Disciples Making Disciples
Scripture: “The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.” (Psalm 46.7)
Main Point: Disciples who abide in Christ’s Word naturally make disciples by bearing witness to the truth that has set them free.
On this Reformation Sunday, we celebrate not just what happened 500 years ago, but what continues to happen wherever disciples abide in Christ’s Word. Luther didn’t set out to start a movement or reform the church. He simply dwelt deeply in Scripture, discovered the Gospel afresh, and couldn’t keep quiet about it. His discipleship became contagious.
This is how disciples make disciples. Not through slick programs or marketing strategies. Not by arguing people into faith or pressuring them to convert. We make disciples by being disciples—by abiding in Christ’s Word so deeply that the truth and freedom we’ve found overflow into the lives of those around us.
“Now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe” (Romans 3.21-22). This is the message that changed Luther, transformed the church, and continues to create disciples today. When we abide in this Word of grace, when we experience the freedom of knowing we’re righteous in Christ apart from our works, we become living witnesses to its power.
The world desperately needs to hear this message. People are enslaved to sin, burdened by guilt, exhausted from trying to justify themselves. They need to hear: “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” And they need to see it lived out in communities of believers who love one another because they’ve been loved, who forgive because they’ve been forgiven, who rest in grace because they’ve stopped trying to earn it.
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear the message of freedom in Christ? How might your abiding in God’s Word and bearing the fruit of love become a witness that draws them to Jesus?
Prayer: Almighty God, help us abide so deeply in Your Word that others see Christ in us. Give us boldness to share the Gospel and faithfulness to make disciples who make disciples. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Responses