Definition
With love and the mind of Christ being in us, we are called to make disciples which begins with baptism. This discipleship is costly; however, with the power of the Holy Spirit in us, and the Word of God in us, we are able to equip others as we handle all Scripture correctly, and call others to be imitators of us as we follow Christ with the purpose of building up, equipping, and edifying the Body of believers as we are conformed to the image of Jesus Christ.
Equipping Example – Ephesians 4:17-24
Who: Faithful believers who will teach others also (2Tim. 2:2)
Why: To mature, develop Christ-likeness as every part does his portion (Eph 4:11-16)
How: Transforming lives into the image of Christ (2Tim 2:14-16, 2Tim 3:16-17, Rom12:2)
What: Regular consistent process of imparting life to others transforming lives to the image of Jesus Christ. (Phil 3:17, 4:9, 1 Cor 4:16, 2Tim 3:10)
When: As we walk through life
Where: With any believer anywhere.
Foundational Truths for Discipleship and Equipping:
Death to self – Romans 6:1-5, Luke 14:27
Intentional and Purposeful – 2 Timothy 2:2, Phil 3:14, 2 Timothy 2:14-15
Spur Sanctification – Hebrews 10:24-25, Hebrews 5:11-6:1
Christ follower – Matt 16:24, Hebrews 5:11-6:1
Imitator – Phil 3:17, 1 Thessalonians 1:6-8, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1
Process or Pathway to transformation – Colossians 2:6-7, Romans 8:29
Live life together – Phil 4:9, 2 Timothy 3:10
Scripture List: John 13:35; Philippians 2:5; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 28:19; Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:41; Luke 14:26-33; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 2:16; Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 4:2; Philippians 3:17; Philippians 4:9; 2 Timothy 3:10; 1 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Ephesians 4:11-16; Romans 8:29; 12:2; Matthew 5:16; Philippians 3:12-21: Colossians 2:6-12; Luke 14:25-33; Hebrews 5:11-6:1