Discipleship In Context

INTRODUCTION

A discipler must work within a given context of his ministry.

First context is selflessness…

I. SELF-DENIAL MUST BE EXERCISED, 18-19

A. Free of Charge (No personal gain)

• DISCIPLER: It is all discharging Christian duties as a recipient of the gospel and the trust committed by God as a channel of God’s blessings. (Illustration: Parable of the Talents)

• DISCIPLE: It is all spiritual gain. Salvation and Sanctification.

B. Full Service - for the sake of salvation (‘Win more of them”)

The other context is suitability…

II. APPROACHES MUST BE CONTEXTUALIZED, 20-22

A. Cultural background, 20 (to the Jews I became like a Jew… to those under the law I became like under the law…)

B. Cognitive orientation, 22 (Acts 17:16-34; Greeks were more interested of more knowledge, especially about gods. Paul thinks the way they think without depreciating the gospel.)

C. Economic status, 22 (Acts 18—tent making)—Economic status of your target people must be consider. Not to become a burden to the needy and not to become supplier of their needs either. Teach and model industriousness and self-reliance.

CONCLUSION

An effective Discipleship program is designed according to the needs of the target people. We can’t just apply or copy something that worked for another group of people. Every congregation must work together to come-up with a suitable approach to disciple making.