The process of disciple making that Jesus laid out in the Great Commission is linear. That is, the steps follow each other in a predictable sequence. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” Matthew 28-20 ESV.
Spiritual growth follows a predictable pattern
In the natural world, things grow from one stage to the next as they develop into maturity. For example, a stalk of wheat grows in a predictable pattern. Out of the small seed grows the root, the stalk, and, finally, the head. People grow physically in a predictable pattern as well. Doctors can measure almost every aspect of a baby’s development as it’s growing in the womb. After a child is born, the natural process of growth continues.
The same process is also evident in the spiritual world. Even though every person is unique and different, we all grow into Christlikeness in the same way. Every follower of Jesus passes through the same stages on their way to spiritual maturity (1 Peter2:2-3 ESV).
Spiritual growth is a supernatural work of God
In addition to being a linear process, it’s also important to recognize that spiritual growth is a supernatural work of God. In the same way that you can’t force anyone to grow physically, you also can’t force anyone to grow spiritually. On the topic of spiritual growth, the Apostle Paul said, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth” 1 Corinthians 3.6 ESV.
We can and should plant the seeds of the gospel in people’s lives, but only God has the power to turn someone’s affections toward Him. We can challenge people to change their ways, but only God can change their hearts. We can reach out to others with love, but only God can create a church.
This doesn’t mean that we have a passive role. On the contrary, we have an active, significant part to play. Writing to the church at Colossae, Paul said, “He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me” Colossians 1.28-29 NIV. Paul worked hard, and he would expect us to do the same.
Ultimately, however, transforming people into “new creations” 2 Corinthians 5.17 ESV is God’s responsibility. Unless God moves in their hearts, nothing and no one will change. It’s up to us to discern where God is working and join Him there, just like Jesus did: “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working” John 5.17 NIV.
This blog originally appeared at: Jesus’ Disciple-Making Process is Linear – discipleFIRST and features an excerpt from one of their student series books, Invest In A Few.
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