Who, Me? Make Disciples? - How God Has Equipped YouSample

Day 5: A Teachable Spirit

Once again, a disciple follows Jesus Christ with the intent of becoming like Him. This implies that disciplemakers are learners.

Disciplemakers are open to change. For them, all the world is a classroom. Disciplemakers not only teach the ones they’re discipling, but also learn from them. The wisest man on earth said, “Better a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to heed a warning” (Ecclesiastes 4:13 NIV). 

The disciplemaker studies people and seeks to become skillful in helping them. Paul said he discipled the Corinthians “as an expert builder” (1 Corinthians 3:10 BSB). He became that by observing them so well that he knew just what they needed.

Bob and Dave have a ministry together that reaches into several states. They are both well educated, mature men. They know enough about the Lord, His Word, and ministry techniques to put most of us to shame. Yet as I have traveled with them, I have seen them constantly put themselves in the position of a learner rather than the one with the answers. As a result, they always have people around them asking questions. 

The responsibility for effective disciplemaking is divided three ways. As you examine the following verses—1 Peter 5:10; Hebrews 10:24-25; and 1 Timothy 4:7—who would you say is involved in the disciplemaking process?