Shift 3—Obedience-Based Disciple-Making
Episode Summary
Brian and Cory dive into paradigm shift #3: Obedience-based disciple-making versus knowledge-based disciple-making. They explore why disciple making should focus on responding to Jesus with our lives, not just growing in knowledge, and how this shift is crucial for creating movement-minded disciples.
Key Takeaways
1. Obedience Over Knowledge
The Core Idea: Maturity in Christ is about responding with your life, not just gaining more knowledge.
Western Christianity often equates discipleship with learning and agreement rather than action.
Jesus called His disciples to follow Him, not just agree with His teachings.
2. Why This Shift Matters
Lack of End Game: Many discipleship models focus on what happens after death rather than joining Jesus’ mission to restore all things now.
Transformation Happens in Action: Acting on what we learn reshapes our hearts and minds. As Dallas Willard said, “Act your way into a new way of thinking.”
3. Practical Tools for Obedience-Based Culture
Start with Simple Steps: Begin with clear, actionable “I will” statements that guide how we live out Jesus’ teachings.
Create Accountability: Foster environments where people regularly check in on their steps of obedience.
Prioritize Community: Obedience thrives in communal settings where followers of Jesus learn and act together.
4. Barriers to Obedience-Based Disciple Making
Fear of Heresy: Group discernment, Spirit-led action, and consistent accountability help mitigate this concern.
Cultural Norms: Western emphasis on knowledge and performance often overshadows obedience.
Initial Resistance: Paradigm shifts take time, but start small and lead with your own example.
Key Quotes
“Jesus doesn’t just ask us to agree with Him; He invites us to follow Him.”
“You can know the Bible and still not live like Jesus. Obedience, not knowledge, is the measure of maturity.”
“If disciple making is grounded in joining Jesus’ mission to restore all things, knowledge alone will never be enough.”
