Make Disciples: Teach them to Listen & Obey
Matthew 28:16-20; 2 Timothy 2:1-2
1. Connect
Where have you seen God working this past week or is there anything you'd like to thank Him for?
Are you carrying any burdens or facing any challenges?
Give thanks for what God has done and pray for one another.
2. Review
What do you remember from the previous passage?
How did you apply what you learned?
Did you share that passage or the message of the gospel with anyone?
3. New Bible Passage - Matthew 28:16-20; 2 Timothy 2:1-2
First, tell the story in your own words.
Then, read the passage from the Bible two times. (ask others to read if comfortable)
Discuss these questions:
- What does it teach us about God?
- What does it teach us about people?
- What else stands out to you?
4. Practice
Practice retelling the Bible story in your own words.
Practice Discipleship Tool: Discovery Bible Study
What is Discovery Bible Study?
Use this website to explain the questions that you've used to facilitate this group or CLICK HERE for a PDF version.
1. Connect
2. Review
3. New Bible Passage
4. Practice
5. Live it Out
6. Pass it On
Why Discovery Bible Study?
- Relies on the power of the Word of God.
- Focuses on response to God’s Word (listen, obey, share), over simply gaining knowledge. Participants begin their discipleship by following God, rather than merely agreeing with Him.
- Allows for a variety of outcomes (have flexible expectations) - could be one conversation/Bible story or it could grow and multiply.
- Sees everyone as a potential disciple-maker. When participants tell others what they are learning, new groups and multiplication are more likely.
- Highly reproducible because it’s simple, avoids dependence on one person, and can be used by anyone anywhere they go.
- Goes to people where they are and helps them reach their own circle of influence right away.
Tips for Leading a Discovery Bible Study
- Ask questions and listen, allowing everyone to participate and discover truth together. People tend to be more committed to an idea when they can see it for themselves.
- If someone lands on a false conclusion or sidetracks the group, then guide them back to the passage. (“Where do you see that in the passage?” Or “Let’s get back to this passage.”)
- Ask leading questions if the group misses a key truth in the passage. (“What do you think this specific phrase or verse teaches us about God?”)
- Pass off leadership as soon as possible. Anyone can ask the questions.
- Empower people to reach their friends and family by starting a Discovery Group of their own. The goal is not to grow by addition, but to multiply.
Ask:
What are the biggest obstacles that might prevent you from starting a Discovery Bible Study?
Is there anyone you could invite to meet with you to read the Bible and discover Jesus?
Review: Obey Survey
Look back over the commands that you've studied in this series. Spend time in silent prayer and reflection and then share where you've experienced growth and any areas where you would like to grow.
Command | Example | Personal & Group Evaluation |
---|---|---|
Repent & Believe, then Be Baptized | Baptize new believers | |
Love God | Pray & Read the Bible regularly | |
Love Others | Gather with Christians. Serve others. | |
Make Disciples | Share the gospel. Teach them to obey. |
Reading Challenge
Before we meet again, everyone reads James 1-5. Use the S.O.S. method at least two times this week along with your reading.
Other elements to add when you sense the group is ready:
Ask the Holy Spirit and whoever is discipling you for ideas and direction.
- Sing a worship song together.
- Take the Lord's Supper (communion) together. Only those who are genuine followers of Jesus should participate, so it's best to wait until everyone, or nearly everyone, in the group has decided to follow Him.