This sermon, based on 1 Corinthians 16:10–12 and 15–16, highlights three key principles of Christian discipleship: the priority of in-person discipleship, the foundation of respect, and the goal of growing in Christ. The apostle Paul urges the Corinthians to respect and submit to Timothy and the household of Stephanas, not for their status, but to enable effective ministry and spiritual growth. Discipleship is shown to be both formal (through church leaders) and informal (within the wider church body), and fundamentally relational. Respect—both positional and personal—is essential for discipleship to flourish. Paul's ultimate goal is not authority but the maturity of believers in Christ. The sermon concludes by applying these truths to family life, particularly the role of parents in discipling children, and calls the church to cultivate a culture of mutual mentoring, humility, and Christ-centred growth.