The Foundation for Discipleship

We get into ruts. Everyone does. Sometimes we need to revisit some basics to see what we do week in and week out in a different perspective. A professor of mine, Dr. Rick Yount, wrote a book to do such a thing. The following is an expert from "The Discipler's Handbook." In it he explains the Discipler's Model. 

The Discipler's Model

THE LEFT FOUNDATION STONE: The Bible: God’s Eternal Word

The left foundation stone of the
model represents the Bible. Efforts in Sunday School come and
go: high attendance Sundays, re- organization plans, building pro-
grams. But unless these efforts pro-
duce a clearer understanding of the Bible, with its call to personal commitment to Christ and His Church, all our efforts may produce wood, hay, and stubble (1 Cor. 3:12, NIV). For teaching to be rightly called Christian,  it must be built upon the sure foundation of God’s Word.

What is the Bible?

Southern Baptists are serious about the Bible. Leaders have written volumes defending the Scriptures and attacking those who hold views different from their own. Yet the arguments, which often give off more heat than light, usually focus on interpretations of Scripture, and not the nature of Scripture itself. Southern Baptists differ in their interpretations, but all claim to be People of the Book. As we try to bring order out of the chaos of human attempts to defend the Bible, let’s look at what the Book says about

itself.

Divinely inspired. Take a scroll and write on it all the words I [the Lord] have spoken to you (Jer 36:2). The word of the Lord came to Ezekiel. . .There the hand of the Lord was upon him (Ezek 1:3). The Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David (Acts 1:16). All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). For the prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God

as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (2 Pet 1:21).

Sacred. Do not alter Scripture by adding to it or taking away from it. Deut 4:2, 12:32; Prov 30:6;

Rev 22:19.

Powerful in its influence. I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes. (Jer 5:14). Is not my word. . .like a hammer that breaks a rock in pieces? (Jer 23:29). The gospel . . .is the power of God for salvation of everyone who believes (Rom 1:16). Take the. . .sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God (Eph 6:17). It judges the thoughts

and attitudes of the heart. (Heb 4:12).

Written for a purpose. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name (Jn 20:31). For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope (Rom 15:4). These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us (1 Cor 10:11). I write these things. . .so that

you may know that you have eternal life (1 Jn 5:13).

Eternal truth. Your Word, O Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens (Ps 119:89). The word of God stands forever. (Isa 40:8). My words will never pass away (Mt 24:35). But the word of the Lord stands forever (1 Pe 1:25).

How do You Use the Bible?
God’s Word is Eternal Truth. Few would argue about the nature of Scripture. But how do you handle Scripture as you teach? Whether you are effective disciplers depends directly on how you we handle Scripture. Even with the highest regard for Scripture, you may not help your learners grow in the Lord.

But even with the highest regard for the Bible, teachers may not disciple their learners

Talk About It.
A popular way to handle Scripture is to talk about it. Study the lesson and then tell the class about the Bible passage for the week. I remember spending hours every week pre- paring to teach the lesson on Sunday. I read the assigned passage, studied the accompanying teaching helps, and wrote out several pages of notes: my lesson. On Sun- day I stood behind a podium or at a desk and taught my lesson. I can remember Sun- days when I taught so hard (using sign language with deaf college students) that I literally sweat through my suits! Yet several days later, members of my class remembered little of what I had worked so hard to teach. How could they become doers of the Word if they couldn’t remember what the Bible said?!

I was merely talking about the Bible. The study was little more than a history lesson to my students.

Test this yourself. Ask members of your class next Sunday what they remember from last week. Be prepared for a shock! Most of what you said will have been forgotten by Mon- day! Telling people about the Bible is a good first step, but discipling Bible study requires more. There is a better way to help people grow spiritually.

Let the Bible Speak!

The better way to handle Scripture in the classroom -- and the approach I’ve found to be helpful in really changing learners -- is to let the Bible speak! When I ask thoughtful questions and lead my learners into God’s Word for the Answers, I find that they re- member what we’ve studied far better than when I simply give them my own ready- made answers. Further, while learners search for answers in assigned Scripture passages, the Lord can speak to their hearts directly. Insights may have little to do with the questions I ask, but the Lord speaks to learners out of His Word nonetheless -- and when He speaks, learners seldom forget! Well, I certainly see your point in verse 4, but I noticed something in verse 6 that really hit me...

The Bible, God’s eternal Truth, is the sure foundation of discipling Bible study. Let us unsheathe our Swords! Let the Word speak, that it may convict and comfort, warn and console, revive and refresh us -- so we might become all He intends and do all He commands. Your Word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path (Ps. 119:105, NIV).