Discipleship that Informs or Transform

Two Ways to Disciple: Information or Transformation?

When churches talk about discipleship, most people think of teaching—sermons, Bible studies, classes, and books. Teaching is essential. Jesus Himself taught constantly. But the sermon highlights an important truth: discipleship can happen in two very different ways, and only one leads to deep transformation.

The difference is the gap between knowing about Jesus and learning to live with Jesus.

Discipleship as Information

The first way to disciple is primarily through information. This approach focuses on explaining biblical truth. People learn scripture, theology, and principles of faith. They can describe how prayer works, quote verses about healing, and explain what the Bible says about loving others.

This kind of discipling is not wrong. In fact, it is necessary. Strong teaching builds a foundation. Scripture reminds us that faith is anchored in truth (Romans 10:17). Understanding God’s Word gives language to belief and direction to life.

But information alone has limits.

Garth's sermon compares this to learning musical instruments only from pictures. A student may correctly identify instruments but still not recognize them when hearing real music. The knowledge is accurate—but incomplete.

In the same way, believers can learn about prayer, faith, or evangelism without becoming confident in practicing them. They may know the right answers but hesitate in real-life moments. James warns against a faith that hears without doing:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
(James 1:22)

Information can fill the mind while leaving the hands and heart unsure.

Discipleship as Life-on-Life Transformation

The second way to disciple is relational and practical. It happens when believers walk closely with others and learn by watching, practicing, and participating.

Jesus modeled this with His disciples. They didn’t only hear Him teach—they traveled with Him, watched Him pray, saw Him love people, and were sent out to do the same (Luke 9:1–2).

Instead of only hearing how to pray, a disciple stands next to someone who prays with simple faith. Instead of studying compassion in theory, they watch someone care for the broken and learn how to do the same. Paul captured this model clearly:

“Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
(1 Corinthians 11:1)

This kind of discipling connects truth to real life.

Moments that seem ordinary become powerful training grounds:

• hearing someone pray boldly (Mark 11:22–24),

• watching a believer trust God in hardship,

• seeing love expressed toward the lost (Luke 19:10),

• learning obedience in daily decisions (John 14:15).

This is where faith becomes visible. It moves from theory to practice. Disciples begin to say, “Now I understand what that looks like.”

The Heart Behind Discipleship

Garth's sermon also emphasizes that discipleship is not only about method—it is about motive.

Two Old Testament figures illustrate this clearly: Elisha and Gehazi (2 Kings 2; 2 Kings 5).

Elisha saw the life of God at work and desired it deeply. He left comfort and security to stay close and learn. His goal was not personal gain. He wanted to be shaped into someone through whom God could work. His discipleship was driven by surrender and hunger for God.

Gehazi, however, stayed near the same power but developed the wrong motive. He saw ministry as an opportunity for personal advantage. Instead of being transformed, he tried to profit from what he witnessed.

Jesus warned about this kind of divided heart:

“What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?”
(Mark 8:36)

Both men stood close to spiritual power. Only one was changed by it.

This contrast reminds us that discipleship must keep its focus on God’s heart—not personal benefit. The goal is not influence, status, or reward. The goal is becoming people through whom God’s love flows freely.

The Bigger Purpose

Discipleship is larger than personal growth. From the beginning, God created humanity to represent Him on earth (Genesis 1:28). Jesus restores that calling. Through discipleship, believers are formed into people who carry God’s character into families, workplaces, communities, and nations.

It is about praying and living:

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
(Matthew 6:10)

That purpose echoes the mission:

“Thousands going out into our world overflowing the healing and refreshing of Jesus to the lost, the blind and broken hearted.”

Discipleship is not inward-focused self-improvement. It is outward-flowing transformation. It prepares ordinary people to carry hope, healing, and truth wherever they go.

Jesus’ final words still stand:

“Go and make disciples of all nations…”
(Matthew 28:19)

Information + Imitation = Formation

Healthy discipleship does not reject teaching. It completes it.

Teaching provides the picture.
Life-on-life practice provides the sound.
Together they form a disciple.

When knowledge is paired with imitation, and imitation is fueled by the right heart, believers grow into mature followers of Jesus—people who don’t just know His words, but live His life.

And that is the kind of discipleship that changes the world.

A Call to Action

Discipleship begins with a decision: to move from observing to following.

Ask two simple questions:

• Who am I intentionally learning from?

• Who am I intentionally walking alongside?

Seek out believers who live the life you long to grow into. Spend time with them. Watch, ask, practice, and step out in faith. At the same time, invite someone else to walk with you. Discipleship multiplies when it is shared.

Jesus is still calling people closer. His invitation is not only to believe in Him—but to walk with Him.

Take one step this week toward real, life-on-life discipleship. Transformation always begins with obedience.