Discipleship
First Principles – Discipleship
Let’s get God involved by beginning with a prayer.
Introduction:
Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A. What does Jesus want everybody to become?
B. Which is the more popular term -“Disciple” or “Christian?” The word “Christian” only appears three times in the New Testament. It is the name those in the world gave the disciples, seven years after the church began.
Acts 11:25-26 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
The word “Disciple” occurs over 270 times in the New Testament.
C. SAVED = CHRISTIAN = DISCIPLE.
D. Jesus came to make disciples. Only baptized disciples will be saved.
This is a perpetual command for all disciples in all generations.
Let’s have Jesus define disciple, thus defining who is a true Christian.
Point 1. Mark 1:14-18 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!” As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
A. Calling of the first disciples.
B. Come follow me (Christ).
C. Fishers of men – Jesus gave these first disciples the real purpose for living.
D. Immediately – what is the purpose of your life?
Point 2. Luke 9:23-26 Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
A. If any one… one standard for everyone.
B. Deny self. This is a 24/7 deal. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, “Not my will, but your will.”) Do not give in to moods. One of the greatest feelings in the world when you deny yourself and do what is right.
C. Carry the cross – daily.
D. Gain world … forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus … save it.
Is this the kind of life you live, everyday denial?
Point 3. Luke 14:25-27 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:28-30 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost to see if you have enough money to complete it? For if you lay the foundation and are not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule you, saying, ‘This person began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’
Luke 14:31-33 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Won’t he first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand? If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples.
A. If any one… one standard for everyone: It’s is not loving family less, but loving Jesus More.
B. Count the cost (v. 28-30).
C. Consider the alternatives (v. 31-32).
D. Love Christ more than any person (v. 26).
E. Persecutions (v. 27).
F. Everything, not just anything (v. 33).
Point 4. Luke 11:1-4 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
He said to them, “When you pray, say: “‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’”
A. Must learn to pray – disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father.
B. Daily personal relationship with God (v. 3); daily prayer, morning best and then throughout day. He is our father.
Point 5. John 13:34-35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
A. Love one another.
B. Be an active part of the fellowship: change schedule to come to all the meetings.
Point 6. Matthew 28:18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
A. Command – make disciples (given to all) have you ever made a disciple?
B. Who is a candidate for baptism? A person who makes the decision to be a disciple.
C. You need someone to disciple you to maturity in Christ, Discipleship partners.
D. This is the only way to save the world!
Year Preacher Disciple
1 365 2
2 730 4
3 1095 8
13 4745 8192
32 11,680 the world, 5 billion plus
Conclusion: Question: Am I a disciple? Am I a Christian? Am I saved? What do I need to do to become a disciple?
Let’s both finish in a prayer.