How to ‘Make Disciples’ (Part 3)
General Introduction
In this series we are building what we will refer to as the ‘One Page New Testament’ - #onepagenewtestament. Our approach is creating a pictorial summary of the main messages for disciples of Jesus in a systematically derived, structured form. We aim to keep the descriptive text to a minimum and share with you the different Themes that are being created. We will consider the scriptures on their own merit, Theme by Theme, without introducing much in the way of theology. Within each Theme, we will let the scriptures speak for themselves - hopefully in a way that demonstrates the validity of the analysis.
Introduction to this Faith Article
This article is the twenty third in a series that is unpacking some of the analysis work currently being undertaken to draw out the main teachings from the New Testament from a personal discipleship perspective. The previous articles can be found in the reference at Note [1] and they focus upon the New Testament’s teaching that corresponds to the challenges of what we have so far called ‘Kingdom Fundamental 1 [KF1]’ - ‘Love God’, and ‘Kingdom Fundamental 2 [KF2]’ - ‘Follow Jesus’.
This is the fourth article which looks at what we have called Kingdom Fundamental 3 [KF3] - ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ and some of the sub-components of this. We have outlined that our work has considered there to be three Kingdom Practices at Level 2 as follows:
Make disciples [KP7]
Forgive (don’t judge) others [KP8]
Undertake acts of service / generosity - [KP9].
Under the first of these (Make Disciples) we have introduced seven Kingdom Actions (at Level 3):
Preach the Gospel (Word) to all people groups (locally, nationally, and internationally) - [KA27]
Be a witness (testify of Jesus to others) [KA28]
Deliver sound teaching (correctly derived from Scripture) - [KA29]
Encourage / build up the church (including the use of spiritual gifts) - [KA30]
Correct / admonish other disciples (apply church discipline) - [KA31]
Have fellowship with other believers (the body of Christ) - [KA32]
Share the Lord’s Supper (communion) together - [KA33].
We explained KA30 in the last article and here we will explore KA31 to KA33 and their components, shown in light blue (encouragements) and pink (warnings) in Figure 1.
If readers take away nothing else from these articles other than the sense, logic, and directive actions in the Figures - for disciples to put into practice in the strength God gives - we will hopefully have achieved our initial objective.
Figure 1 - Investigating the Kingdom Fundamental to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’
Kingdom Action 31 [KA31] - ‘Correct / admonish other disciples (apply church discipline)’
As the above figure illustrates, we have identified five sub-Themes (Kingdom Actions) that describe what applying church discipline really means in a fellowship context.
Contend (one on one) with the person living in error / person we have an issue with - [KA31.1]
Take one or two witnesses with you if they ignore / rebuff you - [KA31.2]
Bring the person before the church if they refuse to change - [KA31.3]
Expel from the church's membership those who refuse to repent - [KA34.4]
God the Father may discipline us Himself in some way - [KA31.5].
We will look at each of these in the sub-sections below.
For this Kingdom Action, we can identify 10 Greek words [2] and [3] (and some of the scriptures) that support this Theme as follows:
Acts 20:31 - Therefore be watchful, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish (Strong’s 3560) each one with tears (LSB) [4].
Romans 2:20 - a corrector (3810) of the foolish, a teacher of the immature, having in the Law the embodiment of knowledge and of the truth (LSB).
1 Corinthians 4:14 - I am writing this not to shame you but to warn (3560) you as my dear children.
1 Thessalonians 5:14 - And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn (3560) those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away (4724) from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.
2 Timothy 2:25 - with gentleness correcting (3811) those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth (LSB).
2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct (1651), rebuke (2008) and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Hebrews 12:9 - Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined (3810) us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!
We have identified 26 verse references where these Greek words appear that support this Theme.
Kingdom Action 31.1 [KA31.1] - ‘Contend (one on one) with the person living in error / person we have an issue with’
There are 6 Greek words that are applicable to this Theme and 4 verses that are relevant:
Matthew 18:15 - If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault (1651), just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
Luke 17:3 - So watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins (264) against you, rebuke (2008) them; and if they repent, forgive them.
Galatians 6:1 - Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught (4301) in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
James 5:20 - remember this: Whoever turns a sinner (268) from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins (266).
Kingdom Action 31.2 [KA31.2] - ‘Take one or two witnesses with you if they ignore / rebuff you’
There is only one Greek word we have identified here and three verses in particular that apply:
Matthew 18:16 - But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (3144).’
2 Corinthians 13:1 - This will be my third visit to you. “Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses (3144).”
1 Timothy 5:19 - Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses (3144).
Kingdom Action 31.3 [KA31.3] - 'Bring the person before the church if they refuse to change’
We have found 3 specific Greek words (and related verses) that fit with this Theme plus a couple of other passages of relevance (including the broader section of 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and the 2 Thessalonians and Titus sections set out below):
Matthew 18:17 - If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church (1577); and if they refuse to listen even to the church (1577), treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 - What business is it of mine to judge (2919) those outside the church? Are you not to judge (2919) those inside? God will judge (2919) those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn (3560) them as you would a fellow believer.
1 Timothy 5:20 - But those elders who are sinning (264) you are to reprove before (1799) everyone (3956), so that the others may take warning.
Titus 1:10-11 - For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
Kingdom Action 31.4 [KA31.4] - 'Expel from the church's membership those who refuse to repent’
There are 2 Greek words and three passages that we think apply to this Theme:
Matthew 18:17 - If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church (1577); and if they refuse to listen even to the church (1577), treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
1 Timothy 1:19-20 - holding on to faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Titus 3:10 - Warn a divisive (141) person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them.
Kingdom Action 31.5 [KA31.5] - ‘God the Father may discipline us Himself in some way’
We consider there are 4 Greek words of relevance here. Example instances of verses where they occur include:
1 Corinthians 11:32 - Nevertheless, when we are judged in this way by the Lord, we are being disciplined (3811) so that we will not be finally condemned with the world.
Hebrews 12:9-11 - Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined (3810) us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined (3811) us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline (3809) seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.
Revelation 3:19 - Those whom I love I rebuke (1651) and discipline (3811). So be earnest and repent.
There are 8 verse references where these words appear in this context.
Kingdom Action 32 [KA32] - ‘Have fellowship with other believers (the body of Christ)’
The analysis work has revealed some 8 Greek words that support this Theme. Here are some of the relevant verses where they are found:
Acts 2:42 - They devoted (4342) themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship (2842), to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet together (4342) in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
Acts 11:26 - and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church (1577) and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Acts 16:5 - So the churches (1577) were being strengthened in the faith, and were abounding in number daily (LSB).
Acts 17:17 - So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing (4576) Gentiles, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be present (LSB).
Romans 12:4-5 - For just as each of us has one body (4983) with many members (3196), and these members (3196) do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body (4983), and each member (3196) belongs to all the others.
1 Corinthians 12:25-27 - so that there should be no division in the body (4983), but that its parts (3196) should have equal concern for each other. If one part (3196) suffers, every part (3196) suffers with it; if one part (3196) is honored, every part (3196) rejoices with it. Now you are the body (4983) of Christ, and each one of you is a part (3196) of it.
Colossians 1:18 - And he is the head of the body (4983), the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
1 John 1:6-7 - If we claim to have fellowship (2842) with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship (2842) with one another (240), and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
There are in the order of 60 verses where the identified Greek words apply to this Theme.
Kingdom Action 32.1 [KA32.1] - ‘Submit to one another / those (elected) to spiritual leadership’
We have identified 3 Greek words that support this Theme with example verses shown below:
1 Corinthians 16:15-16 - You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord’s people. I urge you, brothers and sisters, to submit (5293) to such people and to everyone who joins in the work and labors at it.
2 Corinthians 1:24 - Not that we lord it over (2961) your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.
Ephesians 5:21 - Submit (5293) to one another out of reverence for Christ.
1 Timothy 6:2 - Those who have believing masters (1203) should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
1 Peter 2:18 - Servants, be subject (5293) to your masters with all fear, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are crooked (LSB).
1 Peter 3:5 - For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted (5293) themselves to their own husbands.
1 Peter 5:5 - In the same way, you who are younger, submit (5293) yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."
We have found 14 instances where these words are used in this context.
Kingdom Action 32.2 [KA32.2] - ‘Worship only in a proper and orderly manner’
We have found 10 Greek words and one passage that fit with this Theme. Examples are outlined below:
Luke 12:4-5 - I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of (5399) those who kill the body and after that can do no more. But I will show you whom you should fear (5399): Fear (5399) him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear (5399) him.
John 4:23 - Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers (4353) will worship (4352) the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers (4352) the Father seeks.
John 9:38 - Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshiped (4352) him.
Acts 9:31 - Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear (5401) of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.
Acts 13:43 - When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout (4576) converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.
Acts 14:27 - On arriving there, they gathered the church together (4863) and reported all that God had done through them and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.
1 Corinthians 11:33-34 - So then, my brothers and sisters, when you gather (4905) to eat, you should all eat together. Anyone who is hungry should eat something at home, so that when you meet together (4905) it may not result in judgment. And when I come I will give further directions.
Philippians 2:10 - that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow (2578), in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
Philippians 3:3 - For we are the circumcision, who worship (3000) in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh (LSB)
Hebrews 10:25 - not forsaking our own assembling together (1997), as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near (LSB).
Our analysis has revealed around 65 verses where these words appear in support of this subject matter.
Kingdom Action 32.3 [KA32.3] - ‘Bring a hymn, psalm, teaching, or revelation to share with others’
There is only one verse that we have found of this Theme:
1 Corinthians 14:26 - What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together (4905), each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Kingdom Action 32.4 [KA32.4] - ‘Avoid showing favouritism to any in our fellowships (members or visitors)’
On this Theme there are only two Greek words and verses that are relevant:
Acts 10:34 - Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism (4381)”.
James 2:9 - But if you show favoritism (4380), you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.
Kingdom Action 33 [KA33] - 'Share the Lord's Supper (communion) together’
The analysis we have undertaken has revealed 11 Greek words that relate to this topic. Example verses are presented here:
Matthew 26:26 - While they were eating, Jesus took bread (740), and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body (4983).”
Luke 22:19-20 - And he took bread (740), gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body (4983) given for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new (2537) covenant (1242) in my blood, which is poured out for you”.
Acts 2:46 - Every day they continued to meet (4342) together in the temple courts. They broke bread (740) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.
1 Corinthians 10:16 - Is not the cup (4221) of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation (2842) in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread (740) that we break a participation (2842) in the body (4983) of Christ?
1 Corinthians 11:20-21 - So then, when you come together (4905), it is not the Lord’s Supper (1173) you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers (1173). As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk.
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 - and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body (4983), which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup (4221), saying, “This cup (4221) is the new (2537) covenant (1242) in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”
1 Corinthians 11:29 - For those who eat and drink without discerning (1252) the body (4983) of Christ eat and drink judgment (2917) on themselves.
Our work has found 40 verse instances in support of this Theme.
Summary
In this twenty third Faith Article, we have explored some of the Greek words (presented in Louw and Nida’s [2] and Mounce’s [3] reference materials) and particular scriptures that look at what it means to ‘Love your neighbour as yourself’ - [KP7]. We have concentrated upon the details that collectively explain how we are to ‘Correct / admonish other disciples (apply church discipline)’ - [KA31], Have fellowship with other believers (the body of Christ) [KA32], and Share the Lord’s supper (communion) together - [KA33].
In the next article we will look at Kingdom Practice 8 (Forgive / don’t judge others [KP8]) and the teaching that sits in the level below this.
Just as with many English words, Greek words can have more than one meaning and consequently when translated into Biblical texts can be used to convey several different sentiments. Which is used is dependent upon the context.
Ultimately, this analysis and these groupings are subjective, as will be the inclusion (or exclusion) of many verses within each Theme and sub-Theme. We should note that some verses have a much stronger relevance to the derived Themes than others.
During this analysis, the aim has been to restrict the number of Themes that can be associated with any specific Greek word to eight or less - as any more implies poor analysis technique and the wrong heading choice / naming process.
Any thoughts on this Article, the process being undertaken, and related constructive feedback are welcome.
Notes:
[1] - All previous Faith Articles focusing on the One Page New Testament can be found at this page: www.teachthemtoobey.co.uk/blog/
[2] - “Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, based upon Semantic Domains” Volumes 1 and 2 - Louw and Nida - Published by and © United Bible Societies - 1988
[3] - “Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words” - © William D Mounce, 2006 - Published by Zondervan
[4] - Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.TM used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.TM.
The Bible references presented are illustrative rather than aiming to be ‘proof texts’. They are examples only as there are, generally, many more we could look at. Please note that when looking at any Bible verse references, you should ideally consider more than one translation / respected version to get a more rounded view, and look at the wider context for each verse too. When Greek words are translated, Bible scholars do not always use the same English word every time it appears in the Greek. This is why it is useful to look at more than one Bible version.
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Reading the articles will take only a little time to study - more if we look up the Bible references - and probably a lifetime to work out in practice. Hopefully they will help make each of us ‘Become more like Jesus’!
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