How can I disciple someone else?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament does not use the word "disciple" the way the New Testament does, but it clearly teaches relational, life-on-life faith formation. For example, in the Shema, God called the Israelites to teach God's Word diligently "when you sit...walk...lie down...rise" (Deuteronomy 6:5–7). Discipleship is important to God because that is how we grow and how the next generation will know Him. Discipleship should be woven into everyday life and not just limited to formal settings.
• Discipleship involves intentionally teaching God's Word and also having continual conversations about what is true. Deuteronomy 11:18–19 instructs us to, "Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This continual conversation provides time and experiences so the truth can sink in and reach our hearts.
• Psalm 78:4–7 shows us that discipleship involves proclaiming who God is and what He has done. Verse 7 tells us the purpose of this: "Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands."
• Proverbs 27:17 tells us that “iron sharpens iron.” Growth happens through close, sharpening relationships, which is part of discipleship.
• Discipleship happens through relationship, inviting others to follow God as you follow Him. For example, Ruth grew in her faith as she stayed closed to Naomi (Ruth 1:16).

from the new testament

• Discipleship flows from our own submission to Christ. In Mark 1:17, Jesus calls the disciples, saying, "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” First, we must have a relationship with God, and then we are called to help others do the same.
• The Great Commission shows us that we are called to make disciples, "teaching them to observe all I have commanded you" Matthew 28:19–20. Discipleship involves teaching the truths of who God is and how He calls us to live. Its aim is transformation, and transformation happens in community, through the power of the Holy Spirit, who equips us to be His witnesses (Acts 1:8).
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says, “We were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves.” Discipleship is relational, not transactional. Discipleship means sharing life, not just lessons.
• Truth is meant to be passed from one believer to another, generation after generation (2 Timothy 2:2).
• Whether we are intentionally teaching someone or discipling them by sharing life together, we must depend on the Holy Spirit, not personal ability. We can be prepared, but we must remember that God is the one who illuminates, teaches, and redirects us back to the truth (John 14:26; Colossians 1:28–29).

implications for today

God did not save us so we could live a comfortable life until we go to heaven. He saved us so we would be free from the penalty of sin and live for Him. This includes living out the mission He gave us: to make disciples of all nations.

Discipleship begins with our own obedience and love for God and involves an on-going, growing relationship with Him. When we are saved, we are made right with God (justified). Throughout life, we become transformed (sanctified) into Christlikeness, allowing Him to renew us from the inside out. This means no longer living in our flesh, but walking according to the Spirit. This means abiding and trusting in Him, not relying on ourselves. It means allowing the Holy Spirit to convict us and produce the fruit of His Spirit in us. We are called to be discipled and grow in our knowledge, love, and obedience of Him. This happens through practicing spiritual disciplines, spending time with the Lord, trusting God through our circumstances, and living in community.

When we are saved, we shouldn't want to keep what we have to ourselves. We should want to share it with others! We should also not want to just stay where we are at but continue to grow in our faith! This means living out our faith in words and action. It looks like walking alongside others to teach them about God or to point them back to Him. We should be teaching people the essentials of the faith. We should be asking them questions, allowing them to ask questions, and helping them learn to discover answers to their questions. We should teach them about spiritual disciplines and the importance of spending time with the Lord.

But discipleship is also relational. When we have relationships with others and walk alongside them in everyday life, we can point them to God when they are struggling, seek God's Word together for wisdom, and uphold each other in prayer, recognizing our collective need for Him. We were saved to be freed from sin along with its effects and consequences so we can help the world see Him and be saved too. Discipleship matters, and it's our mission to help others know and follow Jesus—loving Him, obeying Him, and living lives that reflect who He is and what He has done.