MAKING DISCIPLES: A BIBLICAL APPROACH

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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 all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)

Jesus’ command in the Great Commission is clear: we are called to make disciples. This blog post follows up on the powerful sermon Pastor Phillip preached at Providence Reformed Baptist Church recently (Listen Here), where he unpacked the beauty and responsibility of making disciples. In a world that often emphasizes human effort and quick results, Scripture offers a God-centered approach to discipleship, reminding us that we are instruments in God’s hands, while He remains sovereign over salvation, sanctification, and spiritual growth. This journey begins with evangelism, continues through time together in the Word for inspiration and encouragement, and thrives within the covenant community of the church—all while trusting in God’s faithfulness to complete His work.

God’s Sovereignty: We Are Instruments in His Hands

At the heart of a reformed understanding of discipleship is the sovereignty of God. Scripture declares, “Salvation belongs to the Lord” (Jonah 2:9), and the apostle Paul reminds us that “it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy” (Romans 9:16). In the task of making disciples, we are not the source of transformation—God is. As Paul writes, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:6). This truth frees us from the pressure to produce results and calls us to faithfulness in sharing the gospel and teaching others.

The Puritan Thomas wrote in that regard, “We are but the arrows in God’s hand; He is the archer that directs us to the mark.” Our role is to proclaim Christ, trusting that the Holy Spirit will regenerate hearts and bring about true growth. This doesn’t diminish our responsibility but aligns it with God’s purpose. As instruments, we can rest in His promise: “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish what I purpose” (Isaiah 55:11).

Evangelism: The Starting Point of Discipleship

Making disciples begins with evangelism, as Jesus commands us to “go” (Matthew 28:19). Biblically, evangelism is about faithfully proclaiming the gospel wherever you are at the time, knowing that God uses it to call His people. “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). We share the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, trusting that God will draw those He has chosen to Himself (John 6:44).

This doesn’t mean we sit back passively. The call to evangelize is urgent and active. Peter exhorts us, “Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Whether through preaching, personal conversations, or sharing your testimony, evangelism is the starting point of discipleship. It’s the spark that God uses to ignite faith, as He promises, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Time Together in the Word: Inspiration and Encouragement

Discipleship doesn’t stop at evangelism—it’s a lifelong process of growth in Christ. Jesus instructs us to “teach them to observe all that I have commanded” (Matthew 28:20), which happens through time together in the Word. We should not forget that Scripture is the ultimate authority for faith and practice. As Paul tells Timothy, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Discipleship centers on teaching the truth of God’s Word, helping believers grow in their knowledge of God and obedience to Christ.

This time in the Word is also a source of inspiration and encouragement. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:23-25). Whether in a small group, a mentoring relationship, or through prayer, we inspire and encourage one another by pointing to the promises of God’s Word. As the psalmist declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).

John MacArthur emphasizes this priority as he said: “The faithful pastor, the faithful disciple-maker, must be committed to the Word of God, for it is the only source of true spiritual nourishment.” Time together in the Word isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about building one another up in faith, encouraging perseverance, and inspiring obedience.

The Role of the Church: A Covenantal Community

Scripture places a strong emphasis on the church as a covenant community where discipleship takes place. The church isn’t just a collection of individuals, but a body united by God’s covenant of grace. As Paul writes, “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). Discipleship happens within this community, through the preached Word, the sacraments, and mutual encouragement.

Jesus Himself underscores the importance of baptism in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), a sign of a public testimony of a new life as new disciples into the visible church. From there, growth happens through the ordinary means of grace. Paul instructs Timothy, “Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). The church provides a context for new believers to be nurtured, corrected, and encouraged under the care of faithful elders.

Practically, this means involving new disciples in the life of the church, connecting them with small groups, mentoring them in the faith, and praying for their growth. As Paul says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The church is where disciples are made, not in isolation but in community. I can’t emphasize this enough: Church fellowship is crucial to the believer, either new converts or the mature disciples. It is indispensable!

A Call to Perseverance: Trusting God’s Faithfulness

Making disciples is a long-term commitment, not a task with quick results. It requires walking alongside others through the ups and downs of their faith journey. A biblical understanding of God’s promises offers great comfort here through the assurance that those whom God calls, He will keep. As Scripture assures us, “I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

This truth fuels our perseverance as disciple-makers. Even when progress feels slow, we can trust God’s faithfulness. Jesus promises, “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). The Reformer John Calvin reflected on this, saying, “We are not to despair of the salvation of any man, so long as the Lord gives him opportunity to repent; for God’s patience is a tacit invitation to repentance.” Our role is to keep praying, keep teaching, and keep encouraging, knowing that God is at work.

Finally, making disciples is a God-ordained calling that begins with His sovereignty and unfolds through evangelism, time together in the Word, and the support of the church community. As instruments in His hands, we proclaim the gospel, teach the truth of Scripture, and encourage one another, all while trusting God to bring the growth. The process may be slow, but God is faithful. He will complete the work He has started.

Take one step this week toward making disciples. Share the gospel with a friend, start a Bible study group to inspire and encourage others, or commit to praying for someone you’re discipling. As you do, rest in the promise of God’s Word: “The one who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).