DISCIPLESHIP

Series 2

I. Acts 11:25-26

A.     Which is the more popular term: Disciple or Christian?

B.     The word “Christian” only appears three times in the Bible. It was the name those in the world gave the disciples several years after the church began.

C.     The word “disciple(s)” occurs over 270 times in the Bible.

D.     A Christian and a disciple are the same.

II. Matthew 28:18-19

A.     Jesus wants everyone to become His disciples.

B.     The word “disciple” means “student.”

a.       Therefore, a disciple is eager to learn God’s Word.

C.     Disciples are called to make disciples.

a.       A disciple’s mission is to tell others of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

b.      A disciple is called to teach newly baptized believers the ways of God

c.       Let’s see what’s required to be a disciple of Jesus…

III. Luke 9:23-26

A.     A disciple must deny himself and pick up his cross daily.

a.       A cross is a Roman instrument of death.

b.      A disciple crucifies his sinful desires and lives to please God.

B.     Being a disciple is more valuable than gaining all the riches of the world.

IV. Luke 14:25-33

A.     A disciple must love Christ more than their own relatives (cf. Matthew 10:37).

a.       The Greek word for “hate” is “miseö”, which means to “love less”.

b.      We tend to be influenced by those whom we love the most.

c.       In order for us to be Christ’s disciples, our love for Christ and His words must be greater than our love for our family, friends and even career.

B.     A disciple must be willing to take up his cross (crucify sin) and follow Jesus.

C.     A disciple must be willing to give up everything that stands in the way of Christ.

a.       He must make Jesus Lord over his/her life.

V. John 13:34-35

A.     People recognize Jesus’ disciples by their love for one another.

B.     Disciples get the opportunity to show their love for each other when they gather together as a church.

C.     The church is also referred to the kingdom of God (we will discuss this more in a later study)…

VI. Matthew 6:33

A.     A disciple puts the kingdom of God (the Church) first in their priority list.

a.       They are dedicated to worshipping God and learning His righteous ways.

                                                                           i.      You will find disciples attending:

1.      Sunday Worship

2.      Wednesday Night Bible Class

3.      Other Church functions (devotionals, small group meetings, etc.)

Challenge: Are you ready to become a disciple today? What if it gets hard?