Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.
Psalm 37:1-2 ESV
Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.
Psalm 37:8-9 ESV
The Lord said something to me today as I was lamenting more signs of the foolishness of this world. He said, “Your job isn’t to correct the world.”
Which makes sense. The world cannot recognize the truth. Why waste my effort attempting the impossible? Just let them be. The Lord will deal with them once and for all soon enough. My task is to make disciples. Knowing why you’re here and what you’re supposed to be doing is very helpful in eliminating distraction and fruitless activity.
I see too many people getting caught up in trying to fight and change the dominant culture instead of doing what God called them to do. I get it. It feels good to fight the power but you’re just scratching your rebellious itch which isn’t of God. Romans 13 tells us how believers should behave in civilized society.
Could it be the devil’s plan to get Christians outraged over how sinful the world is that they forget their assignment? Distracted believers don’t have the energy or the time to make disciples.
The Lord has expressly told me to “focus on disciplemaking” and “just make disciples.”
I would be wise to follow His instructions. I have tried many different approaches to making disciples and I think I’ve found a method that works. Just love them and point them in the right direction.
Disciplemaking isn’t a one size fits all sort of endeavor. Everyone needs individualized attention. Honestly, it’s no different than being a parent. You love each child equally, but they each have their own unique personality and giftings. Sending them to an institution isn’t going to bring out and develop their unique qualities. God loves each one of us and created us for His good pleasure. Life on life disciplemaking honors that.
Now, here’s some really good news if you’re wondering where to start: follow the Spirit’s leading. God knows what they need better than we ever could. So pray and ask God what to do.
He may lead you to some Scripture to study together. He might have you take them through some curriculum. He might lead you to invite them to your next ministry event or evangelistic outreach. The main thing is, let the Holy Spirit be in charge, not your intellect or training.
To make a disciple is to make a faithful follower of Jesus. After sharing the Gospel with someone, invite them to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. It’s our special privilege to welcome people into the Body of Christ.
Immediately, explain who the Holy Spirit is and invite them to receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit by prayer and the laying on of hands. I’ve learned the hard way that it’s pointless to try to disciple someone who doesn’t have the Holy Spirit empowering them. How are they going to live this new life? In their own strength? Start the vehicle and fuel it up before hitting the road.
The main thing I teach is how to recognize the voice of God. It takes about 5 minutes to teach someone, maybe less. There’s also great teaching on hearing from God in the DWJD course that’s available for free online. I highly recommend this solid Biblical teaching that really works.
If you set the expectation that disciples should listen to God and obey Him, your job is very easy. Just keep loving them and encouraging them. When you get together, pray and ask the Holy Spirit what the next step is, and then do it. It’s that easy. Disciplemaking is truly a joy!
After that, if they can read, get them oriented with how to read and study the Bible. That will provide the guardrails for their walk of faith.
We need to remember that this world is temporary. Don’t get too attached to it. What truly matters are the souls of people. I don’t know about you, but it seems like there’s no shortage of people who need to find freedom in Christ.
Share the Gospel with everyone. If someone’s truly interested in following Jesus, disciple them. Teach them the basics and encourage them to share everything that they are learning with the people in their respective spheres of influence, starting with the Gospel. This is how to most effectively and efficiently advance the Kingdom.
Don’t worry about the world. Don’t fret over evil doers. Trust in the Lord and obey His commandments. You’ll be glad you did.
May God empower us to win souls for Christ and make disciples of Jesus. In the Name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace. But transgressors shall be altogether destroyed; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.
Psalm 37:37-38 ESV