Discipleship
The purpose of this study is to see how Jesus defines discipleship in the Bible and to compare our lives to that standard.
Matthew 28:18-20
Jesus commands us to go and make disciple in all nations. What is a disciple? If it was Jesus’ final command than we need to know what it means.
Acts 11:25-26
To call oneself a Christian can mean many different things to people today. The name “Christian” was applied for the first time to disciples at Antioch, about seven years after the beginning of the church. How many times is the word “Christian” used in NT? (Three times.) How many times is the word “disciple” used? (About 300 times.) What is a disciple? A disciple is a learner who strives to conform to his thoughts, words and actions to those of his master. To understand what it means to live as a Christian today, we will start by looking at Jesus’ expectations for those who would be his disciples . . .
Mark 1:14-20
Call of the first disciples: “Follow me.” A disciple asks himself, “What would Jesus do?” then strives to do it—regardless of the cost. What promise did Jesus give to his disciples? Money, security, blessings? No. He promised to make them fishers of men. What does this mean? Have you been a fisher of men? Do you want to make this your purpose? What did they abandon to follow Jesus? Everything! (job, possessions, family)
Luke 9:57-62
Examine the issues involved with each person – thoughtless following, excuse making and second thoughts. What are excuses that you have let keep you from following Jesus?
Luke 14:25-27, 31-33
If anyone would come after me… A disciple loves Jesus more than any other person (v.26, Matthew 10:37-39). A disciple loves Jesus in spite of any persecution (v.27). What are the demands of discipleship in this verse? What does it mean to “take up your cross daily?” What does it mean to “follow Jesus?” A disciple loves Jesus more than any possession, lifestyle, or relationship (v.33). Surrender or lose everything!
Mark 10:28-31
What did Peter and the others give up in order to follow Jesus? Is it possible to “out give” God? What does Jesus promise to those who have committed their lives to following him? Being a Christian is not always easy, but it is the life we were created for. It is the best life now, and the best life for eternity!
John 13:34-35
What will disciples of Jesus will be known for? Their love. “As I have loved you”:
What kind of love did Jesus demonstrate for us? How do we demonstrate that love for each other?
Matthew 28:18-20
The Great Commission: God’s plan to save the world is to go and make Disciples of all nations, baptizing them in his name, and teaching them to become mature, obedient followers of Jesus. Efforts to reach the world with the gospel are multiplied when every disciple embraces Jesus’ final charge. Are you willing to answer the call to be a disciple of Jesus?
Additional Scriptures:
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Luke 9:23-27 – Anyone who follows Jesus must deny himself and carry his cross
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Luke 11:1-4 – Disciples are committed to growing in their prayer life
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Luke 13:22-27 – Only a few will be saved so we must make every effort
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Matthew 7:21-23 – Not everyone who claims to be a Christian will be saved.