The Heart of a Disciple Maker

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As followers of Jesus Christ, we should be focused on making disciples. But if we don’t do it with the right motives, we are wasting our time. Worse yet, we could be doing more harm than good. Ministering to other people has been a deadly trap for seemingly godly people throughout the ages.

Pharisees

'This PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. [9] 'BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS doctrines THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.'"

Matthew 15:8-9 NASBS

Word Study: Hypocrite.

Strong’s Definition
From G5271; an actor under an assumed character (stage player) that is (figuratively) a dissembler (“hypocrite”): – hypocrite.

Thayer’s Definition

• one who answers, an interpreter
• an actor, stage player
• a dissembler, pretender, hypocrite

We often associate the word ‘hypocrite’ with someone who says one thing, but does something else. While there is some truth to that, the meaning is a bit more specific as used in the New Testament.

The first time this word is used, Jesus subtly links hypocrisy to the Pharisees in the Sermon on the Mount discourse to His disciples. He describes these pious religious leaders as ‘practicing righteousness in order to be seen’.

"Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. [2] "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. [3] But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you

Matthew 6:1-4 NASBS

He addresses their posture of performance religion in giving alms, fasting, and praying. Each time, Jesus names the hypocrite, He also calls out that they are doing it to be seen by men. Conversely, the point he wants to make for His disciples is NOT to follow this practice, but instead do things in secret.

So the Pharisees are, in fact, doing what it is they are preaching.
BUT WITH THE WRONG MOTIVES.

Again, hypocrite comes from a word that means ‘actor’ or ‘pretender’. Perhaps an even more accurate term would be ‘performer’.

And above all, a performer seeks out applause, recognition, and accolades.

Teaching is Dangerous.

For those who are eager to lead, remember that God wants us to be cautious as we lead. Remember that you will be teaching people about the Bible and guiding them into godly living. The Bible takes the role of a teacher very seriously, and so should we.

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

James 3:1 ESV

If you look at your heart and find even a trace of desire for the glory and prestige that come through teaching and leading other people, take some time to let James’s warning sink in. Think about what your tongue is capable of. As a disciple maker, you could make a huge impact for the kingdom of God. Or you could lead people horribly astray.

Love First.

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. [2] 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. [3] 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 Corinthians 13:1-3 ESV

Fulfilling Jesus’s command to make disciples is about more than having the right theology or well-developed teaching points. Remember that if you “understand all mysteries and all knowledge” yet don’t have love, you are nothing.

Earlier in the same letter, Paul said, “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God” (1 Cor. 8:2–3). It’s not about what you know—or what you think you know—it’s about love.

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If you’re not willing to make loving God and loving people your highest priority, then stop. Seriously, walk away until you’ve settled this one essential point. Lack of love is the unmistakable mark of death: “We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death” (1 John 3:14).

Making disciples isn’t about gathering pupils to listen to your teaching. The real focus is not on teaching people at all—the focus is on loving them.

Teach by Example.

Difference: Integrity vs Hypocrisy

If you are going to make disciples, you need to be putting your faith into practice so that the people around you can imitate your faith. Because of this, being a disciple maker demands your entire life.

The job description of a disciple maker is the same as that of a disciple of Jesus Christ. It requires everything.

It means following Jesus in every aspect of your life, pursuing Him with a wholehearted devotion. If you’re not ready to lay down your life for Christ’s sake, then you’re not ready to make disciples. It’s that simple.

I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. [15] Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. [16] Therefore I urge you to imitate me.

1 Corinthians 4:14-16 NIV


Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 ESV

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