Rationale for the course

“Discipling the Christian Life”

Biblical Foundation

The rationale for the “Discipling the Christian Life” course is based on the words of the Jesus when He said “go and make disciples” (Matt. 28:19). The verb makes disciples is from the Greek πορευθέντες οὖν μαθητεύσατε. The verb for “go” is πορευθέντες. It is aorist, passive, and participle. While μαθητεύσατε is aorist, active and imperative. Consequently, the phrase is saying something to the effect of “as you go along (living your life), I command you to make disciples.”

Discipleship and Discipline

Mathetes (disciple) is a learner that denoting learning by endeavor (Vines). This means to “strive to achieve or reach” fulfillment of obligation such as finishing a race (Merriam- Webster). In order to walk as a disciple of Christ one needs to practice discipline. In the Christian church, these are called spiritual disciplines. These include disciplines of prayer, fasting, study worship, guidance and much more (Boa). Edman clearly states that “Discipleship means ‘discipline!’” Disciples require the discipline of conversion, the initial stage for salvation, and the other components of salvation which included faith, sanctification, and holiness. Since conversion requires changing one’s life style, the converted needs to exercise discipline to obey the Spirit of God instead of the flesh (sarx) (Romans 8:1-18). Grunders claims that discipline and disciple share the same root word. The idea is when one surrenders him/herself to a coach in a sports discipline. In Proverbs 1 we read about the importance of discipline. In the context of the chapter and the book, it speaks about teaching, training, obedience testing and transformation. Proverbs commands that we should endeavor to love discipline St. Paul pictures discipline in discipleship when he stated “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, … (Titus 2:11-13 NASU). The word “denying” of verse 12 is the
discipline needed in discipleship. We may use scientific words to call this concept “controlled behavior.”

Areas of Discipleship

In order to be a disciple, the Christian must develop four essential areas of life. These are: (1) the devotional life, (2) doctrinal perspective, (3) personal character, and (4) Christian service. Christian discipleship speaks about the devotional life. It mainly refers to prayer, worship, Bible, study, and friendship with the Holy Spirit. These disciplines will help Christians understand their new walk with Christ, the importance of knowing their Bible, who Jesus is, and how they should relate to their Christian community.

Behavior and Attitudes

Some of the skills that are developed in Christian discipline are new attitudes which cause changed behavior. The goal is that their life will please God. This is known as Christian Ethics. Christian ethics are clearly defined in the Bible. Since the Bible is God’s Word, in it the Christian will find God’s design for humanity. However, the disciple will also discover that in order to obey God, he or she must exercise their own will, that is one’s own choice. Furthermore, biblical attitudes have a direct influence on society, especially its nucleus, the family. The disciple will develop skills of communication and loving expression in the family to actively strengthen it and keep it united.

Responsible Citizenship

Christian discipleship trains the Christian to become a responsible person. The skill one learns will be applied in his or her daily life, such as at the workplace, places of entertainment, and the church fellowship he or she attends. The Christian will become an active laity and learn how to communicate Christian values by teaching, evangelism and by using his or her gifts and talents for the benefits of others. Consequently, this course is aimed to develop children, young men and women, and adults into responsible citizens and be the “light and salt” in this world (Matt. 5:14).