9 Principles – Biblical Discipleship

1. Biblical discipleship is incarnational or “in the flesh”, in person-face to face, association-spending time with them. Building a foundation to the relationship leads to trust.
   Scripture: John 1:14; 1 John 1:1; 1 hessalonians 2:7-8
2. Biblical discipleship is reproductive. Multiplication, as they grow, they should find a person to disciple. Quallity, NOT quantity is the rule. Numbers are not as important as true growth. Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8.
3. Biblical discipleship invites personal discovery. No “canned” answers. Asking quesions sets them up to discover truth for themselves. Scripture: John 2:19; John 3:7; John 4:10; John 6:53.

4.Biblical discipleship reasons, persuades, and gives evidence. The disciple-maker gives supporting evidence after personal direction. Scripture: Isaiah 1:18; Acts 17:24; Acts 18:4.

5. Biblical discipleship counts the cost. Count the cost concerning others. Count the cost concerning ourselves. Scripture: Luke 14:26-28. Malachi 2:1-4; Matthew 10:39.
6. Biblical discipleship is impartation or giving. Extravagance, not stinginess. Sharing what God has given – resources, wisdom, knowledge, gifts, experiences. Expect nothing in return. Scripture:
   Luke 6:38; John 5:13; John 3:16; Ephesians 5:35.

7.Biblical discipleship is demonstration showing them how to live a Godly life – prayer, reading the Word, sharing the Gospel, obedience.
Scripture: Luke 11:1-4; 2 Timothy 2:15; Ephesians 4:12-13; 2 John 1:6.

8. Biblical discipleship means challenging the disciple: to use their gifts for God’s kingdom; to find another to disciple; to spread the Good News; to find people to do life with. Scripture: 1 Peter 4:10; Romans 10:14-15; Hebrews 10:25
9. Biblical discipleship has an eternal perspective. It is pointing people toward God; doing what God is doing; seeking God’s will; judging only with God’s judgment. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:1; JOhn 5:19; John 5:20; John 5:30.

Training material adapted from: DeWitt, Dr. David A. “Seven Principles of Biblical Discipleship.” Relational Concepts, Inc.

Coleman, Dr. Robert Emerson. The Master Plan of Evangelism. Westwood. NJ: F.H. Revell, 1964. Print.

Coleman, Dr. Robert Emerson. The Master Plan of Discipleship. Old Tappan. NJ: F.H. Revell. 1987. Print.