Discipleship
Sermon Notes
[Romans 8:29] For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Discipleship is the lifelong PROCESS of becoming like Jesus and helping OTHERS do the same.
[Mark 3:14-15] Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, [15] giving them authority to cast out demons.
Discipleship begins with BEING with Jesus before DOING things for Him.
[John 15:4] Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.
Fruit is something Jesus PRODUCES in people who stay CONNECTED to Him.
“May you be covered in the DUST of your RABBI.”
[Luke 9:23-24 NIV] Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Discipleship isn't one BIG decision; it's THOUSANDS of small ones.
[Matthew 28:18-20] Jesus came and told his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. [20] Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
Discipleship is not OPTIONAL for Christians.
[Ephesians 4:13-16] This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. [14] Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won't be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. [15] Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. [16] He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Discussion Questions
Icebreaker: Who is someone you wanted to be like?
Read Matt 28:18-20 & discuss what stands out.
Share about someone who taught you a skill you still use today.
Tell about someone who helped you grow spiritually.
How can you help someone grow in their faith this week?
Is there anything this group can pray for?