Acts 16:1-5

Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek.  He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily.

What is Discipleship?

1. What is a Disciple? 
   • From Britannica dictionary, "Someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of a famous person" or "One of a group of 12 men who were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ"
   • From Merrimam Webster, "One who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrine of another: such as one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts"
2. From Britannica dictionary: -ship suffix
   • The state or condition of being something (friendship, apprenticeship, relationship)
   • Discipleship is the state of being someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of Jesus
   • How does this translate to everyday living? Discipleship is chasing after Jesus together with other believers and striving to create more disciples.
   • Jesus is the "bar" for discipleship. He gave us the example by teaching and instructing the 12 apostles.
3. What is "The Bar for Discipleship"?
   • Availability - In order to be an effective disciple, we must make ourselves available. Unless we clear out all the "busy-ness" in our lives, there is not enough room for Jesus. 
   • Character - In order to be an effective disciple, we must set the example and develop our personal character
   • Humility - In order to be an effective disciple, we must humble ourselves completely and remove ALL forms of Pride
4. How can we live out Discipleship?
   • Discipleship is all about making disciples who make disciples, who make disciples and so on...
   • Seek it out. Always be searching for potential disciplers/disciplees
   • Be consistent