Teaching by Example
One of the worst things you can do is to teach truths that you have not applied. We call this hypocrisy, and itʼs the most common criticism of Christians in America. One could argue that it may be better to not to teach truth at all than to teach it without living it out. Jesus gave some
harsh warnings toward the religious leaders who were doing that very thing. He said:
Practice and observe whatever they [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you—but not what they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens,
hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. (Matt 23:3-5)
Hypocrisy has damaged many, so letʼs run far from it.
James also gives a strong warning against this type of thinking. He says that if we hear the Word of God, but donʼt do what it says, we are merely deceiving ourselves (James 1:22-25).
He goes on to say that religion without practical action is worthless (vv.26-27). A self-deceived teacher who practices worthless religion is probably not the best candidate for a disciple maker. Maybe the clearest explanation of teaching by example can be found in the book of Hebrews: “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith” (Heb. 13:7). The author of Hebrews actually calls us to consider—literally, “to examine carefully”—the outcome of a teacherʼs lifestyle. We can get so caught up in examining a personʼs doctrinal positions that we overlook his or her pattern of life. But this is essential because Hebrews calls us to imitate the faith of these people. 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 youʼre not ready to lay down your life for Christʼs sake, then youʼre not ready to make disciples. Itʼs that simple.
This doesnʼt mean that you need to be perfect before you start. Perfection is a lifelong process that wonʼt end until eternity (see Phil. 1:6 and 3:12-14). But it does mean that you need to “count the cost” (see Luke 14:25-33) and allow Godʼs truth to change your life. Making disciples is
all about seeing people transformed by the power of Godʼs Word. If you want to see that happen in others, you need to be pursuing it yourself.
6. Would you say that your life is being transformed by the truth of Godʼs 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 youʼve 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.
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