals God’s ultimate purpose: “For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” The goal of discipleship is Christlike character. When we talk about discipleship, we’re saying, “I want to be on the road of conformity into the image of Christ.”

You cannot do this alone. Galatians 5:22-23 shows us that the Holy Spirit produces His fruit in our lives – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. These are the characteristics of Jesus being worked out in us.

When I became a pastor in Germany, God showed me that discipleship isn’t separate from prayer, evangelism, or revival – they’re all connected. Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they might have life, and have it more abundantly.” We’re talking about that abundant life that flows naturally from one area to another.

Here’s what I discovered: as people began spending time with God and getting into His Word, it became supernaturally natural for them to pray, seek God’s face, and share Christ with others. True disciples don’t just want to grow – they want to help others grow too.

This leads to spiritual multiplication. When I started meeting with about 20 men and my wife met with 20 women, we taught them how to walk with God. They began to grow, then they began leading others to Christ. After several months, I had them bring their new converts and teach them what we had taught them. That’s when our church exploded in growth.

This isn’t a new concept – it’s God’s original plan. Genesis 1:28 records the very first commandment: “Be fruitful and multiply.” God wanted the earth filled with people who knew and loved Him.

Jesus gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you.” What had He just commanded? To make disciples who make disciples.

Paul understood this in 2 Timothy 2:2: “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.” Four generations of multiplication in one verse!

Here’s the practical application: discipleship and evangelism aren’t either/or – they work together. The most effective way to do evangelism is by discipling people to walk with God and share their faith.

Here’s your challenge, and it will change your life: First, commit today to being a lifelong learner of Jesus. Ask God right now to show you one area where you need to become more like Him. Second, as you grow, actively look for opportunities to help others grow too.

The goal isn’t just to be a disciple – it’s to become a disciple maker. When you do this, you become part of God’s plan for spiritual multiplication that leads to revival and world transformation.

Don’t just follow Jesus – become someone who helps others follow Jesus, too. That’s discipleship, and it’s the most important thing you’ll ever do with your life.