Discipleship Foundations

We want to equip you to be a life-long follower of Jesus, and these are some tools to help you do that. Below you’ll find our 11 “Discipleship Foundations” lessons for groups.

• Foundation 1: The Bible

• Foundation 2: Time With God

• Foundation 3: Hearing God

• Foundation 4: Father Heart of God

• Foundation 5: Identity in Christ

• Foundation 6: What is Discipleship?

• Foundation 7: Share Your Story

• Foundation 8: Sharing the Gospel

• Foundation 9: The Holy Spirit

• Foundation 10: The Church

• Foundation 11: The Great Commission

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FOUNDATION ONE: The Bible

CONNECT

Thankfulness produces intimacy with God. What is something you are thankful for this week? How can we pray for you?

CONTENT

The Bible was written over a 1,500-year span by over forty authors in three languages. It records over 1,000 references to fulfilled prophecies and an eyewitness account of a supernatural miracle of God in most of its 66 books. The Bible is regarded as the most reliable text of any piece of literature ever. It has been translated into other languages more than any other book. And for 2,000 years countless lives have been transformed by its message. The Bible is God’s Word to us, and it teaches us who He is and how to live life. Through imperfect people, He said perfectly what He wanted to say. He speaks to us through His Word today.

• Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Why should we read the Bible?

• Read Hebrews 4:12. Why is the Bible more than a book?

• Read Psalm 1:2-3. What can we expect if we commit to read the Bible?

COMMIT

As a group, read Matthew 7:24-27 together right now and talk about what God is saying through it, how He is saying you can obey, and what you can expect to happen as you obey. Pick a book of the Bible to begin reading and read some of it everyday. As you read, ask yourself what God is saying through it and how you can obey Him through what you read today.

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FOUNDATION TWO: Time With God

CONNECT

What book of the Bible are you reading? What are you learning about God? How are you obeying what you read?

CONTENT

God made you for an intimate, life-giving relationship with Him! Not to just know Him from a distance or by sitting in a church service, but by getting to know Him personally, just like you would get to know a friend. The best way to get to know God is to spend time with Him! When you spend time with God, you will discover who God is, who you are in Him and the great adventure He has for you life.

Read Psalm 27:4,7-8. How would you describe this person’s perspective on spending time with God?

Now that you have an idea of why we spend time with God, let’s look at how to spend time with God.

• Worship | Read Psalm 100. What does this passage tell us to do? Worship together to a song or by reading Psalm 103.

• Word | Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17. What does this passage teach us about God’s Word? Read John 15:1-5 together. Answer these questions in your journal/on paper then share your answers with each other. 1. What does this say about God? 2. What does this say about me? 3. How can I obey?

• Pray | Read Matthew 6:9-13. What does Jesus teach us to pray? Take turns praying out loud. Prayer is simply talking to God. You can say anything —praising God for who He is, confessing your sins, thanking God, or asking for your own needs or the needs around you. A helpful way to remember this is Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication (ACTS).

• Listen | Read John 10:27. What does this verse teach us? To practice listening to God’s voice, take a moment to be still and ask God this question: Who do you say I am? Write down whatever comes to your mind and share it with the group. If it’s Biblical and encouraging, it’s probably God because you just asked Him to speak to you!

COMMIT

How are you going to put into practice what we just learned? What will you do this week?

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FOUNDATION THREE: Hearing God

CONNECT

How did you apply what we learned about Spending Time With God to your life last week? How did it go? What was easy and what was hard about it?

CONTENT

Jesus came so that we could have a relationship with him; not just in Heaven, but now! And you can't have a relationship without conversations. Imagine being in a relationship with either absolutely no talking ever, or one-sided conversations where only one member ever speaks. That would be frustrating, not to mention a very short relationship. I never thought about it until I heard about the topic of Hearing God, but how often do we put God in this box. It's easy for us think that in our walks with Jesus that we should talk to Him, but rarely do we really consider that maybe he really wants to talk to us too. If we are made in God's image and he gave us the ability to speak with each other, wouldn't he then want to speak with us too?

• Read John 10:2-5 & 27.

  • What do these verses mean to you in terms of hearing God?

Ways God Can Speak to Us | God is not limited, but these are a few ways He can speak:

• The Bible: Hebrews 4:12

• Impressions or Feelings: John 14:26

• Thoughts or Words: 1 Kings 19:11-13

• Mental Pictures: John 8:38

• Visions or Dreams: Acts 16:9-10

Is there time that you felt like you heard God speak to you?

COMMIT

God loves to speak to us, especially when it comes to speaking identity over us. However, know that it is a process and a spiritual muscle for us to develop. Just like we can't go into a weight room and start benching 300 lbs but must start somewhere small and work our way up, so must we do so with hearing God. Ask Him, "God, what do you think of me." Write down and share what you hear. Ask Him everyday this week, "God, who am I?" Lastly, how can you personally commit to hearing God this week?

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FOUNDATION FOUR: Father Heart of God

CONNECT

How did you apply what we learned about spending time with God to your life last week? How did it go?

CONTENT

God can be described in a lot of ways. He is our Creator and Savior. He is holy, loving and all-powerful. In the New Testament, we come to know Him as Father, Jesus, and Holy Spirit. When Jesus came, He showed us what the Father is like and how to have a relationship with Him. He also taught his disciples to address God in prayer saying “Our Father in heaven.” When you come to faith in Jesus, you are adopted into God’s family (Romans 8:15). God becomes your Father.

Read each of these verses and answer this question: What does this passage teach us about what God is like as a father?

• Psalm 121:5-8

• Matthew 6:31-34

• Hebrews 12:7-11

• Isaiah 54:10

Unlike our earthly fathers, God is a perfect Father. But often, our own brokenness can affect the way we view and interact with Him.

Read Luke 15:11-31. The father in the story represents God the Father.

• What is each son’s imperfect view of his father?

• What was the father really like?

See “Character of God” in the appendix for more scriptures.

COMMIT

What things in your life have affected the way you view God as a Father? After reading about what He is really like, how has your perspective of the Father changed?

How does God want you to apply what we read to your life? What will you do this week?

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FOUNDATION FIVE: Identity in Christ

CONNECT

What did you apply to your life from last week? How did it go?

CONTENT

As you read the Bible, you will often see scriptures that talk about the people of God or use the phrases “you,” “we,” or “us.” These scriptures tell us who we are in Christ. In Christ, we are accepted, secure and significant. It is important for us to know our identity because knowing who we are shapes how we live. Understanding the truth about our identity empowers us to live holy and surrendered lives.

Read the following scriptures. What do they say about who you are in Christ? Answer by saying, “I am ____________.”

• Romans 15:7

• 2 Corinthians 1:21-22

• 1 Peter 2:9

Read Colossians 3:1-14. Based on this passage, how does who are we in Jesus relate to how we are called to live? What qualities mark someone who knows Jesus?

COMMIT

Identify a lie you believe about who you are. Find a scripture that tells you the truth about your identity and declare it over your life every day this week.

For example:

• Lie = I will always struggle with this sin.

• Truth = “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37 Declare = I am more than a conqueror.

Take a moment and ask God to show you what areas of your life are inconsistent with how you’re called to live. What is He asking you to do in response?

 

FOUNDATION SIX: What is Discipleship?

CONNECT

How did it go declaring truth over your life last week? What changed? What else did God ask you to do in response to last week’s foundation?

CONTENT

Do you ever wonder why Jesus didn’t hold Sunday services, conferences, or become a televangelist? It’s because Jesus knew in his three years of ministry, discipleship would achieve so much more. He knew investing in a few who were hungry for God, obedient, and teachable really could change the world. In the same way, if we will commit to being wholehearted disciples who invest in a few, we can see our world transformed.

Read about the calling of the first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22. According to this passage, what is a disciple?

Read 2 Timothy 2:2. What does this verse say about discipleship? In this one verse, four generations of discipleship are represented. That’s what happens when you make disciples who make disciples!

Read Jesus’ last words before he ascended to heaven in Matthew 28:18-20. Why do you think this was his parting message? What is he calling us to do? Jesus is offering this same invitation to us, what would this look like in our lives?

COMMIT

After hearing about what discipleship is and what it means to be a disciple, are you willing to drop everything to follow Jesus? Take a second to think through 1-3 people who you can begin intentionally spending time with. Hang out with them this week and invite them to start reading the bible with you.

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FOUNDATION SEVEN: Share Your Story

CONNECT

Who did you spend time with last week? Were they interested in learning more about Jesus or reading the bible together?

CONTENT

We are all about following Jesus and doing it together. Jesus was friends with his disciples (John 15:15), which shows us that friendship is an important part of discipleship. One of the best ways to become better friends is to start with understanding each other’s stories. As we share our stories, not only will we get to know each other better, but we will be encouraged, empowered, and filled with faith. Because that’s the power of a testimony!

What is a testimony? This is your story of how you’ve experienced God’s love and saving power through what He has done in your life.

Read Psalm 78:4,7-8. Why is it important to remember what God has done and share it with others?

Read Revelation 12:11. What does this say about our testimony?

An easy way to share your story is through these 3 lenses:

1. What was your life like before you knew Jesus?

2. How did you become a Christian?

3. What has your life been like since you’ve had a relationship with Jesus?

If you aren’t sure if you have a relationship with Jesus, here’s what you need to know:

• God loves you and has a plan for your life. (John 10:10, Jeremiah 29:11)

• Sin separates you from God. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 59:2)

• Jesus died on the cross to make a way for you to have relationship with God. (1 Peter 3:18, Romans 5:8)

• You must repent and trust Jesus. You can pray right now! (Romans 10:9)

Take a few seconds to think through which parts of your story you want to share for 5 minutes. Now we are ready! Everyone, take about 5 minutes or less to share your story.

COMMIT

What was something from hearing each other’s stories that encouraged you? Because your story is encouraging and powerful, share it with someone else this week who may not know Jesus. Begin taking the person(s) you met with last week through the Foundations.

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FOUNDATION EIGHT: Sharing the Gospel

CONNECT

How did it go sharing your story? Who did you share with?

CONTENT

Everyone on earth was made for a relationship with Jesus. Those who don’t know him are reaching for anything the world offers to find fulfillment but are still being left empty. As those who have been rescued by God, we now are able to rescue others. As we share the Gospel, people have an opportunity to find true fulfillment as they are reconciled to God. This is why the word Gospel means “good news!” Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost, and he invites us to partner with him and do the same.

• Read Luke 15:3-7. What do we learn from this passage?

• Read Mark 16:15. What does this say? How can we obey?

The Bible tells us that sharing the gospel is like sowing seeds, and we are to sow broadly. Read 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.

• What is our responsibility in sharing the Gospel?

• What is God’s responsibility?

Here’s a helpful way to remember and share the Gospel with others:

• Purpose: God loves you and created you for life and peace. (John 10:10)

• Problem: Sin separates you from God. We all try our own ways to get back to God, but they are not enough. (Romans 3:23)

• Solution: Jesus died on the cross and rose again to bridge the gap and make a way for us to have relationship with God. (Romans 5:8)

• Response: Admit your need for God, repent of your sins and trust Jesus as your Savior. Express this to God through prayer. (Romans 10:9)

This bridge illustration is a helpful tool you can use when sharing with others. It’s easy to draw on a piece of paper or even a napkin!

 

COMMIT

Practice sharing the Gospel with one another by using the bridge illustration.

• How was it trying to share the Gospel through this illustration?

• If we had you do it again right now, what would you change or say differently?

Share the Gospel this week with someone who needs to know Jesus. It's normal to be nervous, but disobedient to delay. If you're nervous, grab your friends and go share together!

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FOUNDATION NINE: The Holy Spirit

CONNECT

Who did you share the Gospel with this past week? How did it go? What was challenging?

CONTENT

Jesus promised us before He left that He would always be with us. So if Jesus has ascended into heaven and has not returned yet, how can God always be with us? By the Holy Spirit! When we feel God’s presence or hear God’s voice – that is the Holy Spirit. When you received Jesus into your life, the Holy Spirit came to live in you. Not only is the Holy Spirit with us, but He also gives us power to do all that God has called us to. We need the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in our lives so we can truly love God, love each other, and change the world!

Read John 16:7-15. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit from this passage?

Read Galatians 5:16-25. What changes occur in someone who walks by the Spirit?

Read Matthew 3:11. What does this passage say Jesus will do?

Read Acts 1:8. What happens when the Holy Spirit comes on us and for what purpose?

When the Holy Spirit comes on us in power, this is called the baptism of the Holy Spirit and is different from when the Holy Spirit came into your life when you were saved (Acts 19:1-7). Salvation is when the Holy Spirit comes inside you. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. It is a personal encounter with God that draws us close to Him and empowers us to glorify Him on earth.

Read I Corinthians 12:4-11. What does the Holy Spirit give us and why?

The baptism of the Holy Spirit occurs in a variety of ways throughout the Bible. It is not just a one-time experience, but we are encouraged to continually be filled with the Spirit. Split the following verses up among your group and take a moment to jot down the characteristics you find of those who experience the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Then come back together and share.

• Acts 13:52

• Acts 4:31

• Acts 19:18

• 1 Corinthians 14:1

• Luke 11:13

• Acts 19:6

COMMIT

Take some time to pray over each other to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

How do you want to apply what we just read about to your life? How will you do that this week?

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FOUNDATION TEN: The Church

CONNECT

How did you apply what we read about the Holy Spirit last week? What changes do you notice in your life since you’ve been baptized in the Holy Spirit?

CONTENT

You were made for relationship with God, but you weren’t made to do it alone—we need Jesus AND His Church! Church isn’t just where we go on Sundays; it is a group of believers following Jesus and living life together. It is through the church that we can fully be who God created us to be and see God accomplish His purposes on the earth.

What do you think of when you hear Church?

What do these passages say about the Church?

• Ephesians 1:22-23

• Matthew 16:18

Read Acts 2:42-47. This passage describes the early church.

• Sum up this passage in your own words.

• What does it say about God?

• What does it say about people?

• What is there to believe or obey?

COMMIT

Which part(s) of Acts 2:42-47 do you feel is missing from your life?

What is the first step to adding these parts to your life? (When and how will you do it? Keep as simple and practical as possible).

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FOUNDATION ELEVEN: The Great Commission

CONNECT

What did you commit to last week from what we read about the church? How did it go?

CONTENT

The Bible is a story of God’s redemption of the world. It teaches us that God “so loved the world” (John 3:16). We do not worship the God of a certain region, people or country. We worship the God of all nations, and it is God’s heart that all people would come to know Him. As His children, we are commissioned with the task of taking the Gospel to all nations so God might receive the glory He is worthy of!

Read Acts 17:26-27. What is God’s desire for the nations?

The phrase “The Great Commission” comes from Jesus’s final words to us in Matthew 28:18-20. What does this passage say?

Read Romans 10:12-15. Why is it important for us to “go”?

Read Revelation 7:9. What will happen if we will obey The Great Commission?

COMMIT

What is God's heart for the nations?

• How is God specifically calling you to play a part?

• Take time to pray over another to hear how God may be calling you.

What's a simple way you can obey and live The Great Commission this week? What specifically will you do?