What Do I Do in Discipleship Relationships?
Sermon Summary
Download a printable version of the discussion guide here.
This message concludes the series on life-on-life discipleship by focusing on Jesus's Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and the call for every believer to not just be a disciple, but to become a disciplemaker.
Pastor Zach shared his personal journey from feeling inadequate and not knowing what to do when first asked to disciple someone, to learning four essential keys that unlock the power and potential of discipleship relationships. These keys are: Love (the sunshine that creates an environment for growth), Soil (looking for hearts that are humble and hungry), Spirit (maintaining dependency on the Holy Spirit rather than human wisdom), and Frame (having a simple structure of "Look Up, Look In, Look Out").
The sermon emphasized that disciplemaking isn't reserved for pastors or mature believers, but is Jesus's command to every follower. Through stories of breakthrough and the promise of "disciplemaker's joy," we're challenged to step into this calling despite feelings of inadequacy, trusting that God works through "cracked pots" for His glory.
Key Definition
Life-on-Life Discipleship: Relationships that are intentional relationships that are focused on growing as lifelong obedient followers of Jesus who in turn help others to do the same.
Scripture Passage: Matthew 28:18-20
"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
Additional Key Passages
1 Corinthians 1:26-31 - God uses the weak and foolish to shame the wise
1 Thessalonians 3:9 - The disciplemaker's joy
Mark 4 - The parable of the soils
2 Timothy 2:2 - Faithful people who can teach others
Discussion Questions
Inadequacy Fears: Pastor Zach felt excited about disciplemaking but also very inadequate. What fears or feelings of inadequacy hold you back from stepping into disciplemaking? What lies do you believe about your ability to help others grow?
Past Hurts: The older gentleman's story showed how one rejection shut him down from disciplemaking for decades. Have you experienced discouragement or rejection that has caused you to pull back from investing in others? How has this affected your willingness to step out?
Stuck Relationships: The sermon described discipleship groups that get stuck in complaining, venting, or having one person dominate conversation. What patterns or dynamics in your current relationships make it difficult to have meaningful spiritual growth together?
Wrong Soil Challenge: Sometimes we try to disciple people who aren't humble and hungry, leading to frustration. How do you discern between loving/serving everyone versus choosing the right people for deeper discipleship investment?
God's Faithfulness: Despite Pastor Zach's inexperience and starting with Revelation (not ideal!), God still worked powerfully through the baptism and dream. How does knowing that "God cares more about your friend's growth than you do" encourage you about His ability to work through your imperfections?
Cracked Pot Ministry: The sermon emphasized that God works through "flawed, cracked pots at best for His glory." How does 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 encourage you that God specifically chooses to use weak and foolish things to accomplish His purposes?
Disciplemaker's Joy: 1 Thessalonians 3:9 promises "all the joy that we have in the presence of God because of you." How does the promise of experiencing God's joy through investing in others motivate you, even when the process feels challenging?
Look Up, Look In, Look Out: Which of these three areas (growing in relationship with God, developing holiness and character, or engaging in mission) do you naturally gravitate toward? Which one do you tend to avoid? How could you apply this framework in a current relationship this week?
Heart Soil Assessment: Think of people in your life right now. Who shows signs of being "humble and hungry" for spiritual growth? How could you take a practical step this week to invest more intentionally in one of these relationships?
Taking the Challenge: If you felt God's stirring to step into disciplemaking, what would be your first practical step? Would it be having "the conversation" with someone, visiting discipleshiplessons.com for resources, or something else? What specific action will you take this week?