Tenacious Discipleship: Empowering Followers of Jesus to be Tenacious in Making Disciples
Synopsis "Tenacious Discipleship: Empowering Followers of Jesus to be Tenacious in Making Disciples"
Welcome to Tenacious Discipleship! Webster's Dictionary defines "tenacious" as "something that is not easily stopped or pulled apart." One who is tenacious is firm, strong, and persistent. They cling to their purpose with strong resolve. The tenacious person is focused, steadfast, and highly determined. A Disciple of Jesus is Tenacious. Jesus empowers his disciples to be tenacious in making disciples. A disciple is a learner, an obedient follower of Jesus. A disciple is one who remains in the presence of Jesus. The purpose of this study is to help you become a tenacious disciple: a faith-filled, abiding, persistent, and obedient follower of Jesus who will make tenacious disciples for Christ. A disciple is one who makes disciples, and these disciples make more disciples (2 Timothy 2:1-7). This is our mission. This is what we do. Tenacious Discipleship is the process of making followers of Jesus who abide, grow in God's Word, overcome sin, persevere through difficulties, and stay on mission with Jesus. We will apply a simple model based on the life of the Apostle Peter to accomplish our divine purpose and high calling: Connect, Know, Equip, and Go. You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses ENTRUST TO FAITHFUL MEN, WHO WILL BE ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS ALSO. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. (2 Timothy 2:1-7). We will explore the way Peter's life corresponds with the marks of spiritual maturity. It consists of four distinct and progressive phases. New Relationships is the first. Here is where people begin to "connect" with God and with his people. Those in this group are called, "observers." Our God is a relational God. He lives in a relationship with the Son and Holy Spirit. God wants a relationship with his creation. Second, we have a New Identity. This is where we begin to "know" Christ and identify with his church. This group is referred to as "participants." Our second aim is to help you discover and KNOW how God has wired us in Christ. We hope you will embrace how God continues to uniquely equip you to serve him. Third, a New Purpose. This phase is marked by a desire to "equip" yourself and equip others in God's Word. Those in this group are called, "owners." Our third aim is to serve as a tool to EQUIP you for the work God has called you to do. This means increasing your knowledge, understanding, and application of God's Word. Fourth, a New Mission. This is where we "go" and reproduce our lives through making disciples everywhere (Matthew 28:18-20). Those in this group are identified by the word, "steadfast." They are resilient and focused on building God's kingdom. Our fourth aim involves challenging you to take greater steps of faith to follow God wherever he leads you next. God wants you to GO."Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.' " (Matthew 28:18-20, NIV)
