Multiply I:3 - The Heart of a Disciple Maker

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:1–3)

We can do all the right things, say the right things, spend of our time, talents, and treasures in all the right areas... but if our heart is not motivated by authentic love for God and man, all of our best efforts are for nothing.

In this week's reading, Chapter 3 of Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples, Francis Chan concludes the first section of the book with a challenge to examine our motives for ministry, as well as to search ourselves for any signs of hypocrisy even as we endeavor to teach His truths to others.

This particular study covers many basics of the faith, but each chapter, in addition to equipping us to share the Bible as a cohesive narrative, serves as a timely reminder to continually lay our hearts bare before him and our own eyes.

Come on out to join the conversation!

Love in Christ,
Pastor Joe

Part I - Living as a Disciple Maker: The Heart of a Disciple Maker

1. Take a moment to examine your heart. In all honesty, why do you want to make disciples? Do you struggle with wanting your actions to be noticed by others?
2. Read James 3:1–12 and meditate on James’s warning. How do these powerful words affect you? How might you need to adjust your approach to making disciples?
3. Up to this point, would you say that your desire to make disciples has been motivated by love? Why or why not?
4. Describe your love for the people God has placed in your life. What evidence can you point to that shows that you love the people around you?
5. In addition to praying fervently, what practical steps can you take to increase your love for people?
6. Would you say that your life is being transformed by the truth of God’s Word? Why or why not?
7. What changes do you need to make in order to live the truths that you will be teaching other people?
8. The things you’ve been thinking through in this session are not easy to address—there are no “quick fixes“ here. End your time with this session by praying that God will give you the proper motivation to make disciples, increase your love for Him and the people around you, and empower you to live out the truths that He has called you to teach to others.

Disclaimer: These questions have been drawn from Francis Chan’s book “Multiply: Disciples Making Disciples,” and are posted here for further reflection and study in conjunction with the full text of the book found at MultiplyMovement.com.