TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS: THE FOLLOW-UP MANDATE
Title: Teaching Them to Observe All Things: The Follow-Up Mandate
By: Evangelist John Emmanuel
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Opening Scripture:
Matthew 28:19-20 (KJV)
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
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Introduction:
One of the most overlooked but vital assignments in the Great Commission is the mandate to “teach them to observe all things.”
While evangelism is often emphasized — and rightly so — the process is incomplete without follow-up and discipleship.
The Lord Jesus Christ does not only call us to preach the gospel and baptize converts, but also to teach them how to live according to His commandments.
This sermon explores the Follow-Up Mandate as an inseparable part of missions and evangelism.
Salvation is the beginning, but discipleship is the journey.
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1. The Pattern of Jesus: He Followed Up
Luke 8:1 (KJV)
"And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him."
Jesus didn’t just preach and move on. He invested time with His followers. He taught, corrected, demonstrated, and modeled kingdom living.
The disciples learned not just by hearing but by watching and following Him.
> Follow-up is not optional. It is the Jesus-model.
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2. Teaching Them: Not Just Information, But Transformation
Acts 2:42 (KJV)
"And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers."
The early church was built on continuous teaching. Converts were not left alone. They were taught the doctrine — the very heart of the Christian faith.
Follow-up must be doctrinal, intentional, and transformational. New believers must be taught:
Who they are in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
How to walk in holiness (1 Peter 1:15-16)
The importance of prayer and Scripture (Joshua 1:8)
The power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)
The call to evangelize others (2 Timothy 2:2)
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3. The Danger of Neglecting Follow-Up
Matthew 13:20-21 (Parable of the Sower)
"But he that received the seed into stony places... hath not root in himself... when tribulation or persecution ariseth... he is offended."
Many believers fall away not because they were not sincere, but because no one helped them grow roots.
Neglecting follow-up is like delivering a baby and abandoning it. No matter how healthy a baby is at birth, it will die without nourishment.
> Follow-up is spiritual nourishment.
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4. The Mandate: "Teaching Them to Observe ALL Things"
Notice that Jesus did not say "some things", but "all things."
This includes the hard truths, the disciplines, the cost of discipleship (Luke 14:27), and the grace of God.
We must:
Teach them to forgive (Matthew 6:14-15)
Teach them to flee sin (2 Timothy 2:22)
Teach them to love (John 13:35)
Teach them to serve (Mark 10:45)
Teach them to give (Luke 6:38)
Christianity is a lifestyle, not just a belief.
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5. The Role of the Church and Discipleship Systems
2 Timothy 2:2 (KJV)
"And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also."
Paul outlines a generational model for discipleship:
You receive the word
You teach it to others
They teach it to more people
Every local church must have a deliberate system for follow-up:
New converts’ classes
Mentorship programs
Home fellowship units
Bible study groups
Prayer circles
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6. The Reward of Obedience to the Follow-Up Mandate
John 15:8 (KJV)
"Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
Fruitfulness includes lasting disciples. God is glorified not when we only win souls, but when we make disciples who make disciples.
> Discipleship leads to multiplication.
Multiplication leads to movements.
Movements lead to revival.
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7. The Promise of His Presence
Matthew 28:20b (KJV)
“…and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
This promise is not for the idle.
It is for those who are engaged in the Great Commission in full — evangelizing, baptizing, and teaching.
As we commit to follow-up and discipleship, we walk in divine presence and divine backing.
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Conclusion:
Beloved, Jesus didn’t send us to make converts — He sent us to make disciples.
The church must return to the forgotten ministry of intentional follow-up. The evangelist must not abandon the field after the crusade. The pastor must go beyond Sunday sermons. The missionary must not just plant churches — he must nurture lives.
Let us obey the Lord in teaching them to observe all things, and we will see strong believers, healthy churches, and a revived generation.
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Call to Action:
1. Are you following up on new believers God brought your way?
2. Are you equipped to disciple others?
3. Will you commit to obey the full mandate of Matthew 28:19–20?
Let us arise and teach them to observe all things!
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Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mandate to make disciples. Give us the grace to go beyond conversion and invest in follow-up. May we never abandon the seeds You use us to plant. Strengthen the church to fulfill this mandate until the end. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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