Session 2

Simple ways to disciple someone

From 1 Thessalonians: A 7-Day Devotional

Have you ever thought about the everyday opportunities God gives us to love, care for and help people take next steps? Discipling people doesn’t always require a big elaborate plan. Maybe it’s a friend who is struggling with reading his Bible every day. Or, maybe it’s the coworker who is going through a difficult time and needs care. These opportunities for discipleship are right in front of us, but we don’t always know what to do.

When we feel like we don’t know what to do, we can look at Paul’s example of what discipleship looks like. Paul cared for people just as a mother would care for her child (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8). He didn’t see people as projects or throw his weight around claiming he was better than them. He only discipled them because he wanted them grow in their faith and take next steps. Paul’s discipleship was remarkable because it was both effective and selfless.  

Paul discipled the Thessalonians by “encouraging, comforting and urging [them] to live lives worthy of God, who calls [them] into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

Paul encourages us to do the same thing in our everyday life. We can text that friend who is struggling with reading the Bible every morning with a sweet reminder to read. We can comfort the coworker who is going through a tough time by talking to them at work and assuring them that God has everything under His power.

When we regularly come alongside someone that needs help it creates a significant form of discipleship. When we’re discipling people, we can’t forget to celebrate the wins. When that friend reads his Bible, be quick to celebrate with him.

Discipleship doesn’t have to be hard. Just being there for people, helping them take steps and celebrating the wins is discipleship.  

Reflect:

• Who is one person you can disciple?
• What is one step you can you take with that person?
• What is one way you can celebrate the wins?