All Assignments Must Be At Least 5 Pages And In Current Tura

All Assignments Must Be At Least 5 Pages And In Current Turabian Forma

All assignments must be at least 5 pages and in current Turabian format. Each assignment must include a bibliography with a minimum of 5 scholarly sources. For this assignment, you will write a paper summarizing and analyzing the 5 stages and 4 spheres of discipleship. Identify what stage of discipleship you are currently in, giving evidence from your life and correlating biblical support. Also, identify what spheres you need to submit to the centrality of Christ by referring to Bonhoeffer’s call to the cross. Conclude with at least 1 page discussing what it means to be in submission to Christ, using Scripture and other scholarly sources.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Discipleship is a foundational aspect of Christian faith, involving a process of spiritual growth that transforms believers into Christ-like followers. Understanding the stages and spheres of discipleship offers insights into personal spiritual development and guides believers in their journey of faith. This paper aims to summarize and analyze the five stages and four spheres of discipleship, identify my current stage, and discuss the significance of submitting to the centrality of Christ, especially through Bonhoeffer’s call to the cross. Additionally, it explores what it means to be in submission to Christ, supported by Scripture and scholarly perspectives.

The Five Stages of Discipleship

The five stages of discipleship describe the progressive journey of a believer from initial faith to mature Christlikeness (Stetzer & Rainer, 2010). The first stage, "Salvation," marks the beginning of the believer’s spiritual journey through accepting Christ's gift of salvation. The second stage, "Walking," involves growing in faith and beginning to understand biblical teachings. "Following" is the third stage, characterized by a deliberate commitment to live in obedience and imitate Christ. The fourth, "Reproduction," emphasizes disciple-making and mentoring others, reflecting Jesus’s command in Matthew 28:19-20. The final stage, "Maturity," signifies spiritual independence, evidenced by consistent Christlike behavior and deep submission to God's will (Wright, 2010).

Each stage reflects increasing levels of commitment, understanding, and obedience, with the ultimate goal being spiritual maturity that influences others and advances God's kingdom. As my personal journey aligns with these stages, I recognize my current position within "Following"—striving for greater obedience and understanding, yet still growing into mature disciplehood.

The Four Spheres of Discipleship

The four spheres of discipleship encompass various areas of life where faith must be integrated. These include the personal, relational, community, and cultural spheres (Bauer & Clark, 2016). The personal sphere involves individual spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, and personal reflection. The relational sphere relates to family, friendships, and mentoring relationships that foster mutual growth. The community sphere is the church and broader faith community, where believers gather for worship, fellowship, and service. Lastly, the cultural sphere pertains to engaging with societal issues, work environments, and cultural influences through a biblical lens.

Integrating these spheres ensures a holistic approach to discipleship, shaping every aspect of a believer’s life in obedience to Christ. Currently, I find myself more engaged in the personal and community spheres but recognize the need to deepen my involvement in the relational and cultural spheres, submitting these areas more fully to Christ's lordship.

My Current Stage and Biblical Correlation

Reflecting on my spiritual journey, I believe I am primarily in the "Following" stage, striving to obey Christ more fully and imitate His example. Evidence from my life includes a commitment to daily Scripture reading, prayer, and active participation in my local church’s ministries. Biblically, John 8:31-32 emphasizes the importance of obedience—"If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples"—which resonates with my current spiritual focus. However, I acknowledge the need to move toward "Reproduction" by actively mentoring others and living intentionally as a disciple-maker.

My journey reflects biblical principles of continual growth articulated by Paul, who encourages believers to press on toward spiritual maturity (Philippians 3:14). Recognizing where I am in the stages allows me to seek God's grace to advance further in my discipleship.

Submitting to the Centrality of Christ and Bonhoeffer’s Call to the Cross

Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s concept of "costly grace" underscores the necessity of total submission to Christ, acknowledging that discipleship requires surrendering every sphere of life to His lordship (Bonhoeffer, 1959). He calls believers to take up their cross daily, signifying the willingness to endure suffering and sacrifice for Christ’s sake (Luke 9:23). Submission involves a heart posture committed to Christ's centrality, rejecting self-centeredness, and embracing divine priorities.

In my life, submitting to the centrality of Christ means reevaluating priorities, surrendering control over areas of my life that hinder conformity to His will, and actively participating in His mission. Recognizing Christ’s sovereignty over all spheres ensures that my actions, relationships, and societal engagements align with His divine purpose.

What It Means to Be in Submission to Christ

Being in submission to Christ entails more than obedience; it involves a comprehensive surrender that permeates every domain of life. Scripture anchors this understanding—Romans 12:1 urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Submission to Christ is fundamentally about trusting His sovereignty and goodness, even amid suffering and uncertainty.

Scholars like Richard Foster emphasize that submission is a dynamic process of surrendering our will and yielding to God's transformative work within us (Foster, 1985). Furthermore, authentic submission results in spiritual freedom, joy, and peace, as believers align themselves with God's purpose (Galatians 5:22-23). It is a continuous act of devotion and trust, cultivated through daily surrender, prayer, and obedience, reflecting a deep dependency on God's grace.

Conclusion

Discipleship is a transformative journey marked by progressive stages and spheres that shape every area of a believer’s life. Recognizing one's current stage facilitates targeted spiritual growth, while understanding the spheres encourages holistic faithfulness. Submission to Christ, especially through Bonhoeffer’s call to the cross, underscores the cost of discipleship and the importance of surrendering all areas of life to His authority. Ultimately, authentic submission involves trusting in God's sovereignty, embracing His call to the cross, and committing to live in obedience and dependence, leading to spiritual maturity and deeper fellowship with Christ.

References

  • Bauer, D., & Clark, R. (2016). Discipleship in the 21st Century: Living Out the Gospel. Baker Publishing Group.
  • Bonhoeffer, D. (1959). The Cost of Discipleship. Touchstone.
  • Foster, R. (1985). Celebration of Discipline: The Path to Spiritual Maturity. HarperOne.
  • Stetzer, E., & Rainer, T. (2010). Transformational Discipleship. B&H Publishing Group.
  • Wright, N. T. (2010). After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters. HarperOne.
  • Lewis, C. S. (1952). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
  • Oden, T. C. (1989). The Destiny of God: A Critical Study of the Christian Doctrine. Eerdmans.
  • Keener, C. S. (2014). The Gospel of Matthew: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Eerdmans.
  • Hiebert, P. G. (1994). The Gospel in Context: Essays on Paul, Mission, and the Imagination. Eerdmans.
  • Carson, D. A. (2012). The Intolerance of Tolerance. Eerdmans.

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