DAY 5 – Fasting & Prayer

9. Januar 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Raising Spirit-Filled Disciples (Nations Discipled)

Anchor Scriptures:

📖 Matthew 28:19–20

📖 Acts 2:42–47

📖 2 Timothy 2:2

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🌍 INTRODUCTION

The standard Jesus Christ established, commanded, and modeled was never crowd-building. His mission was disciple-making. According to Matthew 28, Jesus was far more interested in forming disciples than merely attracting people to Himself.

📖 Matthew 28:19–20 (NKJV)

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Jesus did not say, Go and gather crowds. He said, Go and make disciples. Crowds may follow for a season, but disciples follow for a lifetime.

Scripture clearly shows that the mysteries of the Kingdom were entrusted to disciples, not to the crowd.

📖 Matthew 13:11 (NKJV)

“Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”

Crowds often come for miracles, provision, excitement, or convenience. Many followed Jesus for the bread He multiplied, but not for the cross He carried. Crowds rarely take responsibility. Disciples do.

This is why Jesus invested His life in training, shaping, correcting, and releasing disciples. Discipleship requires intentional teaching, submission, growth, and transformation. This is also the true purpose of the Church. The Church exists to train people to become who God has called them to be, to develop their giftings, and to align their lives with Kingdom purpose.

When you make disciples, you gain nations.

When you chase crowds, you may not even retain a city.

Jesus made this distinction clear when He spoke about eating His flesh and drinking His blood.

📖 John 6:66–67 (NKJV)

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.”

Many were offended. But the Spirit-filled ones stayed. Spirit-filled disciples have understanding. They discern spiritual truths beyond natural reasoning. They are not led by emotions, offense, or convenience. They are led by the Holy Spirit.

📖 John 6:63 (NKJV)

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.”

Even in the early church, leadership and service were entrusted to Spirit-filled believers.

📖 Acts 6:3 (NKJV)

“Seek out from among you men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom.”

One of the challenges in the Church today is not the absence of disciples, but the shortage of Spirit-filled disciples. Spirit-filled believers respond by discernment, not emotion. They pick spiritual signals, not fleshly reactions.

As we go deeper today, ask yourself honestly:

After this season of fasting and prayer, will I remain just a follower, or will I become a Spirit-filled disciple?

Because Spirit-filled disciples make impact.

They transform families.

They influence cities.

They disciple nations.

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🙏 PRAYER POINTS

1️⃣ Thanksgiving & Worship

Scriptures: Matthew 28:19–20; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20

Father, we thank You and worship You for the mandate to disciple nations. Thank You for entrusting us with the ministry of reconciliation. Use us to raise true, Spirit-filled disciples of Jesus Christ.

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2️⃣ Grounded in Sound Doctrine and Truth

Scriptures: 2 Timothy 3:16–17; John 8:31–32

Lord, ground us deeply in sound doctrine. Deliver us from error, deception, and compromise. Let Your Word shape our thinking and guide our lives.

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3️⃣ Mature and Fruitful Representatives of Christ

Scriptures: John 15:5–8; Colossians 1:10

Cause us to grow into mature believers who bear lasting fruit. Let our lives reflect Christ in character, obedience, and faithfulness.

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4️⃣ Delivered from Shallow Faith and Religious Routine

Scriptures: Hebrews 5:12–14; Revelation 2:4–5

Deliver us from shallow faith and empty religious routines. Restore our first love for You and stir a deep hunger for spiritual growth.

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5️⃣ Transformed Lives That Reshape Cultures

Scriptures: Romans 12:2; Galatians 5:22–23

Through transformed lives, reshape cultures and societies. Let the fruit of the Spirit be evident in us, drawing people and nations to Christ.

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6️⃣ Churches That Disciple Every Nation

Scriptures: Acts 10:34–35; Revelation 7:9

Strengthen our churches to disciple people from every culture, tribe, and background. Let Your Kingdom be visible through unity in diversity.

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7️⃣ Deep in the Word and Strong in the Spirit

Scriptures: Ephesians 3:16–17; Acts 4:31

Lord, let our churches grow deep in the Word and strong in the Spirit. Fill us afresh with boldness, power, and unwavering faith.

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🔑 CLOSING DECLARATION

I am a Spirit-filled disciple of Jesus Christ.

I am grounded in truth and led by the Holy Spirit.

Through my life, nations will be discipled.

God’s Kingdom will advance through me.

In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

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📣 ENGAGE & RESPOND

Before you move on, scroll down and leave a comment in the comment section. Share what the Holy Spirit spoke to you through today’s devotion, a scripture that stood out to you, or a prayer point you are standing on. Your comment may encourage and strengthen someone else in their walk with Christ.

Spirit-filled disciples don’t just read—they respond, engage, and grow together.

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi