GETTING THE MOST FROM DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS

Suggested Study Format

DISCIPLESHIP ESSENTIALS IS DESIGNED TO BE covered in one lesson a week in a one-and-one-half-hour session. This will vary according to your style of learning, the depth of personal matters you are sharing at any given time and the detours you take to pursue issues raised by the study. Remember that the idea behind a small, tailored discipleship group is to proceed at the pace that is comfortable for the participants. Don't feel obligated to cover every question, but use this book as a menu from which to select, especially if some of the material is familiar and already incorporated in your life.

The assignments are to be completed individually in their entirety prior to the discipling appointment. Each lesson contains discussion guides specifically designed for each of the following elements:

Core Truth--The core truth serves as the nugget around which each lesson is built. The rest of the chapter is designed to further clarify the central focus. Begin each lesson with a review of the core truth's question and answer.

Memory Verse--When we commit the Bible to memory, God's viewpoint on life slowly becomes ours. The psalmist writes, I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you (Psalm 119:11). This discipline helps us grow to be more like Christ as we are grounded in his truth, encourage other believers with God's Word, and share our faith with others. These verses should be reviewed approximately every sixth lesson.

Inductive Bible Study--The place to discover reality from the only perspective that counts is the Bible. We are not interested in stowing away truth as if we were simply trying to acquire more knowledge. The object of this Bible study is to encounter reality and then through God's power bring our lives in line with it. Larry Richards has summarized well the reality structure of God's Word: That is, in the Word of God the Spirit of God has revealed the true nature of the world we live in, the true nature of man and of God, the ultimate consummation of history, the pattern of relationships, and response to God and to life which corresponds with `the way things really are.'²

Reading--Each lesson concludes with a teaching printed in the guide. This reading is intended to provide a contemporary application of the eternal core truth that will challenge our lifestyle and stimulate our thinking. The follow-up questions will help make the learning concrete.

Weave prayer through all that you do. Begin by acknowledging Christ's presence through the Holy Spirit, and open your lives to what he may desire to do in you. As you deepen your life together through personal sharing, prayer is a response to the burdens you unload or the blessings God gives. Finally, intercede for one another that you can make the changes in thought, word and deed that the Lord has brought to your attention.