Back to the Basics: Discipleship
Notes from a Bible Study led by Denny John

The dictionary defines paradigm as:

‘A set of assumptions, concepts, values, and practices that constitutes a way of viewing reality for the community that shares them, especially in an intellectual discipline.’

In simpler words, it’s a context or an environment that gives meaning.

We’ll look into the whole concept of right and wrong; how we can choose what to believe and know what we believe is right. This involves three levels of interplay.

• To perceive
• Interpret what we perceive
• Our response to the interpretation

Influences on our Paradigm

Culture – It conditions us to tell normal apart from abnormal.

Family – All of us come from varying backgrounds.

Education – Our perspectives vary with our levels of education and exposure.

Personal experience – Siblings growing up in the same house, brought up by the same people are usually widely different in terms of character.

These factors are for us to be self-aware. From where do we derive most of our views and decisions? What defines what we believe and why we do what we do?

Reading the first eleven chapters of Romans, we are presented with the various doctrines that Paul has put before us. In chapter twelve he urges us to put these into practice. It is a call to commitment and a call to change.

Our challenge today is: What if our core beliefs are wrong? If so, where do we find the truth? For us believers we know we can find it in Jesus.

I am the way and the truth and the life. – Jesus

We experience Christ as a community and individually. Truth does not convince, but we choose to believe in it because we want to.

Hard Questions

• What is the predominant influence in my value system?
• Is there one thing I believe that could possibly be untrue?
• How would I respond to someone who thinks that my beliefs are false?

Back to the Basics: Discipleship
Notes from a Bible Study led by Denny John

What is Discipleship?

The dictionary defines discipleship as:

A person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; follower

Discipleship for a Christian is very different as compared to others. Why? Because of whom we follow.

What Does Discipleship Call Us to Do?

The Great Commission

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

The First Commission

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Genesis 1:27-28)

Man was made in God’s own image. It’s about a lifestyle, the quality of our lives. We need to reflect the Master in our life. For the disciples, discipleship began when Jesus called them and they followed.

It is indeed very important for us to re-examine our foundations. It’s not about the conversions or strength or the membership but about who we follow and how we do it.

There is no discipleship outside obedience, and obedience to the one who bought us our freedom. In the midst of disobedience we are called to obey. (John 8:32-38)

Jesus’ agenda was – ‘I can do nothing without my Father’s will’.
Joseph; in spite of being sold as a slave to a foreign land by his own brothers was still diligent in obedience.
Daniel and his friends were obedient to the point of being thrown into the burning furnace; God came through for them.

God will always come through for each one of us if we stand up for him.

Ultimately, it is knowing who has called us and how we live a worthwhile life. A life of victory through obedience. Being saved and to stay saved by grace.

(Photo by elifb)