THE FORGESample

DAY #2 Why Discipleship?

When someone comes to Christ, this is only the beginning! What a joy to see someone become a new person in Christ right before our eyes! But it’s important to recognize that any new believer is a spiritual infant, needing loving support and gentle attention from spiritual mothers, fathers, and older brothers and sisters. Like our own children, they need protection, people who won’t do anything to make them stumble (Rom. 14:21; Matt. 18:6). They need mature believers around them who can identify their needs and help them grow in the Word and their walk with Christ. To grow into mature believers.

This is the end goal of discipleship.

Paul said he passionately proclaimed Christ and taught people about Christ with the goal of presenting them “mature in Christ” (Col. 1:28). But what do mature believers actually look like?

For starters, they don’t survive only on the spiritual milk that you and others feed them; they’re becoming able to feed themselves the spiritual meat of the Word (Heb. 5:12–14). They’re not only getting a good handle on the truth of what they believe but are also teaching others (Eph. 4:11–12).

They’re growing in their discernment between good and evil (Rom. 12:9). Their mouths are not filled with foolish, toxic speech anymore but are instead becoming fountains of purity, encouragement, and blessing (Eph. 4:29). They’re developing restraint and self-control (James 3:2), walking in unity instead of division (Eph. 4:13), and increasing in their capacity to love others (2 Pet. 1:5–8).

They’re becoming “complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4), “equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:17). Basically, they love Jesus, act like Jesus, and serve others like Jesus.

Those who are becoming mature in Christ are ALL-IN for Jesus!

And why shouldn’t they be? Why shouldn’t any of us be? Because Jesus is ALL-IN for us!

Hear it in His Great Commission: “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 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 everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:18–20).

From all eternity, God the Father has been ALL-IN regarding His intentions. The Great Commission is the natural continuation of His wholehearted purposes, calling and equipping imperfect people to be wholeheartedly devoted to Him, both to experience for ourselves and then extend to others what knowing and following Jesus is all about.