Equipped Through Discipleship: Following the Way of Jesus

Many people assume that spiritual growth happens automatically. Attend worship regularly. Listen to good preaching. Read your Bible. Over time, maturity will just take care of itself.

But Scripture tells a more honest—and more demanding—story.

In Acts 18:24-28, we are introduced to Apollos, a man who looks like the kind of Christian every church hopes for. He is knowledgeable, passionate, eloquent, and sincere. He speaks boldly and teaches accurately what he knows about the things of God.

And yet, Luke tells us something crucial: Apollos knew only the baptism of John. He was faithful—but incomplete.

That detail matters because it reminds us of an important truth: sincerity is not the same as spiritual formation. A person can love God deeply and still need to grow. Zeal and knowledge, while good, are not substitutes for discipleship.

What happens next reveals how God equips His people.

Rather than correcting Apollos publicly or sidelining him, God uses two faithful disciples—Aquila and Priscilla. They listen to him. They respect him. And then they take him aside and explain the way of God more accurately. Quietly. Personally. Relationally.

This is discipleship as Jesus taught it.

Jesus did not merely preach to crowds; He walked with people. He corrected His disciples patiently. He shaped them over time through relationships, conversation, and shared life. Aquila and Priscilla are simply living out the way of Jesus.

And the result is powerful.

After being discipled, Apollos becomes more effective, not less. His teaching is strengthened. His ministry expands. He becomes a great help to believers and boldly proclaims Jesus as the Messiah. Discipleship does not limit him—it equips him.

That is a lesson we still need.

We live in a time when information is abundant, but formation is rare. It is easy to attend, listen, and remain isolated. But Jesus never called people to follow Him alone. He calls us into relationships where we learn, grow, and help one another mature in faith.

At Cornerstone Church of Christ, we are committed to being a church that follows the way of Jesus—not only in what we teach, but in how we help people grow. We believe every Christian is still being formed and has a role in helping others grow.

Discipleship is not just for leaders. Growth is not just for beginners. And following Jesus is not a one-time decision: it is a lifelong walk. If you are looking for a church where Scripture is taken seriously, where Jesus remains central, and where people are encouraged to grow together in faith, we invite you to join us.

Come worship with us this Sunday at Cornerstone. Come hear God’s Word. Come walk with us as we follow the way of Jesus: together.

1. What does Apollos teach us about the difference between being sincere in faith and being fully formed as a disciple of Jesus?
2.  Why was it important that Aquila and Priscilla took Apollos aside rather than correcting him publicly?
3.  How did Apollos’ willingness to be taught affect his usefulness in God’s work?
4.  What does this passage show us about the role everyday Christians play in discipling others?
5.  What is one practical way you can either help someone grow in Christ or allow someone to help you grow this week?

Those Serving
CALL TO WORSHIP/PRAYER
Boyd Hastings
SONG LEADER
Chris Terrian
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
John Key
ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Nathan Armstrong
Richard Jacobs
Rich Walker
Jim Rutter
SCRIPTURE READING
Jeremy Price
Acts 18:24-28
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Wes Grushon
CLOSING COMMENTS
Russ Robins
WELCOME CENTER
Kathy Downey // Tina Jacobs
USHERS
Roger Robins // Billy Robbins
COMMUNION PREP
Hannah Walker
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Josh Childers