A careful look at Jesus prayer to the Father the night before the cross regarding His discipling of the Eleven might be a good place to start. Following are principles of discipleship Christ implemented, gleaned from His prayer to the Father in John 17:
#1 Keep in mind that all our efforts are to focus on Gods glory, not ours: [Jesus] looked toward heaven and prayed: Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you (vs.2). (See John 17:5; Ps. 115:1)
#2 Understand that we are engaged in Gods work under Jesus authority. He is the One who grants eternal life to those of His choosing: You granted [Jesus] authority over all people that He might give eternal life to all those you have given Him (vs. 2). (See Jn. 10:28; 11:25, 26; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; 1 Jn. 5:20)
#3 Helping your disciples develop intimacy with the Father and Son must be a primary focus in your discipling efforts: This is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (vs. 3). (See Jn. 17:6; Matt. 7:21-24; 1 Cor. 3:10, 11)
#4 We glorify God by completing the work He has assigned us to do. In the context of John 17, the work was the discipling of the Eleven: I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do (vs. 4). (See Jn. 4:34; Act. 20:24; I Cor. 15:58; 2 Tim. 4:7)
#5 Recognize that an important indicator of your disciples growth in the knowledge of God is evidence that they are obeying His word: "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word (vs. 6). (See Lk. 6:46; Jn. 8:31; 14:21-24; 1 Jn. 2:3-5)
#6 Understand that the people we are to disciple are given to us by the Father: "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me (vs.6). (See Jn. 6:37; 10:27-30; 17:2, 9, 10, 24)
This week, may you experience His grace, peace, and protection
R. Dwight Hill