Personal Discipleship Framework: 4 Essential Areas for Spiritual Growth | Under God Podcast Episode 198
In this transformative episode, Pastor Stephen Martin and Pastor Nathan Brown present a comprehensive framework for personal discipleship that moves beyond programs and systems to focus on becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Building on their Kingdom Culture series, the pastors use athletic training metaphors to illustrate how Christians can develop in four crucial areas simultaneously, just as athletes train different aspects of their game.
What You'll Discover:
✅ Wholehearted Devotion: Understanding the Shema prayer and the progression from fearing God to knowing and loving Him
✅ Personal Vision: How to write a personal eulogy and establish 5-7 life priorities with SMART goals
✅ Time Management: The "week before the week" strategy, front-loading techniques, and maintaining work-rest rhythms
✅ Disciplined Habits: Daily practices including morning prayer, evening reflection, and consistent Bible engagement
Pastor Stephen shares vulnerable insights from his 30 years following Christ, including his personal morning routine starting at 5 AM and how he structures his ideal week. The episode includes practical tools like daily audits, list-making strategies, and the importance of accepting growth opportunities even when they stretch you.
📖 Scripture Study Guide:
📖 Matthew 22:37-39 – Jesus summarizes the law with the greatest commandment
📖 Proverbs 4:23 – "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life"
📖 Philippians 1:6 – God's promise to complete His work in you
📖 Ephesians 5:15-16 – Being careful how you live and making the most of every opportunity
📖 Hebrews 12:1 – Running the race with endurance
📖 James 1:22-25 – The warning against being hearers only and not doers
Resources Mentioned:
- The Better Planner (https://betterplanner.com) - Pastor Stephen's discipleship planning tool
- "At Your Best" by Carey Nieuwhof - Book recommendation for understanding green, yellow, and red time
This episode serves as a practical guide for Christians serious about growth, offering a framework that's both challenging and achievable. The pastors emphasize that while discipleship isn't complicated, it requires discipline and intentionality.
🔗 Full Platform Links:
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🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/under-god-with-pastor-stephen-martin/id1749695148
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🌐 Website: https://undergodpodcast.com
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