Imparting the Basics

I. THE FIVE-FOLD OBJECTIVE IN DISCIPLE-MAKING: (1 Thessalonians 1:5-10)

1. Solid decisions for Christ (1 Thessalonians 1:5).
   • How did the gospel come to the Thessalonians?
   • The Holy Spirit was received how?
2. Disciples (1 Thessalonians 1:6).
   • Who did the Thessalonians imitate?
   • People learn to follow the Lord by following His people.
3. Pacesetters (1 Thessalonians 1:7). They became examples to whom?
4. Reproduction (1 Thessalonians 1:8).
   • What did the Thessalonians share?
   • What did Paul need to add or clarify?
5. Commitment (1 Thessalonians 1:9-10).
   • What did the Thessalonians turn from, and to?
   • What are they doing for the living and true God?
   • Does the hope of the second coming bring inspiration or fear in the Thessalonians?

II. THE TRAINING PROCESS FOR GROWTH, INSTRUCTION, AND DISCIPLINE:

1. The trainer helps a person become what he wants to be.
   • The person must see life from God’s point of view.
   • If the person is unwilling to pay the price, there is not much the trainer can do.
2. The trainer contributes in the person’s development.
   • He gives of his time.
   • He gives opportunity to learn.
   • He gives responsibility: attitudes, willingness, and teachability all fall on the person to be discipled.
3. The trainer yields total responsibility for change to the person: the trainer assumes the role of a guide.
4. The person must set his own goals for growth: they are often higher than the ones that would have been set by the trainer.

III. WHAT ARE THE BASICS: (The Wheel Diagram)

1. The hub of the wheel is Christ.
   • What do the following verses say about Christ?
     • Galatians 2:20
     • John 15:5,10
   • Just imagine rolling a spare tire down a hill without a hub!
2. The spokes of the wheel.
   • The Word (John 8:31-32) – The Word – the ministry of teaching and preaching.
     • What needs to richly dwell in you (Colossians 3:16)?
     • The following is a process for implementing the Word into life: “God’s Word in your HEART and on your hand; five fingers and the palm.”
       • Hear – Romans 10:17, Mark 4:23.
       • Examine – Revelation 1:3.
       • Analyze – Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15.
       • Remember – Psalm 119:9,11, Deuteronomy 6:6.
       • Think – Psalm 1:2-3, Joshua 1:8.
       • Apply – the Palm – Luke 6:46-49, James 1:22.
   • Prayer (John 15:7) – Prayer – the ministry of intercession and worship.
   • Witnessing (John 15:8) – Witnessing – the ministry of evangelism (2 Timothy 4:5).
   • Fellowship (John 13:34-35) – Fellowship – the ministry of nurture and service.
3. The rim of the wheel (The obedient Christian in action) – three basic questions for imparting the basics.
   • What does s/he need?
   • How can s/he get it?
   • How will I know when s/he has it?
4. Helping them pass it on to others.
   • Have them begin discipling another person.
   • This will solidify convictions.
   • This provides a laboratory for growth.
   • This makes him/her teachable and eager to learn.
   • You continue to walk with them: how to do more than just share information.

III. THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN DISCIPLING PEOPLE:

1. They belong to God.
2. They must know that you believe in them: confidence.
3. They must not become too dependent upon you.
4. Allow for the freedom to fail.
5. Teach them to evaluate others: what do these passages reveal about this?
   • Luke 6:12-13
   • 1 Timothy 5:22