Christian Academy for Leadership Studies

PART – I

DISCIPLESHIP AND SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT 

1. INDRODUCTION :

Disciple is a follower of a leader according to the dictionary.  One becomes a disciple in the Biblical sense only when one is totally and completely committed to the person of Jesus Christ and His Word.

1. Biblical basis :-

We are called to follow Jesus Christ who is our Teacher and Master.  “come follow Me” Mark 1:17 was the command He gave to His first disciples.  “come to me all you who are weary and burdened….” Mat.  11:28 That is the same even today.  Jesus said, “You did not choose me but I chose you” John 15:16.

III. Definition and importance of discipleship :

Discipleship is following Jesus Christ as our teacher and our model.   The important thing here is a man’s relationship to Jesus Christ as his Teacher, his Master, and his Lord.  First and foremost a disciple is one who is called by Jesus and has obeyed.  This means a disciple should commit his/her whole life to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and his/her life should have been transformed.  The one who is saved is not necessarily a disciple.  Discipleship is more than being saved.  “Discipleship involves commitment.  It involves identification with Christ in His shameful death.  Discipleship involves renunciation of oneself, it involves setting aside one’s own aims, goals, ambitions, and desires in Life.  It involves sacrifice for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.  It involves setting aside one’s own will and one’s own rights to his life and acknowledging that Jesus Christ has the right to be obeyed, the right to rule[1]”.

1. Various types of following:

The term disciple is used in several different ways.  The multitude of people gathered around Him to listen to His teaching.  Probably we can call them ‘curious’.   They are willing to be taught.  But they did not make any definite decision about His teaching.  Giving ear to the teaching will not make one a disciple.  (John 8:31)  Unless you make a response to the Truth of His word and to the person of Jesus Christ, you cannot be His disciple.

Mat. 4:25

Mark 2:15

Luke 18:41-43

Mark 1:16-18

From curious, to the convinced and to the committed.

(John 6:67 & 68)

1. CALL AND COMMITMENT OF A DISCIPLE :

• Called by Jesus 11:28; mark 1:16-18

Jesus always takes the initiative in calling  the disciples.  The call is to come and die, offer ourselves as a living sacrifice.  This is possible only when you acknowledge that you are chosen, called and commissioned by Christ.

• Called to Jesus John 1:35-39

When He calls you, He calls you primarily to Himself.  “When Buddha was dying, his disciples asked how they could best remember him.  He told them not to bother.  It was his teaching, not his person,that counted.  With Jesus it is altogether different.  Everything centers round Him. Discipleship means knowing Him, loving Him, believing in Him, being committed to Him[2]”.

• Called to obey

Jesus calls you for an unconditional obedience for the whole of life time.  Luke 6:46; Mat. 7:21. To say no to our Lord is not discipleship.  “There was a soldier in the French army by name Pierre Hurlet who was excellent in shooting.  He saved money to build a house in a village with a lovely garden and a vineyard.  He was looking forward to spending time in that house after his retirement.  During war, the Germans captured that village and entered Pierre’s house.  The commander of the army ordered Pierre to shoot that house down as the Germans were inside that.  Pierre instantly obeyed the orders and brought the house to the ground[3]”.

• Called to serve

Mark 10:43 & 44; Mat 20:26-28; John 13; Mat 10:8; Mark 1:17; Luke 10:1-30; We are called to serve and to become a slave.

• Called to simple life

We are called to leave our comforts, security, homes, places etc to be His disciple.  Luke 10:1-30

• Called to suffer

Phil. 1:29; Mat 16:2; Acts 8:1; Mat 10:17-21;

• Called irrespective of qualifications

1 Cor. 1:26-29

• called to grow

2 Cor. 3:18

1. KINGDOM PRINCIPLES

1. Answer His call Mat. 11:28; Mark 1:18
2. Accept His conditions. Mat. 11:29; Luke 14:25 – 33
3. Be Willing to learn. Mat 11:29; Mark 10:39
4. Willing to become like your Master. Mat 10:25, Rom 8:29, Mark 10:43-45; John 13 : 14
5. Willing to move towards the goal. 11 : 28-30; Rom 12:2
6. Experience His power. 11:30. When Jesus was calling the people, we should understand that they were the disciples of Moses, or Pharisees. They were under the yoke of the law and the yoke of the Pharisees.  When we exchange that yoke to that of Jesus Christ, He will deliver them from the bondage.  His yoke is different.  At the same time He is our yoke mate.  As a co-labourer with Jesus Christ, is no burden at all.  It is a source of rest, Satisfaction, enjoyment and contentment.

VII. THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP

To become a useful member of a society; a skilled tradesman, a successful business man, or a good sports personnel will cost something.  It will require time, effort, study, training, discipline, hard work and money.  In the same way to become a useful member of God’s Kingdom that is to become His disciple will cost you everything.  There is a price to pay if you want your life to become a part of God’s plan and to count for eternity.  Remember that the benefits of being a disciple exceed the cost.  We are not doing a favour to God by this, but God is doing a favour to us.

1. THREE DEMANDS THAT MUST BE MET. Luke 14:26 & 33

• First love for Jesus Christ.
• Self denial (The way of the cross)
• Counting the cost.

2. THE PATH OF OBEDIENCE

Jesus is our model for obeying.  Phil 2:6-8’ Luke 2:51; Mat. 26:42 we have to obey to His Word and to His authority. Acts 4:19.  Our obedience to His Word means trusting in His Love.  Gen 22; Mat 7:21-23.

3. THE NECESSITY OF FAITH

The purpose for which Jesus tests our obedience is to bring us to the point of genuine faith in Him. Heb. 11. Faith and obedience go hand in hand.

4. THE PAIN OF RELATIONSHIP

We love to be in a company of people.  We do not want to live in isolation.  Fellowship is part of our life.  There are two sides to this.  One is the enriching and fulfilling experience we can enjoy.  The other is the Hurt feelings.  When we are hurt we want to build a barrier around us and we want to be alone which is not good. When we do that we destroy or at least weaken the love and unity Christ had commanded us to have.  Bear one another’s burden.  Forgive one another.  Love one another.  “It costs Jesus His life; and it may mean for me the crucifixion of pride, bitterness, resentment, or revenge.  I may have numerous reasons for justifying my position of not forgiving.  Some of those reasons may logically be right and humanly understandable.  But God commands me to repent.  There is nothing that so grieves His spirit as lack of forgiveness[4]”.

5. TIME AND MONEY

You will be needed by people and at various times they need your help.

6. HUMILITY

There is nothing wrong in desiring to be first, exalted, sitting in prominent places, etc.  But Jesus wants us to be satisfied with His ways.  Luke 14:8

7. CANNOT GET WITHOUT GIVING OR TRULY LIVE WITHOUT DYING. Mat 10:39.

VIII. THE MARKS OF A DISCIPLE

• Bearing with one another.
• Loving one another
• The spirit of service
• Teachable
• Desire to grow
• Prayer and the study of the Word of God
• Burden for the perishing
• Willing to be corrected
• Spirit of submission
• Transparent life
• Learn to be humble
• Self evaluation
• Able to forgive and forget.
• Perseverance
• Trusted
• Faith in God

1. The Lordship of Jesus Christ:-

Jesus said, “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46.  Many Christians know Christ as their Saviour but few know Him as their Lord.

1. Jesus is Lord of the universe.

Mat. 28:18 – All authority in heaven and on earth

John 1:2-4 – Through Him all things were made

Rom 14:9   – Lord of both the dead and the living

Col.1:16-18– By Him all things were created

2. Jesus wants to be Lord over my life

Jesus is Lord whether we want Him to be or not.

We do not want to accept Him as our Lord because of various reasons.

3. Purpose for His Lordship

Mat. 11:28 & 29    –    rest for our souls; yoke will be easy

and the burden will be light.

Mark 1:17          –    to make us fishers of men.

Rom. 10:9          –    to be saved.

Rom. 8:29&30       –    Predestined, called, justified,

glorified; to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.

4. What it means to live under the Lordship of Christ

As you see in the chart there many rooms in my life.  If Jesus is the Lord of my life He must be the boss over the whole of my life.  I must keep all of doors of my life open and give all the keys to Him so that He could enter into any of the rooms any time He likes without notice.  Some one has said:-

“In all Christians Christ is present.

In some Christians Christ is prominent.

But only in a few Christians is Christ pre-eminent”.

Is Christ pre-eminent in your life?

Is there any area, which is closed to Christ’s Lordship?

5. WHAT HINDERS CHRIST’S LORDSHIP OVER MY LIFE?

• Un-confessed sin – If you are to continue to live under Christ’s Lordship allow Him to wash your dirty feet. (John 13:3-10)
• My own will – He will not take away my free will. But if Jesus is to be Lord of me, He wants to be the Lord of whole of me and not part of me.  He may ask something I do not want to do, or to go somewhere I don’t want to go.  He may cross the plans I have for my own life.  Yet I should obey.  Yet I should surrender my will to Him.  (Gen 22:1 & 2; Gen. 39:19-21; Ex. 4:12 & 13; Luke 22:42; Mat. 14:22-33)
• The will of others – Social and family pressure.

1. PERSONAL LIFE OF A DISCIPLE:

1. Lord of my body. 1 Cor. 6:19 & 20; 1 Cor. 10:31

If Jesus is Lord of your body, you will no longer be   ruled by your natural desires.  You will do your best to keep your body strong and healthy.  Your one and only desire will be to use your body so as to bring glory to the one to whom you belong.

2. 2. Lord of my thought life. 23:7; 2 Cor. 10:5;

   Mat. 5:21-24 & 27-30; Psalm 119:9, 11; Phil. 4:8.

3. Lord of my money and material possessions. Luke

14:33; Luke 12:15-21; 1 Tim. 6:9 & 10;

• How you get? Eph. 4:28; 2 Thes. 3:10-12
• How you use? 1 Cor. 4:1 & 2; Matt. 6:19 & 20; 2  

Cor. 9:7-12; 1 Tim. 5:8

• How is your giving? Deut. 16:17; Mal. 3:8; Acts

11:29; 1 cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:1-4.

4. Quiet time (Prayer)
5. Fellowship
6. Witnessing life
7. Faith and exercise of faith
8. Holiness

1. FAMILY LIFE OF A DISCIPLE:

Many people act like saints in the church but behave like demons at home! They have not allowed their worship on Sundays to touch their life in the home during the week.

What are some results seen in family life when Christ is not allowed to be Lord?

MAKING JUSUS LORD OF MY HOME

1. Understand what the divine order of your home is 1 cor. 11:3

First is the man is to be the husband/father that he should be in the home, he must willingly put himself beneath the authority of Christ.   The husband who will not recognize Christ as Lord of the family is likely to use his position of authority wrongly and stop God’s blessings from coming to his family.

Secondly the husband has been appointed by God to be head of his family.  This does not mean that he can use this authority the way he likes.  In this position as head, he is directly responsible to Christ for the way he rules his wife and the family.

Thirdly if the women is to be the wife/mother that she should be in the home, she must willingly put herself beneath the authority of her husband.  Thisndoes not mean that she no longer Christ’s Lordship.  But as a women she must also be in submission to her husband. Submission here means that women is equal to man and is to be treated as his partner.  She should have her say in the running of the home, but should allow her husband to be the leader and head.

Read Eph.  5:21-6:4 and 1 Pet. 3:1 & 2 and write down what these verses talk about Christ, husband, wife and children.

Read 1 Peter 3:1-7 and write below, the marks of the Christian wife.

The most important ingredients for a happy family are:-

1. Love b. Submission c. obedience

Relationship with the family members and the relatives

Keeping up witness at home

Bringing up of the children

Responsibilities to parents and relatives

Balancing family and the ministry

Involvement in the ministry as a family

XII. VOCATIONAL LIFE OF A DISCIPLE:

1 Cor. 11:31; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:23 & 24; Col. 4:1

I work whole heartedly as unto the Lord.  I work cheerfully.  I do the work to the best of my ability.  I work hard.  I am careful and conscientious. I use my time well.  And I try to maintain happy working relationship with others.

XIII. MINISTERIAL LIFE OF A DISCIPLE:

1. SERVANT HOOD

Mark 9:33 The disciples argued about who is the greatest.  Jesus said to them “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all”.

Mat. 23:11; Mat. 20:26-28; John 13:12-16

“To be a disciple is to be a servant, not only a servant of Jesus Christ but also a servant of believers in Jesus Christ, a servant of all those whom God loves and for whom Christ died, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ”.

2. TEAM WORK AND TEAM SPIRIT

1 Cor. 12

As a body has many parts and they work together we have to work as a team, helping one another, caring for one another.  Today many wanted to do their own thing and they do not want others to tell them what to do.

3. COMMITMENT AND HARD WORK

4. VISION

The disciple should be a visionary.

5. SUBMISSION TO AUTHORITIES

6. DISCIPLING AND EVANGELISM

Disciples are called to make disciples.  When Jesus sent out the twelve and the seventy He sent them with a message to preach and the power to perform miracles.  His command was to go and make disciples of all nations.  When Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, he suggests that you are my disciple and now transmit this as a disciple maker to other disciples.  (2 Tim. 2: 2).  Discipling stands or falls with these two little words, ‘faithful men’.

Multiplication is one of the foundational laws of the universe and it is God’s way of doing things.  It is not easy.  It is costly at times.

Making disciples begins with evangelism.

XIV. SOCIAL LIFE OF A DISCIPLE:

1. CONCIOUSNESS OF CIVIL RIGHTS AND PRIVELEGES
2. RELATING TO THE LEADERSHIP IN THE GOVERMENT AND SOCIETY
3. INVOLVEMENT IN THE SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION

1. GROWING IN DISCIPLESHIP

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT YOUR SOURCE OF LIFE

Before we can grow spiritually we mush be born of the spirit.  The Holy Spirit alone can being spiritual life, and only by the Holy Spirit can there be continuing spiritual life and growth.  All of us are either spiritually dead or spiritually alive.  Read Rom. 8: 5-10 and 1 Cor. 2: 14-16 and list below the marks of the spiritually dead and spiritually alive.

SPIRITUALLY DEAD                      SPIRITUALLY ALIVE

“There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any other created thing, but only by God the creator made known through Jesus Christ”, Paschal

People who have this emptiness in their lives try to fill it with other things such as materials, pleasures, doing good, worshipping idols etc.

Holy Spirit not only gives you life but He also patterns our growth.

NOT GROWING                                 GROWING

DORMANT                                     ACTIVE

2. THE BIBLE YOUR SPIRITUAL FOOD

A new born babe needs milk many times a day.  As the child grows he learns to eat other foods.  Even an adult need various kinds of food.  In the same way we need spiritual food to grow spiritually.  The Word of God is our spiritual food.

Psalm 119:103 –    Sweeter than honey

Mat.  4:4     –    Gives Life

Heb.  5:12-14 –    Milk to the immature; food for the

mature

1 Pet. 2:2    –    Spiritual milk

The Bible makes you grow     Eph. 4:15

The Bible keeps you clean    Ps. 119:9 & 11; John 15:3; Eph. 5:26

The Bible guides your way    Ps. 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:16 &17

Hear –  Rom. 10:17; Read –  Rev. 1:3;  Study – Acts 17:11; Memorise  – Ps. 119:11; Meditate – Ps. 1:2 So hold on strongly to the Word of God.

3. PRAYER YOUR SPIRITUAL BREATH

Respiration consists of :-

Inspiration –  Praise and worship

Expiration  – Confession and supplication

Prayer is more than asking things.

Prayer is more than on knees.

What are the purposes of prayer?

1. To enjoy fellowship with God – Ps. 27:8; 1 Cor. 1:9
2. To find cleansing and forgiveness – 2 Chro. 7:14; 1

John 1:9

1. To keep us alert and awake to spiritual realities – Mat 26:41; Eph. 6:18
2. To allow God to demonstrate His Power – 2 Chr. 16:9
3. To do the will of God – 1 Thes. 5:16-19.

The prayer life of Jesus

Mat 14:23; Mark 1:35; Luke 5:15 & 16. 6:12 & 13; 10:21-23; 22:39-44.

Jesus prayed often

He prayed alone

He prayed as He worked

He prayed before taking important decisions

He made prayer a priority.

“Jesus prayed.  He loved to pray.  Sometimes praying was His way of resting.  He prayed so much and so often that it became a part of His life.  It became to Him like breathing – involuntary” S J Gordon

“More things are wrought by prayer

Than this world dreams of,

Wherefore, let your voice rise

Like a fountain for me night and day” Tennyson

4. FELLOWSHIP TO KEEP YOU WARM

Heb. 10:19-25 talks about our relationship with God and our relationship with other Christians.

Fellowship means ‘sharing in common’.  Christian fellowship goes beyond the natural ties of human fellowship.

We all have one source of life – The Holy Spirit which is the basis of Christian fellowship.

Read the following references and find out the marks of Christian Fellowship :-

Acts 2:42; Acts 11:29 & 30; Rom. 12:13; 1 Cor. 12:25 & 26; Gal. 6:1,2 & 6: Heb. 10:24 & 25 and 1 John 3:16-18

Fellowship in breaking of bread.

Helping others financially

Showing hospitality and meeting the need of others Bearing one another’s burdens

Stirring up one another to love and good works

Encouraging one another

Love in action.

THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

1. To enable God’s people to function as a body. I Cor. 12:12-24
2. To help God’s people to grow towards spiritual maturity. 4:11-14.
3. Tp provide opportunities for strengthening and up-building one another. 10:24 & 25
4. To enable God’s people to stand strong for Christ in the World. 1 Pet. 4:1-11

5. WITNESSING YOUR SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

A.ALL CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO SERVE.

1. i) Service towards God
2. ii) Service towards others

1. ALL CHRISTIANS ARE EQUIPPED TO SERVE.
2. i) Spiritual resources to strengthen you.

   Bible,Prayer, Fellowship and the Holy Spirit.

1. ii) Spiritual gifts to use (1 Cor. 12:8-10, 28;Rom.

   2:6-8; Eph.4:11)

  More than natural abilities

  Not all unusual or miraculous

  Given to each and every Christian

  Given to build up others

  Do not neglect the gift you have. 1 Tim. 4:14

     iii)Gifted leaders to train you.

XVI. PROBLEMS AND PERILS IN DISCIPLESHIP:

1. WORLDLY AMBITION :
   1. The wrong kind of ambition Luke, 22 : 24-27
   2. The right kind of ambition Phil. 3 : 13 & 14

WATICH OUT FOR THE SIDE-PATHS!

Every desire, goal or ambition should be tested with the following three questions:-

• Am I doing this to lift up my name or God’s name?
• Is this what I want for my life or what God wants for my life?
• Will this thing make me more useful in Christ’s service and a better servant of others or will it not?

“A zealous man in religion is pre-eminently a man of one thing . . . He only sees one thing, he cares for one thing; and that one thing is to please God.  Whether he lives, or whether he dies; whether he has health, or whether he has sickness; whether he is rich, or whether he is poor; whether he is thought wise, or whether he is thought foolish; whether he gets honour, or whether he gets shame; for all this the zealous man cares nothing at all.  He burns for one thing, and that one thing is to please God, and to advance God’s Glory”.  Bishop Ryle.

2. SATANIC OPPOSITION

Luke 22:31 & 32

Find out the ways in which Satan used to fight against Jesus.

Matt. 4:1-3   His power to feed himself – meet His physical needs

Matt. 4:5 & 6 Jumping from the pinnacle – self glory

Matt. 4:8 & 9 Worship Satan

Matt.16:21-23 Through His own disciple

John 8:44      Through Religious leaders

John 13:27    Through Judas

Satan tried to spoil Jesus’ mission to the world in two main ways.  He attacked Jesus from within – through the natural desires of His human nature (Mat. 4). Then he attacked Jesus from without – through the lives of both His friends and foes.

What kind of ways does Satan use to attack us as Christ’s disciples?

GOD’S PROVISION FOR VICTORY :-

• The divine permission. Job 1:8-12; John 2:3-7; Luke 22:31; 1 Cor 10:13
• The divine petition. Luke 22:31
• The divine protection. Eph. 6:10-16

Be a good soldier.  Remember there is no armour given for the back.  That means you should not turn your back to Satan. Stand firm and resist the devil and he will flee from you.

3. SELF CONFIDENCE Luke 22:33 & 34
4. The marks of self confidence :-
   • Boasting Mark 14:29-31; James 4:13-16; 1 Cor. 1:31
   • Superiority complex Mark 14:29; 1 Cor 4:7; 12:20 & 21; 10:12
   • Self sufficiency. Mark 14:29-31; 2 Cor 3:5;
5. The dangers of self confidence :-

• Cause you to dry up spiritually Jer 17:5-8; Ps 1:1-3; John 7:37-39
• Makes you try to fight spiritual battles with worldly weapons. 2 Cor 10:3 & 4; Eph. 6:12; Luke 22:47 – 51
• Weaken your witness and make your work of little lasting value. Luke 22:56-60; John 15:5

XVII. SPIRITUAL WARFARE:

A Definition:

Spiritual warfare is a conflict in the spiritual realm the forces of darkness and evil (satanic powers), against God, His creation, and His dominion in the heavenlies and on earth.  (See Ephesians 6:2).

Apostle Paul asks us not to be ignorant of in 2 cor. 2. 11 We also should keep in our mind that He who is in us greater than he that is in the World.  1 John 4:4.

Spiritual warfare began when Lucifer (or Satan), one of God’, angels, rebelled and lead a rebellion of other angels, which we now call demons, against God in an attempt to usurp (unlawfully seize) the position, power, and authority which belongs to God alone, and to receive His glory.  In Isaiah 42:8, God clearly states through His prophet; “I am the Lord, that is my name, I will not give my glory to another”.

But we see that Satan sought to take the place of God, due to his pride, and desired to be exalted as God.  Two Scriptures that describe his sin and rebellion are found in Isaiah 14:10-15, and Ezekiel 28:12-17. Although these words are against the kings of Babylon and Tyre, symbolically, very clearly, it refers to an angelic being, which Biblically can be none other than Satan the devil.  In Luke 10:18, Jesus also refers to the fall of Satan from heaven.  The Scriptures in Jude 6 and 2 Peter 2 : 4, speak of the fall of his followers with him. We can read about real battles in the heavenlies between God’s angles and the forces of darkness, (fallen angels), or demons, in Daniel 10:13, 21; Jude 9.  A future conflict of this nature is spoken of in Rev. 12:9.

Pertaining to how and when man entered into this warfare, we find the first reference in Genesis 3:1-16, where Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempts and deceives man, resulting in him sinning, and bringing a separation between him and God.  See Isaiah 59:1 – 2. Evidently Satan is the enemy of God and His creation, (mainly people), and he will never repent, resulting in his final judgment written in Revelation 20:7 – 10.

THERE ARE SOME IMPORATANT FACTS TO KEEP IN MIND CONCERNING OUR ENEMY THE DEVIL:

What do we know about Satan?

He is an intelligent person.  Job. 1:6 – 12

He can reason well.  Gen 3:1 – 7

He knows the scriptures.  Mat. 4:6

He does counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.  2 Thes. 2:9

His titles:

Ruler of the kingdom of the air- Eph. 2:2

Prince of the world John 12:31

God of this age – 2 Cor 4:4

Dominion of darkness Col. 1:13

Roaring lion 1 Pet 5:8

Angel of light 2 Cor. 11:14

His activities / characteristics

1. He is a deceiver – Gen. 3:13; Rev. 12:9
2. He is a liar – Gen. 3:4; John 8 : 44
3. He is an accuser – Job 1:11; 2:5; Zech. 3:1- 2; Rev. 12:10
4. He is Killer – John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8
5. He is thief – John 10:10; Matt. 13:19.
6. He is a murderer John 8:44
7. He is a misleader 1 Tim 4:1
8. He is a hinderer 1 Thes 2:18
9. He is an oppressor Acts 10:38
10. He energizes to disobey Eph. 2:2

VICTORY ONLY THROUGH FAITH IN HIM

Read the following important passages of Scripture: 1 Cor. 15:22 – 26; Rom. 5:12,15.  Also look at Hebrews 2:14 – 15; 1 John 3:8.  It is only by the blood of Jesus that we have the victory in this battle and can defeat the enemy.  This is realized by receiving His gospel, His Word, His testimony and surrendering our lives completely to Him.  See Rev.  12:11. Looking at the significance of Jesus’ death on the cross in relation to clarity: Philippians 2:7 – 11; Col. 1:13 – 16; Matt 28:18.  Once again the truth is established from the world that only Jesus Christ has the victory over the devil and all the powers of darkness, and we can enter into that victory only faith in him. 

IN CHRIST

In order to be IN CHRIST one needs to have the following requirements met in obedience to God’s word:

1. Those who are born again and know Jesus personally as Lord and Saviour John 3:3 – 5; 1 John 5:4 – 5, 18; Rom. 10:9 – 10.
2. Those who have repented, been baptized and have their sins forgiven – Acts 2:38; 1 John 1:8 – 9.
3. Those who are totally submitted to God’s authority – James 4:7; 1 Pet 5:6.
4. Those who abide Him and in whom His word abides – 1 John 2:3 – 6; John 15:7.
5. Those who are walking in obedience to God’s revealed word to them – 1 John 2:3.
6. Those who are led of and baptized in the Holy Spirit – Rom. 8:9, 14, Gal.  5:24 – 25; Matt. 3:11.

THROUGH CHRIST

1. A new creation – 2 Cor. 5:17
2. God’s children – John 1:12; Rom. 8:14 – 16
3. Heirs and co – heirs – Rom. 8:17; James 2:5
4. A chosen generation and a royal priesthood – 1 Pet. 2:9
5. Temples of the Holy Spirit – 1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19-20
6. Friends – John 15:15
7. Co – workers – 1 Cor. 3:9
8. Servants – 2 Cor. 3:5-6
9. Soldiers – 2 Tim. 2:3-4
10. Over comers – 1 John 4:4; 5:4
11. More than conquerors – Rom. 8:37-39

POSITION OF AUTHORITY IN CHRIST

We will proceed to look at our position of authority IN CHRIST, and how we can exercise this authority in spiritual warfare.  We know from Matt. 28:18, that all authority in heaven and earth belongs to Jesus, and that He disarmed demonic powers and authorities, triumphing over them by the cross.  (Col. 2:14-15).  This has rendered the devil powerless over us according to what is written in Heb. 2:14-15.  From the time of Adam’s fall until Calvary, Satan had the keys of death and hell, and had the authority to keep us in spiritual death, and to take us to hell.  But Jesus broke Satan’s authority over us, by recapturing those keys.  The word “keys”, speaks of authority.  In Rev. 1:17-18, we see that Jesus now possesses the keys after His death and resurrection, and swallowed up death in victory.  (see also 1 Cor. 15:54-57).  Satan is already judged, (his destiny already determined), according to the words spoken by Jesus in John 12:31 and 16:11.  The devil has nothing in Jesus, and therefore those of us who are IN CHRIST, will not be touched by the devil too (John 14:30 and 1 John 5:18). Pertaining to our authority, Jesus gives us the “keys” to kingdom of heaven, to bind and loose things in heaven and on earth as per Matt. 16:9.  In Spiritual Warfare this speaks of binding demonic forces in their activities against people, and loosing their hold over people’s lives, as well as loosing God’s blessings upon them.

More specifically we can define “binding and loosing” in the following manner:

• TO BIND means: to tie up or render ineffective, to break its power and authority. What we bind are things or beings not permitted in

SUBTLE WAYS THAT THE ENEMY TRIES TO ATTACK US

What are some of the subtle ways that the enemy tries to attack us?  And how we can defend ourselves and thwart the devil’s attempts, defeating him, and walking in the victory already won for us on the cross.

First note the fact that much of the demonic attacks and defeats Christians experience are due to being unaware, caught off-guard, and allowing themselves to become engrossed with things other than God in their lives, thus giving the devil opportunity to tempt, deceive, trouble, and harass.  Instead we should be “sober and alert”, resisting the devil when we sense his presence.  (1 Pet 5:8-9).

Believers open up themselves for sure attack when they allow themselves to fall into areas of sin, and give the enemy access or a foothold in their lives.  See Eph 4:26-27.  These areas of unchecked, unrepentant sin, can be called ENTRY POINTS, through which the devil can come in and influence and oppress believers, leading them astray and back into bondage.  See Gal 6:7-8.  Below are some examples of this:

Other sin areas to avoid are mentioned in e.g. Gal. 5:19-21, 2 Pet. 2:13-22. As we see from the above, the devil likes to use the things and pleasures of the world to lead God’s people astray, and to give other things or people more importance in their lives than God, thus hindering or breaking their relationships with Him.  Jas. 4:4; 1 JOhn 2:15-16.  Notice the solution is always to repent (turn back to God), and obey His word! In doing so, we wage war against the enemy by, “submitting ourselves to God”, and then we can with His authority, “resist the devil and he will flee from you”.  Even as Jesus said in John 14:30, “… the ruler of this world (Satan), is coming and he has nothing in me”,may we also by His power stay clear from sin, so that when the enemy tries to accuse or attack us he will find NO ENTRY,  and have nothing in us!

THREE BATTLEFIELDS

Scholars distinguish three strategic areas in our lives which we must fortify against attack from evil.  These are: the Mind, the Heart and the Mouth.  These are critical positions in spiritual Warfare, and we must fight to protect them.

1. THE MIND:

Every thought that enters our mind has three possible sources:

26. God: God speaks to our mind through revelations, guidance and the gifts of a word of wisdom and knowledge by the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 12:8; 14:26.
27. Ourselves: God created us with the creative ability to produce our own thoughts. 23:7 (King James Version only).
28. Satan: Although demonic forces cannot read our minds, they can put evil thoughts and temptations there. John 8:44.

We can see a clear example of this from the life of Peter:

1^st God:       Mat 16:16-17

2^nd Himself:   Mat 17:4

3^rd Satan: Mat 16:22-23

Although we cannot always prevent thoughts from entering into our minds, we can discern where they come from, and do something with them once they are there.  Above all we need not fear for 2 Tim. 1:7 says that, “God has not given us the spirit of fear or timidity, but of power, love and a sound mind”.  Therefore the Holy Spirit gives us the power to do two things in this area:

1. Cast down imaginations, and everything that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (To cast out evil and demonic thoughts from our mind).  See 2 Cor. 10:3-5.
2. Enables us to think the thoughts of God, and reminds us of His Word. See Phil. 4:8; John 14:26.  (We need to discipline our minds to do so).

Also in the area of our imagination, we need to be on guard how we use them.  God gave us active imaginations, and the ability to create with and in our minds.  That is how so many inventions useful to man have come over the years.  But mainly God gave us imaginations for faith, to talking about imagery, but only that which God puts in our minds to believe Him for, according to His Word (the “Rhema” Word).  Demonic forces try to pollute our imaginations, so that we worry and imagine bad things happening to us or these forces try to tempt us with pleasurable fantasies, sinful and illegitimate in nature, which can lead us unto unbelief, fear, bondage and other sin.  See Mat 5:27-28; Rom 14:23b.

In 2 Cor. 10:4 it says, “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds”.  There are two mental strongholds that the enemy often tries to establish in the minds of believers which are: “INFERIORITY and “CONDEMNATION”.  Inferiority feelings arise when Satan tries to tell people things like: “You are not good enough, smart enough, you don’t measure up or you are worthless, etc…”  Condemnation occurs when Satan can lay on us guilt feelings, like: “you are a sinner, you are not spiritual enough, your prayers are not answered because God is not pleased with you etc…”  We pull down these strongholds by refusing them, and believing what the Word of God says about us instead.  Heb. 4:12 Eph. 2:10.  And learn to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and not the devil! See Rom. 8:1.

There are basically two types of FEAR that we need to be aware of.  One comes through faith in God, and the other comes through unbelief.

1. The fear of the Lord: A holy reverence and awe for God and His Word, knowing that disobedience will bring separation, corruption and destruction. 13:4.
2. The fear of anything or anyone else: Ps. 31:13; I John 4:18c. If we fear the Lord and trust in Him, the other and demonic fears will be eliminated, as we will be secure in His Love, 1 John 4:18a thus having the confidence that He is in control and if He be for us, no one can be against us! Ps.118:6; Rom. 8:31.

THERE ARE ALSO TWO KINDS OF WISDOM:

1. Godly wisdom: Jas. 3:13,17
2. Worldly or demonic wisdom: Jas.3:14-16.

In Ps. 111.10, it says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” God promises His wisdom to any of His children who will ask in faith.  See Jas.1:5-6.  So by fearing the Lord, and receiving and walking in His wisdom, we do spiritual warfare, and guard ourselves from demonic fear and wisdom.

TEMPTATION:

According to Jas. 1:14-16, we are tempted when we are lead away by our own lust which gives birth to sin, then death.  Satan likes to build up and add to these lustful or greedy thoughts, and when sin occurs, he gets his entry point to attack and leads us into deeper destruction.  But God provides protection and a way out, by His power, to take control of our thoughts, avoid evil situations, make right choices, and walk in His ways.  See 2 Pet 1:3-4; 2:9; 1Cor 10:13. Jesus gave us the example of battling temptation in the power of the Spirit, and the use of the Word of God to break the lies of the enemy.  Luke 4:1-14.

DECEPTION:

It has been called Satan’s chief tactic in the world.  When one is deceived, he is convinced that what he believes is true, no matter how false it may be in reality.  He believes and lives in the lie of the enemy.  The Bible gives us solid warnings to guard against deception.  Study the following scriptures that apply to these groups of people.

Deception is broken and spiritual warfare is applied when we humble ourselves before God and each other, and we pray and fast taking authority over every deceptive spirit in the name of Jesus, casting it out from our midst.  See 2 Chron. 7:14; Luke 22:31-32; mark 9:29.

2. THE HEART:

In regard to spiritual warfare, the matters of the heart often refer to two things in the Bible – Attitudes and Emotions.  Many times we only focus on the sins of action, and often overlook the sins of the heart such as rebellion, independence, contention, pride, arrogance, bitterness and resentment, which almost always precede the sins of action. These hinder our walk with the Lord, and provide an opening for Satan to attack.  See Ps. 66:18.  In Jer.17:9, the Bible says, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked, who can know it?”  But God who knows the hearts of all men (Acts 1:24) has created in His children a new heart according to His promise in Ezek. 36:26-27 and sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts (Gal 4:6).  But even as God’s children, at times our hearts grow cold and we take on bad attitudes towards God, people, and situations, because of what they said or didn’t say, or because of what they did or didn’t do, or provided for us according to our own desires.  From these wrong attitudes spring up wrong emotions and when we depend more upon our feelings instead of God we get ourselves in trouble.  Satan likes to distort things and continues to trouble our hearts further, but Jesus said in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled, believe in God, also believe in Me”.  The way we do spiritual warfare here is to:  First, “Watch over (guard) our hearts with all diligence…”  Prov. 4:23.  Second, pray the prayer of King David in Ps 51:10-12.  Third, let the love of God fill hearts continually by the Holy Spirit.  Rom. 5:5.

3. THE MOUTH

Often, we who are supposed to be encouragers of the brethren and proclaimers of the truth, allow our mouths to become tools of destruction in the hands of devil instead.  Our words can be vehicles of the Holy Spirit for truth, righteousness, and life, or vehicles of Satan for deception, accusation and death.  The Bible says in Prov. 18:21 that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit”.  Satan loves to inspire our words at any chance he can get.  It often happens when we gather together with friends.  It starts with an innocent comment about someone not present.  The comments become observations, the observations become concerns, concern can become criticism, and criticism can become accusations.  According to Jam 3:8-10, we can either release God’s blessing from our mouths or we can aid the enemy’s attack on people.  That is why we need to be very careful of what we allow in our hearts and minds because the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and out of the heart comes evil thoughts.  See Mat 15:18-19.  To do warfare in this area we must first pray the prayer of the Psalmist in Psalm 141:3.  Secondly, obey the word of God in Eph 4:29,31.  Thirdly, again let the love of God fills our hearts so that we can speak words of love that edify people, for Jesus said, “The mouth speaks out of that which fills the heart”. Matt. 12:34.  We need to get into the habit of speaking words of faith based upon God’s Word instead of negative words of unbelief to each other.  Lastly, as a matter of ministry in building up God’s victorious army, we need to heed to the exhortation given us in 1 Cor. 14:26.  So let us not use our mouths to resist each other, but to resist the devil, and he will flee from you!

PART – II

DISCIPLING

1. NEED DISCIPLING

             Discipling is necessary and indispensable in Christian missions and in local churches.  Our Lord Jesus Christ has stated well about discipling in His great Commission (Mt 28:18-20).  As the Lord Jesus Christ selected and trained disciples, he commanded them to teach others in order to make them disciples.  Discipleship is indispensable to carry on the mission of the Church.  Mission work would be slowed down when there is no discipling of disciples.  The early church was so successful in discipling.  

1. Making Disciples

As many aften think, making disciples does not end with Evangelizing.  But it also includes Edifying and Equipping.  It is a continuing process. 

Evangelism ® Edification ® Equipping ® Evangelism.  The equipped disciple will carry on the ministry of evangelism. 

1. Discipling by Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ, the greatest master made disciples during His earthly ministry.  He called them first.  Those who obeyed to His call followed Him.  He taught and trained those who obeyed to His call followed Him. He before sending them in to mission. 

Teaching by Jesus: Jesus taught the disciples first about His mission, ministry, purpose ect. (Mk 6:1-2).  He taught them many principles through parables.  The disciples learnt from him by hearing.  After teaching them, He taught them by seeing His miracles.  When they saw the miracles of Jesus Christ, He taught them about His authority over creation.  (Mt 17:1-9, Mk 4:35-41).  So His teaching included both hearing what He taught and seeing what He did.  Every good teaching must include both hearing and seeing aspects. 

Training by Jesus:  After teaching them, He trained them practicality.  He kept them with him wherever he went in order to train them how to do ministry.  After giving them enough training practically, He sent them two by two into the villages for ministry. (Mt 10:1-42; Lk 8:1, 10:1-16).  That training was a practical ministry to the disciples.  They all brought back their report of ministry.  (Lk 10:17-22), He rejoiced with them for their ministry. 

2. Discipling by Apostles

As the disciples trained by Jesus Christ, they started training new disciples from the very inception of the church at Jerusalem (Act 2:41-42).  The Apostles taught the scripture to the new believers and they kept the believers with them through Constant fellowship, and encouraged them in prayers.  Apostles Paul kept Luke, Timothy and Titus with him so as to train them in ministry.  After giving them enough teaching and training, they were given the responsibility of pastoring the Church.  (1&2 Timothy; Titus)

1. C. Training Disciples. (Training Process of Discipling)

 As the Lord Jesus and the apostles trained the new disciples, the church today has the responsibility of training the disciples.  Jesus commanded it in his great Commission (Mt 28:18-20).  Apostle Paul also very clearly mentioned about it in his epistle to Timothy (2Tim 2:2).  As the Lord began training with his teaching, every “training of disciples” begins with teaching.  Teaching the Scripture is the Foundation for Training (Act 2:41,42; 17:2-4;17:11)

• Christian Discipling begins with Teaching Scriptures.
• Christian Discipling progress with Training Practically.
• Christian Discipling results in Producing New Disciples. 
• Edification is Educating the Disciple in the Bible.
• Equipping is Training the Disciple in the ministry.
• Evangelism is the product of Discipling.

Student’s Assignment

1. What is the role of the Bible in the life of Disciple?
2. How is the Christian fellowship important in the life of Disciple?
3. Explain the three battle fields in spiritual life of a Disciple?
4. Explain the need of Discipling?
5. Explain the training process of Discipling?

Note: Write the answers for these questions and send them to CALS.  Please write your Register Number on your answer Sheets.

Acknowledgement:  This note is prepared by Mr. Victor Sitther, Former General Secretary, IEM, Bangalore (PART–II–H.R.K).

[1] Design for discipleship – page. 19.

[2] Discipleship by David Watson – p. 23

[3] Better Every day by R. Stanley – p. 43.

[4] Discipleship by Watson David – p. 244-245.