Brief Summary
Erinma discusses the importance of being properly discipled before discipling others, highlighting the need for personal growth, understanding of scripture, and integration within a Christian community. She stresses that sharing one's faith is essential but should be rooted in a deep understanding of God's word and guided by mature believers.
- The core of disciplehip involves learning to love and follow Jesus, becoming more like Him in actions and attitude, before seeking to make other disciples.
- Believers should prioritise reading and studying the Bible to understand God's word, rather than relying on personal interpretations or popular opinions.
- Being part of a local church and submitting to its authority is crucial for guidance, correction, and growth in faith.
Introduction
Erinma introduces the topic of disciplehip with humility, acknowledging the potential for misinterpretation. She emphasises that the video stems from love and grace, aiming to guide fellow Christians in their journey with God. She believes that every believer is called to share the gospel and spread the word of Jesus, driven by an excitement that naturally overflows from within.
The Importance of Sharing Your Faith
Erinma encourages believers to share their faith, referencing Matthew 5:13-14 to highlight the purpose of being salt and light. However, she notes that there are seasons of growth and becoming before manifestation, suggesting that discipling others requires proper preparation and understanding. She stresses that disciplehip is a significant responsibility, requiring a deep understanding of God's mind and doctrinal soundness.
Understanding Discipleship
Erinma defines disciplehip as learning to love and follow Jesus, becoming more like Him in actions and attitude, and then making other disciples. She observes that many Christians often skip the initial steps of learning and growing, jumping straight into making disciples without a solid foundation. Drawing examples from the Bible, such as Elijah and Elisha, Jesus and His disciples, and Paul and Timothy, she illustrates the importance of disciplehip.
The Role of Personal Growth and Bible Study
Erinma underscores the need for personal growth and understanding before discipling others. She likens new believers to newborn babies who need to be fed and nurtured. Reading and studying the Bible is essential for renewing the mind and becoming more like Christ. She quotes John 8:31, emphasising the importance of abiding in God's word to become true disciples and know the truth.
The Importance of Mature Guidance and Mentorship
Erinma highlights the importance of seeking guidance from mature believers and submitting to disciplehip programs. She references 2 Timothy 2:1-2, where Paul instructs Timothy to entrust what he has learned to faithful men who can teach others. She encourages believers to consider Bible courses, academies, or disciplehip programs in their local churches to gain a proper understanding of scripture.
Personal Testimony and the Dangers of Misinterpretation
Erinma shares a personal experience from 2020 when she misinterpreted a vision due to a lack of understanding of scripture. She recounts how she mistakenly believed she had seen the rapture and spread the news, only to later realise that she had misinterpreted the vision. This experience underscores the danger of sharing interpretations without a solid foundation in the word of God.
Correctly Analysing and Teaching the Word of Truth
Erinma references 2 Timothy 2:15, urging believers to study and present themselves to God as approved workmen who correctly analyse and skillfully teach the word of truth. She cautions against sharing the gospel in a judgmental or prideful manner, stressing the importance of skillfully packaging the message for the intended audience. She believes that sharing the gospel should be done with skill and understanding.
The Necessity of Christian Community
Erinma emphasises the need for believers to be part of Christian communities, referencing Hebrews 10:25. She warns against isolating oneself and believing that personal encounters are superior to what the church can offer. She stresses the importance of submitting to authority within a local, Bible-believing church, being planted, growing, and becoming.
