16 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
This study guide is to be used with my book Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, according to Hebrews 5:12-14 & Hebrews 6:1-20. This guide has been laid out to be used in a classroom environment, using a very good Bible Concordance for scriptural references and either a KJV or NKJV Bible. It can be very easily used with my book which would explain in detail what is brought out here.
I do want to stress a fact that most believers do not know about or just don’t care about. The Apostles and the early Christians did not have a Bible like we do today. The early Christians relied on the actual words spoken by the Apostles or from their letters they wrote to the different churches, as well as guidance from the Holy Spirit.
It’s about true Christian living that remains the same through all trends and the changing ideologies of the world: discipleship rooted in Scripture. Bible-based discipleship is not a church program or a short-term study; it is a lifelong commitment to following Jesus, shaped and directed by the truths found in God’s Word.
5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:5,8
What is Bible-Based Discipleship?
Bible-based discipleship is the ways in which a person becomes more like Christ in everything, the way they show discipline the way they show empathy, the way they act etc. Basically accepting, obeying and applying what the Bible teaches us. It sets Scripture at the center of every aspect of a believer’s life. Unlike discipleship that relies on human opinions or cultural trends, Bible-based discipleship draws its authority solely from the Bible, God’s inspired, infallible Word.
It does not just address Sunday morning worship or midweek Bible studies. It touches on relationships, work ethic, morality, service, and evangelism. A Bible-based disciple is someone who allows the Word of God to direct every decision and response in life.
Always be ready to Share the Gospel of Christ
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 1 Peter 3:15
The Biblical Model of Discipleship
When we look at the life of Jesus, we see the most perfect example of Bible-based discipleship. Jesus did not just perform wonders or speak about God, to large crowds, He spent time pouring into the lives of a small group of disciples. He taught them, corrected them, and sent them out to do the same.
In John 8:31, Jesus said, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples.” These words shows us how important it is to remain steadfast in the Doctrine of Christ. Bible-based discipleship echoes this principle. It involves studying Scripture not just for information, but for life transformation.
The early church also modeled Bible-based discipleship. Acts 2:42 says, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This devotion to the Doctrine of Christ, fellow Christians and spiritual disciplines formed the backbone of the early Christian movement and remains essential today.
Why Bible-Based Discipleship Matters
Many Christians today struggle with spiritual stagnation. They may attend church services or listen to sermons but lack the deep-rooted growth that comes from intentional, Scripture-focused discipleship. Bible-based discipleship addresses this by grounding believers in eternal truth rather than fleeting emotions or opinions. This is where church teachers and leaders have unfortunately failed in their responsibilities of giving sound instruction to new Christians there by opening them up to spiritual stagnation.
- Spiritual Maturity
Ephesians 4:14-15 urges believers to grow up in Christ and no longer be tossed by every wind of doctrine. Bible-based discipleship fosters maturity by teaching sound doctrine and helping believers discern truth from error. - Obedience to Christ
True discipleship involves obeying Christ’s commands. When discipleship is rooted in Scripture, it ensures that obedience is not based on man-made rules but on God’s revealed will. - Resilience in Trials
Life is filled with challenges. A disciple grounded in the Word is like the wise man who built his house on the rock (Matthew 7:24-27). Bible-based discipleship equips believers with the tools to navigate suffering, temptation, and persecution with unwavering faith. - Effective Witness
The world needs Christians who not only speak about Christ but live like Him. Bible-based discipleship shapes character, speech, and actions to reflect the heart of Jesus, making our witness authentic and powerful.
Key Elements of Bible-Based Discipleship
To cultivate Bible-based discipleship, certain practices must be intentionally pursued:
1. Regular Bible Study
Disciples must be students of the Word. This includes personal study, group discussions, and guided learning under mature believers. The goal is to put on the whole armor of God, understand His promises, and apply His commands.
2. Scripture Memorization
Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Memorizing Scripture strengthens our faith and equips us to fight temptation and falsehood.
3. Accountability and Fellowship
Discipleship thrives in Christian fellowship. When believers commit to walking together in obedience to the Word, they encourage, sharpen, and support one another in love and truth.
4. Obedience and Application
James 1:22 exhorts believers to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.” Bible-based discipleship is not just about head knowledge; it is about living out God’s truth in every aspect of life.
5. Multiplication
A true disciple makes more disciples. Paul told Timothy in 2 Timothy 2:2, “What you have heard from me… entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” Bible-based discipleship is a multiplying mission, not a one-time event. Also, reread
1 Peter 3:15 that we just looked at earlier.
How Churches Can Encourage Bible-Based Discipleship
Churches play a critical role in promoting and sustaining Bible-based discipleship. Here are some effective strategies: (As I said in my book “…Christians don’t go to church, we are the Church.”
- Prioritize Expository Preaching: Teach the Bible verse-by-verse to ensure a proper understanding of the full counsel of God.
- Offer Discipleship Training: Equip members with practical tools for studying Scripture, discipline others, and growing in Christ.
- Create Small Groups: Facilitate deeper discussions and accountability within a structured, relational environment.
- Model Discipleship from the Top Down: Pastors and church leaders should exemplify what it means to live out Bible-based discipleship.
Conclusion
In a culture of distraction and spiritual confusion, the need for Bible-based discipleship has never been greater. It is not enough to call ourselves Christians, we are called to be disciples, fully committed to following Jesus through the truth of His Word. When we embrace Bible-based discipleship, we become grounded, growing, and fruitful believers who can impact the world for Christ.
Let us return to the foundations, to the living and active Word of God, and commit ourselves to a life of learning, living, and multiplying disciples, just as Jesus intended.