Studying the New Testament for Being A Disciple and Making Disciples
 
The New Testament serves as the ultimate guide for discipleship, providing teachings and examples from Jesus and the apostles on how to live, grow, and share faith. The Scriptures are foundational for understanding what it means to follow Jesus and to equip others to become disciples, emphasizing the life-changing power of the gospel, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the calling to spread the message of salvation.

1. Purpose of the New Testament for Discipleship
The New Testament guides believers in discipleship by:

1.   Teaching the Gospel and the New Covenant: The New Testament reveals God’s grace through Jesus and calls believers to follow Him as disciples, experiencing and sharing His teachings.

2.   Equipping for Christian Living: It offers clear instructions on living out one’s faith in daily life, encouraging growth in love, humility, holiness, and service (Ephesians 4:1-3).

3.   Empowering for Evangelism: Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations, inspiring and directing the church’s mission (Matthew 28:18-20).

4.   Providing Examples of Faith: Through the lives of Jesus, the apostles, and early Christians, believers gain practical insights into facing trials, serving others, and walking with God.

5.   Instilling the Hope of Eternal Life: The New Testament provides hope in Christ’s return, motivating believers to live purposefully and with a focus on eternity.

2. Christ Revealed in the New Testament for Discipleship
Jesus Christ is the foundation of discipleship. In the New Testament, He is revealed as:

The Teacher and Model for Disciples: Jesus’ teachings in the Gospels model true discipleship and reveal God’s heart for love, mercy, and justice.

The Redeemer and Savior: His sacrificial death and resurrection pave the way for salvation, making it possible for all to become disciples (Romans 5:8).

The Lord and Shepherd: Jesus is the Good Shepherd who guides, protects, and cares for His followers (John 10:11).

The Empowering Presence: Christ is with His disciples always, giving them strength and purpose (Matthew 28:20). The Returning King: As believers live in obedience, they look forward to His promised return, giving them hope and direction (Revelation 22:12).

3. The Holy Spirit at Work in the New Testament for Discipleship
The Holy Spirit is essential in guiding, teaching, and empowering disciples:

Empowering Witnesses: The Spirit enables believers to proclaim the gospel boldly and effectively (Acts 1:8).

​Guiding into All Truth: The Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply Scripture, leading them deeper into discipleship (John 16:13).

Transforming Lives: Through the Spirit, believers are transformed into the image of Christ, growing in love, joy, peace, and other fruits (Galatians 5:22-23).

Equipping with Spiritual Gifts: The Spirit distributes gifts to edify and equip the church for disciple-making (1 Corinthians 12:4-11). Sealing and Securing Believers: The Spirit provides assurance of salvation and serves as a “deposit” guaranteeing eternal life (Ephesians 1:13-14).

4. Personal Application for Discipleship in the New Testament
Discipleship in the New Testament involves these applications for believers:

Follow Jesus’ Example: Believers are called to imitate Christ in humility, service, and love for others (Philippians 2:5-8).

Grow in Spiritual Maturity: Disciples are encouraged to study Scripture, pray, and engage in fellowship to deepen their relationship with Christ (2 Timothy 2:15).

Engage in Disciple-Making: Every believer is called to share the gospel and mentor others in their walk with Christ, fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Rely on the Holy Spirit’s Power: Effective discipleship depends on the Spirit’s power rather than human effort alone (Galatians 5:16).

Live with an Eternal Perspective: Keeping an eternal focus inspires believers to live with purpose and hope, looking forward to Christ’s return (2 Corinthians 4:17-18).

5. Key Verses for Discipleship in the New Testament
1.   Matthew 4:19: “Then He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”
2.   Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations...”
3.   John 8:31-32: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
4.   John 13:34-35: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another...”
5.   John 15:8: “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
6.   Acts 1:8: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you...”
7.   Acts 2:42: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship...”
8.   Romans 12:2: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...”
9.   1 Corinthians 11:1: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
10. Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live...”
11.  Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace...”
12.  Ephesians 4:1-3: “Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called...”
13. Philippians 2:5: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...”
14. Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly...”
15. 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another...”
16. 2 Timothy 2:2: “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men...”
17.  Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works...”
18.  James 1:22: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...”
19.  1 Peter 3:15: “...always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you...”
20.  1 John 2:6: “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.”


6. Outline of the New Testament for Discipleship

1.   The Gospels:
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John: Narratives of Jesus’ life, teachings, and His call to follow Him.

2.   Acts of the Apostles:
Acts: The spread of the gospel, the birth of the church, and the work of the Holy Spirit in discipleship and evangelism.

3.   Pauline Epistles:
Romans to Philemon: Teachings on salvation, spiritual growth, and practical guidance for Christian living.

4.   General Epistles:
Hebrews to Jude: Writings on faith, encouragement, and building up the body of Christ.

5.   Revelation:
Prophecy of the end times, hope for believers, and Christ’s ultimate victory and return.

7. Summary of the New Testament for Discipleship
The New Testament offers a comprehensive guide for understanding discipleship.  In the Gospels, Jesus invites followers into a personal relationship with Him, teaches them to serve others, and calls them to a life of holiness and love. 

Acts highlights the Holy Spirit’s empowerment of the apostles to spread the gospel and form a community of believers.  Through the Pauline Epistles, Paul instructs on deep theological truths and practical ways to live as a disciple. 

The General Epistles emphasize faith, perseverance, and unity among believers, while Revelation gives hope and reminds disciples of Jesus’ promised return.

Studying the New Testament, believers are called to grow in their knowledge of Christ, abide in His Word, live by the Spirit, and share their faith to make disciples, living with the expectation of eternal life and Christ's coming kingdom. 

​This mission of discipleship is central to the New Testament and continues as the core purpose of every Christian's life.