Discipleship
Discipleship is the process of rooting ourselves in Jesus in order to yield satisfying fruit in our lives
Overview
Roots
A root is the primary relationship that supplies life, stability, and direction. Roots are not behaviors. They are where life is drawn from.
If the root is unhealthy or missing, no amount of effort produces lasting fruit.
Roots answer the question:
Where am I drawing life from?
Habits
A habit is a repeated practice that trains the heart and body over time. Habits are how roots become real. They are small, intentional actions done consistently, not heroic moments. Habits turn belief into formation.
Habits answer the question:
What am I repeatedly practicing?
Fruits
Fruit is the visible result of what we are rooted in and what we practice. Fruit is not intention or effort. Fruit is what shows up over time—in character, relationships, and life. Fruit is how formation reveals itself.
Fruit answers the question:
What is growing in my life?
I Will’s
An “I WILL” is a personal commitment that turns insight into action. It is not a vague goal. It is a concrete, time-bound act of obedience. “I WILL” statements create ownership, accountability, and movement.
“I WILL” answers the question: What will I do in response to what God is revealing this week?
Week 1
Jesus was the greatest life that ever lived on earth. He created the world and then conquered it for us. He did this by destroying the power of evil sin and deception and invites us into his life to live free.
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Read: Ephesians 3:16-17 NLT
I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.Notice: That roots grow as Jesus Christ takes over our hearts.
Reflect
What would it take to make Jesus at home in your heart?
What room in your heart have you kept him from?
What does he want to change in your heart to be at home?
Read: John 10:27 ESV
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.Notice: Hearing is connected to the following. They follow the voice they hear and this creates a deeper knowing of Jesus.
Reflect
Do you remember a time when Jesus spoke to you? Describe that experience.
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Practice the presence of God through talking and listening to Jesus. His voice is your lifeline for a spiritual life.
Read: Matthew 6:9-15 NLT
“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”Notice: Jesus gives us a clear picture of what to include as we talk with the Father.
P- Praise God for who he is and what he’s done.
R- Repent for the things you do that hurt others and yourself.
A- Ask God to meet the needs of others (strangers, neighbors, and even enemies).
Y- Your own needs. Bring the desires of your heart to Jesus.
Reflect
From these four elements of prayer, which one do you find harder?
Do you remember a prayer God answered? And do you remember a prayer God didn’t answer?
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As we make room in our hearts for Jesus and learn to listen to his all-powerful voice, hope grows within us.
Read: Romans 15:13 NIV
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” -
Thoughts and talk don’t change us.
Actions do.
Write a statement that starts with “I will…”, promising yourself what you will do this week to root yourself in your relationship with Jesus.