David Platt, Radical

The Multiplying Community (Ch 5)

Matthew 28:18-20

18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

2 Timothy 2:1-2

     1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Theme: How All of Us Join Together to Fulfill God’s Purposes

Reflection and Study Questions:

1. Which story in chapter 5 encouraged you the most? Explain.

2. Pratt writes: “All he [Jesus] wanted was a few men who would think as he did, love as he did, see as he did, teach as he did, and serve as he did. All he needed was to revolutionize the hearts of a few, and they would impact the world.” (p. 88) To what extent have you been discipled? What’s your plan for discipling others?

3. Matthew 28:19 begins with a call to “make disciples of all nations.” Jesus’ call to his “Jewish” disciples implied that evangelism is an aspect of discipleship. While this may not be the “traditional” understanding (discipleship focuses on believers) the progressive historical-nature of redemption (Old Testament to New) and historical context (Acts highlights the disciples evangelizing the nations) supports this idea. How would this evangelistic element impact how we do discipleship? (see pp. 93-96)

4. Why do you think baptism (Matthew 28:19) plays an important role is the process of discipleship? How does Pratt explain the significance of baptism? (pp. 96-99)

5. According to Pratt, there’s a difference between “receivers” and “reproducers of God’s Word.” (pp. 101-103) For the past several weeks, months, or years, have you been more of a receiver or reproducer of Scripture? How does being a reproducer of God’s Word impact your role in discipleship?

6. How does Jesus’ presence (Matthew 20:20) and being “strengthened” by grace (1 Timothy 2:1) relate to discipleship? 

7. Pratt distinguishes between discipling and disinfecting (pp. 103-106). “Whereas disinfecting Christians involves isolating them and teaching them to be good, discipling Christians involves propelling Christians into the world to risk their lives for the sake of others.” (p. 105) Pathway believes that LGs are one of the best contexts for Christ-followers “to risk their lives for the sake of others.” If this is true, then do you need to make a decision to participate in a LG community? 

8. A short-term missions project can also be a good context for discipleship. This, however, has its limitations due to its duration, the purpose of the missions trip (evangelism, training, compassion, service project, etc.), and training offered for participants. Have you been on STMs? Share. Perhaps God is calling you to go on a STMs. Pray.