This is the full outline of the Discipleship Curriculum 2018, which is meant to be watched with the Discipleship Curriculum videos. See also 11 individual Discipleship Curriculum Lessons.

Outline // Discipleship Curriculum Overview

  • Lesson 0: Introduction
  • Lesson 1: Your Story / God’s Story [The Gospel]
  • Lesson 2: Discipleship & Baptism
  • Lesson 3: Your Heart – Do You Love Truth?
  • Lesson 4: There is Only One God
  • Lesson 5: God Exists in Three Persons
  • Lesson 6: The Holy Spirit – Fruit & Gifts
  • Lesson 7: Conditions for Growing Strong in Jesus
  • Lesson 8: The Authority & Power of the Bible
  • Lesson 9: Success in Prayer
  • Lesson 10: Church & Ministry

Outline // Lesson 1: Your Story / God’s Story (The Gospel)

Lesson 1A – Your Story

If you know Christ, you have a story.

  • Acts 17:26-27 – God has placed you in a specific time and place
  • Mark 5:18-20 – “Go home to your friends, and tell them…”
  • John 4:28-30, 39 – she told her community; many believed
  • Acts 21:40-22:21 – Paul shared:
    • His life before encountering Christ
    • His encounter of Christ
    • His life with Christ
    • Time: 3-5 min.

Lesson 1B: God’s Good News Message

  • 2 Cor. 5:17-21 – Christians have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation
    • Romans 5:10
    • Colossians 1:21-23
  • Mark 16:15 – Christians have been commanded to preach the gospel
    • 1 Cor. 15:1-4 – Christians have been entrusted with the gospel
  • The Gospel (means “Good News”) = The Message of Reconciliation
  • 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 2 Cor. 5:17-21 – The Gospel = 
  1. We sinned against God, and are in active rebellion against Him/His holy standard (e.g. Exodus 20; Matt 5:21-22, 27-28).
  2. We deserve God’s punishment for sin/rebellion.
  3. Jesus died in our place–as a substitute–taking on God’s punishment of sin
  4. All who choose to repent and believe this have been forgiven of sin (1 John 1:9)
  • (for deeper understanding of the gospel: study Romans 1-8; see video [50 min.])

Obey:

  • Practice sharing your story and the gospel with other Christians until you are confident.
  • Pray and list out all the people you can think of in your community (100 people max)
  • Pray for people God wants you to share with (1-5 people is a good start); circle them
  • Share your testimony with those people (1-5 min. long):
    • Life before Christ (1-3 points recommended)
      • __________
      • __________
      • __________
    • Encounter Christ (1 point recommended)
      • __________
    • Life with Christ (1-3 points recommended)
      • __________
      • __________
      • __________
  • Share the gospel with those people.

Outline // Lesson 2: Discipleship & Baptism

Lesson 2A – Discipleship

  • Matthew 28:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:2 – Jesus followers should make disciples who make disciples.
    • When people receive the gospel (see Lesson 1), they must be discipled (Matthew 28:19).
    • Discipleship Step 1: Baptize the new convert (Matthew 28:19).
    • Discipleship Step 2: Teach obedience to all of Jesus’ commands (Matthew 28:20):
      • You must KNOW Jesus’ commands (can’t obey/teach what you don’t know)
      • You must OBEY Jesus’ commands (see Luke 6:46-49)
      • You must TEACH others to know, obey, teach Jesus’ commands, so they can teach others, etc. (see 2 Timothy 2:2).
    • Ask: Are you willing to know, obey, and teach God, with God’s help?
      • If “Yes” – move on to “Lesson 2B – Baptism”.
      • If “No” – repeat Lesson 1 and consider refraining from further discipleship meetings unless/until you are willing to know, obey, and teach Jesus–with God’s help (see James 1:22).

Lesson 2B – Baptism

  • Step 1: Water Baptism
    • Matthew 28:19 – baptism is first step of obedience after receiving Christ; and the first step in the discipleship process
    • Romans 6:1-4 – baptism = burial of old life; public sign of new life
    • Acts 2:37-41; 8:26-40; 9:10-19; 10:44-48 – People immediately baptized by Christians upon receiving new life in Christ
    • (for deeper understanding of water baptism: read this article)

Obey:

  • When you find someone who wants to follow Jesus, lead them through this study.  In collaboration with other Christians in their life, if they’ve never been baptized, have them baptized.
    • To baptize, you need a body of water, then immerse them in the water.  
    • Best practice: ask them in front of others if they believe in the gospel and have “decided to follow Jesus, with God’s help, all of their days” before you baptize.
      • Say: “I baptize you in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19)  
  • If you have not found people who want to follow Jesus and be discipled in Him, repeat Lesson 1.

OUTLINE Lesson 3: Your Heart – Do You Love Truth?

Teaching:

  • The Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1-8, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 13-20; Luke 8:4-15)
    • Jesus views this as fundamental (Mark 4:13)
    • Seed = God’s word (see Luke 8:11)
    • Soil = our hearts (see Luke 8:15)
    • Meaning: your heart determines the impact and revelation of God’s word
  • A heart to follow/please God → revelation (John 7:17; 2 Corinthians 3:16; Proverbs 1:23)
    • A heart resistant to God → blindness (Romans 1:18-21; 2 Thes. 2:9-12)
    • Ezekiel 36:26 (compare with Jeremiah 17:9) – we must seek God for a new/humble heart
  • Examples:
    • Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 13:1-4 – Christian leaders (like prophets) and miracles help reveal truth; the final test is how it lines up with God’s word (the Bible)
    • Acts 17:11 – (A) eagerly receive new things, (B) diligently test them with Scripture
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 – (A) do not despise new insights, (B) diligently test, (C) keep only what is good
  • For more on this topic, see “Love of Truth” teaching.
  • Questions:
    • Are you willing to do whatever God reveals to you?
      • What if it means rejecting what parents, friends, and religious leaders (even pastors) have taught you?
      • What if it goes against “experiences” you’ve had?
      • What if it goes against things you feel strongly about?
      • What if it means rejecting what you “knew to be right”? (Proverbs 14:12)

Obey:

  • Spend time alone with God reading over these Scriptures (especially the highlighted ones), then pray and consider these questions.  
  • Train at least 1 other person in the same.

Lesson 4: There is Only 1 God

Teaching:

  • Jesus
    • Mark 12:28-34
      • Compare Deuteronomy 6:4-5
    • John 17:3
  • James (Early Church Leader, Brother of Jesus)
    • James 2:19 – believing in only 1 God is considered so basic that even demons do it.
  • Paul (Early Church Leader)
    • Romans 3:30
    • 1 Corinthians 8:4-8
    • Galatians 3:20 – argument hinges on there being only 1 God
    • 1 Timothy 2:5

Obey:

  • Read all of the passages above.
  • Train someone in the bold passages.

OUTLINE Lesson 5: God Exists in Three Persons (Trinity)

Teaching:

  • Lesson 4 teaches that there is only 1 God:
  1. God the Father
  • John 17:1-5 – God the Father is separate than Jesus // knowing Both = eternal life
    • Also: Romans 1:7; James 1:1; 1 Peter 1:3; 2 John 1:3; Jude 1:1
  1. God the Son (Jesus)
  • John 8:56-59; 10:30-39 (compared to Exodus 3:14) – Jesus says, “I am God.”
  • John 1:1,14-18 – Jesus = God
    • Also: Matthew 1:21-23
  • Hebrews 1:8 (also 1:10) – Jesus = God
  • Philippians 2:3-11 (compared to Isaiah 45:22-23) – Jesus = God
  • Jesus = fully God (see above) + fully man (see 1 John) simultaneously 
  1. God the Holy Spirit
  • John 14:15-24 – The Holy Spirit is a Person = Jesus = The Father
  • Acts 5:1-5 – The Holy Spirit = God
    • Acts 13:2 – the Holy Spirit spoke to the group as God
  • Romans 8:9-10 – The Holy Spirit = Jesus Christ
  • Three-In-One (Tri-unity → Trinity)
    • 3 Persons = God
    • Yet only 1 God
    • Thus…3 Persons Co-existent as 1 God
      • Matt. 3:16-17; 28:19; 2 Cor. 13:14
      • Similar to: spirit + soul + body = 1 human (cf. 1 Thes. 5:23)
      • Gen. 1:26-27; 2:7 – God made mankind in His image: (1) man, (2) woman, (3) spirit

Obey:

  • Read through all of the passages listed above.  Train someone else in these concepts (suggestion: focus on the bold passages).

Lesson 6: The Holy Spirit – Fruit & Gifts

Teaching:

  • In this life, we interact with The Triune God primarily through the Holy Spirit.
  • Holy Spirit Fruit:
    • Ephesians 1:13-14 – When we believe the gospel, the Holy Spirit lives in us.
      • The Holy Spirit in us = our assurance of salvation (also: Romans 8:9)
    • Galatians 5:19-26 – If the Spirit lives in you, His fruit (9 components) will show over time
      • Galatians 4:19 – Jesus will be formed in you
  • Holy Spirit Power-Gifts:
    • Ephesians 5:18 – “Be filled with the Spirit”
      • Acts 8:14-17; 19:1-7 – He “came on them”; separate than conversion
        • Spoke in tongues; prophesied; power
    • Luke 24:44-49; Acts 1:4-8; 2: Holy Spirit’s power is needed for ministry
      • Called: “baptized” or “filled” with the Holy Spirit
      • Spoke in tongues; power
  • 1 Corinthians 12-14
    • 12:1-11 – Introduction/overview for Holy Spirit gifts
    • 12:12-30 – many members, one body
    • 13-14:1 – love (i.e. fruit) > power-gifts // desire both!
    • 14:2-40 – corporate practice
      • 14:13 – pray if lack gifts (compare 2 Tim 1:6; Luke 11:13)
      • 14:14-15 – tongues = spirit-prayer 
      • 14:39 – desire and welcome spiritual gifts
  • Conclusion
  • For further study on this, see: “The Need for the Holy Spirit’s Power in Ministry/Missions”

Obey:

  1. Read all of the verses listed above.
  2. Ask God where you may be hindering the growth of the Holy Spirit’s fruit. Repent, and obey what He shows.
  3. Pray for gifts/filling of the Holy Spirit (best done with other believers who already have received this themselves–with laying hands).
  4. Train another with this (recommendation: use bold verses only to start)

Lesson 7: Conditions for Growing Strong in Jesus

Teaching:

  • 1 Corinthians 3:6 – God alone brings growth // but we have parts to play
  • Acts 2:37-47
    • 2:37-41 – To begin with Christ:
      1. repent/believe (Jesus & The Gospel), 
      2. be baptized, 
      3. have the Holy Spirit
    • 2:42 – To continue growing in Christ, devote yourselves to:
      1. Bible study (“the apostles’ teaching”)
        • Obeying // sharing with others (see Ezra 7:10)
      2. Fellowship (including shared meals)
      3. Prayer (“prayers”)  
  • All 3 are probably recorded here as (mainly) corporate activities   
  • 2:43-47 – Resulting in:
    1. Awe
    2. Signs and wonders
    3. Unity
    4. Charity
    5. Gratitude
    6. Generosity
    7. Praise
    8. Admiration from outsiders
    9. Daily conversions

Obey:

  1. Read bold portion of Scripture.
  2. Train someone else in it.
  3. Together, ask God how you’re doing in:
    • Bible Study
    • Fellowship
    • Prayer
  4. Then, ask God what steps you can take to improve this.
  • (Note: we will discuss these 3 elements further in the remaining lessons)

Lesson 8: The Authority & Power of the Bible

What is the Bible?

  • “Old Testament” = 39 books before Jesus:
    • 5 books of Moses (“The Law” = Genesis through Deuteronomy) + 
    • 13 books of history/teaching (“The Writings”) + 
    • 21 books of prophecy (“The Prophets”)
  • “New Testament” = 27 books during Jesus and later:
    • 5 records of Jesus and His first followers (“Gospels” + “Acts”) + 
    • 22 letters written to early churches (“Epistles”)
      • 1 Prophecy of Jesus’ Return (“Revelation”)

How Does God View the Bible?

  • Scripture = God’s Word
    • Mark 12:36; John 10:34-35 (also: Psalm 12:6); Hebrews 3:7 and 4:7 –
      • God/Holy Spirit = Speaker
      • Through Human authors (like David)
    • Matthew 5:17-18 – every letter/mark endures
      • Matt. 24:35 (and John 14:26) – includes Jesus’ words
        • John 16:12-14; Acts 1:1 – even after Jesus leaves
  • Matt 3:16-4:11 –Scripture = God’s Ultimate Authority
    • “It is written,” (4:4, 7, 10) – Scripture = Jesus’ ultimate authority
      • over Satan; over experience (compare 3:17)
    • 4:4 – Scripture = spiritual nourishment (“every word” is valuable)
    • 4:6-7 – We need to compare the Bible with the Bible for right understanding
      • 4:6 – Bible is misinterpreted when seeking self interest
  • Psalm 119:130; Isaiah 55:8-11 – Scripture = God’s Revelation
  • Matt 22:29-32 – Scripture = Always Relevant (see verse 31 – “said to you by God”)
  • Revelation 19:15 (with John 12:47-48; Eph. 6:17; Heb. 4:12) – Scripture = Our Judge
  • Application 
    • 1 Thes. 2:13 – receive and believe it
    • Acts 2:42 (also Acts 17:11) – devote ourselves to it
      • Ezra 7:10 – study // obey // teach
  • For more info see What Can We Learn from Jesus’ View of the Bible?

Obey:

  • Read passages above
  • Ask God how you can know/obey God’s word more. Suggestions:
    • read Bible with others; discuss and pray how to obey it; then OBEY it!
    • study books/teachings that teach the Bible and inspire you to read it for yourself
  • Train someone else with passages you found most meaningful

Lesson 9: Success in Prayer

Attitude Toward Prayer 

  • Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-8 (also Luke 1:53; Rev. 3:14-18)
    1. Our lack
    2. God’s supply
    3. Prayer = the bridge
  • Acts 6:4 – prayer is essential to early church

Confidence in Prayer

  • Daniel 9:18; Luke 18:9-14; Hebrews 4:15-16; 10:19-22 (also Luke 7:47)
    1. Don’t lean on your own “righteousness”
    2. Lean 100% on God’s mercy and forgiveness through the gospel
    3. Approach as a forgiven sinner (see also Matthew 6:12)

What to Pray

  • 1 John 5:14-15 – pray according to God’s will
    • Isaiah 55:8-11 – God’s will is known through God’s word
      • Daniel 9:1-3 – pray according to what is shown in Scripture
  • Matthew 6:7-13 – “The Lord’s Prayer”
    • 6:9 – worship God for who He is
    • 6:10 – pray God’s will to happen
      • God’s will is like a powerful train
      • Our prayers are like the tracks
    • 6:11 – pray for needs
      • Zechariah 10:1 – no promise of provision without prayer
    • 6:12 – pray for forgiveness
      • Forgive others immediately (Mark 11:22-25)
    • 6:13 – pray for righteousness // pray against Satan
  • See also Video: God’s Will & Our Prayers (24 min)

Obey:

  • Train someone in the bold passages
  • Ask God how you can obey this
    • Do what He shows

OUTLINE Lesson 10: Church & Ministry

  • Matt. 18:15-20
    • 18:17 – church = group of Christians
    • 18:20 – church =
      • 2+ people
      • meeting together
      • under Jesus’ authority
      • (Jesus will also be present)
  • Philippians 1:1 – city-wide church; 2 offices
    • Acts 2:46 – city-church met in houses and temple
  • Ephesians 4:11-16:
  • Goal of church = build itself up to the fullness of Christ (i.e. disciple itself)
    • By people/”ministers” (4:11):
      1. Apostle = “sent one”; missionary; initiates new churches 
      2. Prophet = “spokesman for God”; guides and warns present church
      3. Evangelist = “announcer”; leads non-Christians to Christ
      4. Shepherd/Pastor = tends to the church and her needs
      5. Teacher = effectively communicates truths of Jesus/God
  • Healthy churches consistently practice:
  1. Biblical leadership (Phil. 1:1; Eph. 4:11-16)
  2. Communion (1 Cor. 11:20-21)
  3. Baptism of new Christians (Acts 2:41) // See Lesson 2
  4. Giving/Charity (Acts 4:32-37)
  5. Spiritual gifts (1 Cor. 14:26) // See Lesson 6
  6. Praying, singing, praising (1 Cor. 14:15-16; 1 Tim. 2:1) // See Lesson 9
  7. Discipline toward unrepentant sin (Matt 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:11)
  8. Understanding/obeying the Bible (Acts 2:42; 1 Tim. 4:13) // See Lesson 8
  9. Fellowship, including over meals (Acts 2:42) // See Lesson 7
  10. Mutual participation that edifies all (1 Cor. 14:26)
  • ^^ All of this is to disciple/grow each other in Christ (1 Cor. 14:26) // see Lesson 2
  • Simple Church Template (for house church/small groups)
  • Conclusion: Church = Jesus’ strategy to grow disciples who grow disciples

End of Lessons: What Now?

2 Tim. 2:2 says: “What you have heard from me…entrust to faithful men, who can teach others”

That’s our God-given command. Thus, I recommend you:

  1. Train others to train others with these lessons.
  2. Join/start a house church/small group (as described above)
  3. Join an online community/discussion of others who have been similarly trained