Discipleship 101

What does it really look like to stay rooted in Christ week-in-week-out?

The following notes were used for a youth seminar about Life After Camp

Colossians 2:6-7 uses this beautiful metaphor and imagery of being firmly rooted, deeply planted like a great oak tree growing from th strength of its roots below. The thing about oak trees, is the roots below are almost at great as the tree above. The greater, stronger and deeper the roots are, the greater, stronger and more mighty the tree will be. So what does an oak tree need to grow? Well, it needs the same 3 things to continue growing as it did when it first seeded: light, water and food.

As the Apostle Paul draws on this great metaphor of being rooted and built up in Christ, he too is stating that the same we things we needed when we were first called to Christ are the same things we need to continue growing in Him. Just as we first received Christ Jesus, continue to root yourself in Him. 

Alow me to further expound the rooted metaphor as we consider 3 ways to continue being rooted and built up in Christ:

• Keep Digging In

• Keep Digging Around

• Keep Digging Out

Keep digging IN (personal relationship with God)

Scriptures to consider:

Colossians 2:6-7 – seeds rooted, deep foundations, build up in Him.

2 Timothy 3:15-17 - The Bible is the perfect Word of God, alive and active (Heb. 4:12)

John 6:68 - Jesus alone holds the words of eternal life - nothing else with suffice

Spiritual rhythms are important - make good habits. Habits are like muscles, train and use them gently and often and they will grow. Start small.

Make a daily routine / weekly routine - make your faith part of everyday life.

Bible reading - can you try asnd read something everyday? There are thousands of YouVersion Bible plans at your disposal. You can search a Bible book, a topic, a feeling or emotion that you're experiencing and you can read what the Bible has to say about it.

You can read on your own, one to one with a friend, or even as a group. If you sign up to same Bible plan as someone else, you can comment each day and share thoughts togethe.

Where to start? If you're struggling to get into the Bible - start with Mark's Gospel. It's one of the historical accoutns of Jesus' life in the Bible, and it's the shortest!!

You could use the SOAP method of reading. Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer.

Struggling to start a rhythm? Leave your Bible OPEN on a bedside table perhaps, somewhere you';; walk past it and see it - make it easier for yourself!

Prayer life - Jesus retreats to His Heavenly Father in prayer often - so should we. 

We also read pray continually. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says pray without ceasing. Pray to God in every situation in life.

Don’t know what to pray for? Remember this: prayer is not about knowing what to pray for it’s about knowing who you pray to - your perfect loving Heavenly Father, who LOVES you.

When you pray continually, it might help you to not say 'amen'. Amen simply means 'i agree', but it might help you subconsciously to keep the conversation open.

If you find set times to pray, perhaps you could use ACTS or TSP prayers. Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supply. OR Thank you, Sorry, Please.

Prayer partners or triplets are super helpful for building rythms and keeping accountability.

In all areas of your devotional life: learn to practice the presence of God.

Keep digging AROUND (to the side)

1 Corinthians 12 - the church, the people is the body of Christ - we were never meant to do life alone.

Invest in your local church - we can help you find one

We were created to be in relationship with God and His people

Illustration: when  coals are in the fire, they are all hot and fulfilling their purpose - what happens when you take one coal out the fire? It goes cold and no longer fulfills it's purpose. As Christians, we can't do life alone, stay plugged into the local church.

You’ll be built up and encouraged - receive teaching and learn from others

Commit to your youth groups

Lead by example - show your leaders how much you’ve grown

Show them your spiritual maturity

Commit to serving in church - even at a young age - you are leaders - 1 Timothy 4:12 says 'Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity'

Surround yourself with faithful disciples - Jesus had his 3/7/10 - who are the close friends in your life? Who are the wider friends you can still rely on?

Find your Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas. Paul is the spiritual mentor - older, wiser, mature in the faith. Timothy is the mentee, the one you're training and investing in, passing on the faith to. Barnabas' nick name in Acts is the Son of Encouragement. Find someone that encourages you, that just roots for you and always makes you feel great - you'll need it!

Keep digging OUT (sharing your faith)

Finally - we're all called to share our faith.

Matthew 28:18-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations - you are part of that grest commission!

You don't have to be a pastor or theologian to share Jesus. Share your story about Jesus has transformed your life. No one can argue with your personal experience. Your story is not about you - it's about Jesus' grace and transformation in your life.

1 Peter 3:15 says 'Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect'

Ephesians 4:29 says 'Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.' Use your words to build others up!

Pray for opportunities to share - God will open doors.

Pray for God’s eyes and ears to see and hear where He wants you

Romans 12:1-2 says 'Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.' 

Your whole life is a witness to Jesus - remember that! 

Two things you can learn to do practically:

1. Share your own story briefly - how has Jesus transformed your life? 

2. Practice sharing the gospel in 60 seconds - you could use the '4 Points' (God loves you, you messed up, Jesus died for you, how will you respond?)