Discipling others.

Last time we met we looked at sharing the gospel with others and how God expects us to do that. One thing that happens too much in churches today is stopping with leading someone to Christ. Our job is not done at that point. Then we MUST disciple that person. Some may ask what is discipling? In a nut shell, it is teaching others how to live a christian life. It is not just teaching alone, it is encouraging, supporting, and praying with that person you led to Christ. Many who do not get discipling will drift away from the church...this is a must!



Look at Acts 9:9-19 as it tells us a very important part of Paul's conversion:



Acts 9:10-19



10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.”

And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. 12 And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.”

13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.”

15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.



Why do you think Paul spent some days with the disciples? For some training! To be discipled! If it was important for Paul it is important for all! New believers need role models on how the Christian life is to be lived.



One warning to those who are discipling others, be sure you are walking right with the Lord yourself! If you are living a wayward life you are not going to be a good example to someone else!



One encouragement, you will be empowered as you see the growth in the one you are discipling!



So let us be bust about the Lord's work He has for each one of us...winning souls and then discipler the new believer!



Tom