Discipleship: The Triune God at Work Among Us

His Life is a DiscipleMaking "machine".

As we MAKE DISCIPLES, we must know our purpose, source and initiator of such.

We must work only with the Caller and Designer of it.  Thus we must work only with the Triune God in the process of disciple making.

The entire process of Christian discipleship is a divine partnership involving distinct, yet unified, roles for the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, in which human disciple-makers participate. 

Discipleship is ultimately God's work, and believers partner with Him by following the principles He established. 

The Role of Each Person 

in Disciple Making

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19, which mandates baptizing new believers "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit," is a foundational scripture for this Trinitarian view. 

The single "name" indicates the unity of the Godhead, while the three persons highlight their specific functions. 

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God the Father (The Initiator and Source): 

The Father is the architect and source of the plan of salvation and discipleship. He initiates the call, draws people to Himself, and provides overall guidance and authority. The goal of discipleship is ultimately to be brought into a loving relationship with the Father and reflect His character.

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God the Son (The Model and Redeemer): 

Jesus Christ, the Son, is the focus and the perfect model for discipleship. He accomplished salvation through his life, sacrificial death, and resurrection, making reconciliation with God possible. Discipleship involves following Jesus' teachings, imitating His life, and participating in His mission.

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God the Holy Spirit (The Empowerer and Sustainer): 

The Holy Spirit applies the work of the Father and Son to the lives of believers. The Spirit convicts of sin, regenerates hearts, indwells believers, and provides the power and guidance needed to live a Christlike life. The Spirit also bestows spiritual gifts for the work of ministry and produces the "fruit" of Christian character (e.g., love, joy, peace). 

Human Partnership 

in the Divine Work

Human involvement in disciple making is a response to and an overflow of this divine activity. Our work is not done in our own strength, but in submission to and dependence on God. 

Word-Centered Ministry: We work with God by upholding the centrality of His Word, which the Spirit uses to illuminate truth and transform minds.

Relational Engagement: Discipleship is primarily relational, mirroring the eternal, perfect relationship and unity within the Trinity itself. We engage in life-on-life mentoring and community within the local church.

Dependence on the Spirit: We rely on the Holy Spirit's power through prayer and faith, rather than our own efforts, recognizing that true heart change and growth are supernatural works of God. 

By understanding and aligning with the specific, harmonious work of the Triune God, believers can effectively participate in the profound mission of making disciples for His kingdom. 

#TheJesusKind