NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN: Philippians 3-4
SCRIPTURE READING
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV); Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the
age.
We are all purposed to take this commission to heart. To the disciples, going out to all the
nations was a literal reality, as the gospel needed to spread beyond the few towns Jesus
had visited. But today the gospel is in every country, and in many languages. For most of
us, “going into the nations” means stepping out into our backyards and having intentional
interactions with people. We’re called to make disciples in our homes, cell groups,
workplaces, sports teams, etc. We don’t have to listen in prayer: “God do I need to minister
to the people I know.” The strategic question to ask is: “God HOW do I effectively reach the
people I know?” Scripture provides many basic commands, and through listening to the Spirit
and obeying His direction we will figure out the how-to.
Discipling people takes effort. It takes walking alongside them, praying for them, listening in
prayer with them, and teaching them the truths of scripture. Not everyone is given the gift
of leadership, but we are all leaders to some degree, and we all have the responsibility to
minister to those around us.
PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on Jesus’ words to His disciples. How does God want you to take this
commission to heart? Confess any ways you have been lazy in your conversations with
others.
2. Spend some time listening in prayer about how you can effectively reach out to the people
around you.
3. Who has discipled you in your spiritual walk? Thank God for them, and ask Him how you
need to continue the process and help others.
