BASICS OF DISCIPLESHIP

“COME, FOLLOW ME!”

WE WILL CLEARLY DEFINE AND EXPLAIN WHAT A DISCIPLE OF JESUS TRULY IS

THE GREAT COMMISSIONTHE GREAT COMMISSION

““Therefore go and make disciples of Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”have commanded you.”

Matthew 28:19Matthew 28:19

VIDEO: “JESUS”(clip #1)

The American Heritage Dictionary: Person who subscribes to the teaching

of a master and assists in spreading them.

Active adherent. A companion of Christ.

Roget’s Thesaurus: Believer, convert, follower, “man” Religious founder student

“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.” Mark 1:16-18

Name the twelve disciples.See Luke 8:14 for some help…Simon Peter Andrew JamesJohn Philip BartholomewMatthew Thomas JamesSimon Judas Judas Iscariot

VIDEO: “JESUS”(clip #2)

“After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good new of the kingdom of God. The twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases:

“Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.” Luke 8:1-3

Men and women who follow Christ.Children and adults who follow Christ.A believer: in God, His Son Jesus as

their Savior, the work of the Holy Spirit in our life, and the teachings of Scripture

Parents who are/were disciples Being a soldier in the Salvation Army,

even wearing a uniform Attending worship every Sunday Being very involved in Corps activities

during the week

Someone who has made a conscious, purposeful decision to follow Jesus

A convert to the teachings of Jesus A believer in the Bible and that Jesus is

the Way, the Truth and the Life

… with “coming” to Jesus…

Draw how this is accomplished.

“Learner” or “Imitator”“Apprentice” -- learning a skill or trade

by spending time listening, watching, following and imitating the movements and actions of the teacher or instructor.

In other words,one who has “COME” to Jesus

andone who agrees to “FOLLOW” Jesus.

WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL MEANING WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL MEANING FOR DISCIPLE?FOR DISCIPLE?

““A student is not above his teacher, A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.”will be like his teacher.”Luke 6:40Luke 6:40

Putting God FIRST

“Christ’s call to discipleship means different things to different people. But having said that, it must be understood that all disciples are expected to place all their resources at His disposal in order that they might receive them back as stewards of His resources.”

Stuart Briscoe

1) What is it about Jesus that convinces people to confidently hand over the reins of their lives to him?

2) How has your life been an adventure in faith? What have you left for the sake of discipleship, and what blessings has God given you?

“TAKE UP YOUR CROSS”

WE WILL UNDERSTAND THAT DISCIPLESHIP IS A LIFE-LONG JOURNEY OF BEING CONFORMED AND TRANSFORMED INTO THE IMAGE OF CHRIST

THE JOURNEYTHE JOURNEY

““Your word is a lamp to my feet and a Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”light to my path.” Psalm Psalm 119:105119:105

Discipleship is a Discipleship is a DOORDOOR to be opened to be opened and a and a PATHPATH to be followed. to be followed.

Discipleship is a journey. The journey Discipleship is a journey. The journey takes takes TIMETIME..

The journey inevitably causes The journey inevitably causes CHANGECHANGE..

“And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas (which, when translated, is Peter).”

John 1:42


““As Jesus walked beside the Sea of As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.the lake, for they were fishermen.

‘‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’”will make you fishers of men.’”

Mark 1:16-17Mark 1:16-17

Disciples are changedFROM something,

TO something.

“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.’”

Luke 9:23

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS...TAKE UP YOUR CROSS...

What must die is --What must die is --

OUR SELF WILL.OUR SELF WILL.

What must live is --What must live is --

SELF DENIAL.SELF DENIAL.

James Boice says, “Self-seeking is James Boice says, “Self-seeking is the opposite of self-denial.”the opposite of self-denial.”

Sexual immorality Debauchery Idolatry Hatred Jealousy Selfish ambition Factions Drunkenness

Impurity Witchcraft Discord Fits of rage Dissentions Envy Orgies

Love Joy Peace Patience Kindness Goodness

Faithfulness Gentleness Self-control in step with

Jesus not conceited not envying

each other

CHANGED FROM AN OLD SET OF CHANGED FROM AN OLD SET OF CLOTHES TO A NEW SET OF CLOTHES TO A NEW SET OF

CLOTHESCLOTHES

EPHESIANS 4:22-32EPHESIANS 4:22-32

Falsehood Stealing Unwholesome speech Bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor,

slander, malice

Speaking the truth Working and giving to those in need Edifying speech, according to the need

of the moment Kindness, tenderheartedness,

forgiveness

This process of changing _____ to changing ___ is really the process of _________.

One becomes a disciple by _______ to Jesus through a _________ _____________. This is called __________.

This process of changing FROM to changing ___ is really the process of _________.


This process of changing FROM to changing TO is really the process of _________.


This process of changing FROM to changing TO is really the process of HOLINESS.



One becomes a disciple by COMING to Jesus through a _________ _____________. This is called __________.


One becomes a disciple by COMING to Jesus through a PERSONAL _____________. This is called __________.


One becomes a disciple by COMING to Jesus through a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP. This is called __________.


One becomes a disciple by COMING to Jesus through a PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP. This is called SALVATION.

Salvation is the _____ that leads to the ____ of _________. A moment of crisis, being sorry for ____ and finding our salvation, begins a ____-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the ____ of _________. A moment of crisis, being sorry for ____ and finding our salvation, begins a ____-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of _________. A moment of crisis, being sorry for ____ and finding our salvation, begins a ____-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for ____ and finding our salvation, begins a ____-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a ____-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-_____ journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-LONG journey of _______ and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-LONG journey of CHANGE and ________________, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-LONG journey of CHANGE and TRANSFORMATION, every day _________ more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-LONG journey of CHANGE and TRANSFORMATION, every day BECOMING more and more like ______.

Salvation is the DOOR that leads to the PATH of HOLINESS. A moment of crisis, being sorry for SIN and finding our salvation, begins a LIFE-LONG journey of CHANGE and TRANSFORMATION, every day BECOMING more and more like JESUS.

1) Look at the Put Off and Sinful Nature lists, and put a - (minus) sign by those things that are evident in your life and need changing by God’s Holy Spirit.

2) Look at the Put On and Spiritual Nature lists, and put a + (plus) sign by those characteristics and attitudes that are evident in your life.

To be like Jesus!This hope possesses me,

In every thought and deed,This is my aim, my creed;

To be like Jesus!This hope possesses me,

His Spirit helping me,Like him I’ll be.

“BUILDING BLOCKS OF DISCIPLESHIP”

WE WILL CONCENTRATE ON THE PERSONAL SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES NECESSARY TO GROW IN THE IMAGE OF CHRIST


““Your word is a lamp to my feet and a Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”light to my path.” Psalm Psalm 119:105119:105

Discipleship is a Discipleship is a DOORDOOR to be opened to be opened and a and a PATHPATH to be followed. to be followed.

Discipleship is a journey. The journey Discipleship is a journey. The journey takes takes TIMETIME..

The journey inevitably causes The journey inevitably causes CHANGECHANGE..

PAUL’S EXPERIENCE...PAUL’S EXPERIENCE...

““Are they servants of Christ? (I am Are they servants of Christ? (I am out of my mind to talk like this.) I out of my mind to talk like this.) I am more. I have worked much am more. I have worked much harder, been in prison more harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to severely, and been exposed to death again and again.death again and again.


““Five times I received from the Jews Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move.constantly on the move.


““I have been in danger from rivers, I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger in danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in from my own countrymen, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger in danger at sea; and in danger from false brothers.from false brothers.


““I have labored and toiled and have I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. Besides been cold and naked. Besides everything else, I face daily the everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the pressure of my concern for all the churches.churches.


““Who is weak, and I do not feel Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?”not inwardly burn?”

2 Corinthians 11:23-292 Corinthians 11:23-29

For 3 minutes, share in small groups and make a list of some of the hardships that you have experienced in following Jesus.

Be prepared to share some of those trials with the larger group.

“Cheap grace is --the preaching of forgiveness without

requiring repentance,baptism without church discipline,communion without confession,absolution without personal confession.

“Cheap grace is --grace without discipleship,grace without the cross,grace without Jesus Christ living and

incarnate.”Dietrich Bonhoeffer

DISCIPLESHIP IS...DISCIPLESHIP IS...

AN AN INTENTIONALINTENTIONAL PROCESS PROCESS OF OF CULTIVATINGCULTIVATING THE LIFE THE LIFE OF OF CHRISTCHRIST IN IN MEME..

5 basics of Christian discipline:1) Scripture2) Prayer3) Holiness4) Spirit-filled living5) Compassion

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE

God spoke first in God spoke first in CREATIONCREATION, or the , or the “unwritten revelation”.“unwritten revelation”.

Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare Psalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”the work of his hands.”

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE

Secondly, God spoke through Secondly, God spoke through JESUS JESUS CHRISTCHRIST, , or the incarnate revelation.or the incarnate revelation.

Hebrews 1:3 tells us, “The Son is the Hebrews 1:3 tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful work.”all things by his powerful work.”

SCRIPTURESCRIPTURE

Finally, God reveals himself through Finally, God reveals himself through the the BIBLEBIBLE, or the written revelation., or the written revelation.

Our first doctrine is based on 2 Our first doctrine is based on 2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…”righteousness…”

The first doctrine of the Salvation Army:

“We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the Divine rule of Christian faith and practice.”

There is no minimizing the importance of Scripture in a disciple’s life!

Scripture: teaches us rebukes, or admonishes us corrects us equips us for every good work

Secondly, God spoke through JESUS CHRIST, or the incarnate revelation.

Hebrews 1:3 tells us, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful work.”

A. HEAR IT

“…faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.”

Romans 10:17

B. READ IT“Blessed is the one who reads the words

of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”

Revelation 1:3

C. STUDY IT“Now the Bereans were of more noble

character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.”

Acts 17:11

D. MEMORIZE IT“How can a young man keep his way

pure? By living according to your word. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119 : 9, 11

E. MEDITATE ON IT“Blessed is the man who does not walk in

the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

SCRIPTURE THE HAND SCRIPTURE THE HAND METHODMETHOD

““He is like a tree planted by streams He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does wither. Whatever he does prospers.”prospers.”

Psalm 1: 1 - 3Psalm 1: 1 - 3

The “Why’s” Of Prayer:A. EXAMPLE OF JESUS“After he had dismissed them, he went

up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone…”

Matthew 14:23

A. EXAMPLE OF JESUS“One of those days Jesus went out to a

mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.”

Luke 6:12He is the teacher that shows the

apprentice what to do.

The “Why’s” Of Prayer:B. AN ANTIDOTE TO TEMPTATIONS“…He said to them, ‘Pray that you will

not fall into temptation.’”Luke 22:40

He is the teacher that shows the apprentice what to do.

B. AN ANTIDOTE TO TEMPTATIONS“Be of sober spirit, be on alert. Your

adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But resist him, stand firm in your faith.”

1 Peter 5: 8 - 9

The “Why’s” Of Prayer:C. COMMUNICATION WITH GOD

One-way conversations are unfulfilling!GOD <---> ME ???

C. COMMUNICATION WITH GODOur prayer life should involve TALKING

and LISTENING.Listening involves MEDITATION.

Example: The Cow!

C. COMMUNICATION WITH GODHOW DO I PRAY???

A - ADORATIONC - CONFESSIONT - THANKSGIVINGS - SUPPLICATION

Hebrews 12:10 says, “…God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness… for without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

God cares about sin because He is holy, and sin separates us from Him.

What is sin?According to the Bible, sin is REJECTING

THE COMMANDS OF GOD.If sin is rejecting the commandments of

God, then holiness is obeying the commands of God.

Holiness is something God wishes for us because IT IS SIMPLY THE BEST WAY TO LIVE!

Holiness has been defined as a LIFE that is FUNCTIONAL and HEALTHY and WHOLE.

Holiness is not MERELY OBEYING CERTAIN RULES.

“Holiness is not a high mark set for supersaints but rather the healthy, functional way of living for all of us.”

Richard Foster

“Holiness is growing into the likeness of Christ, resulting from the ministry of Christ in our minds, motives, decisions, deeds, words, characters and conduct.”

Commissioner Edward Read

We find ways to develop a holy life by PRACTICING THE FIVE DISCIPLINES OF DISCIPLESHIP.

“Holiness is a decisive surrender and is to be followed by a daily discipline… holiness then is a crisis followed by a process.”

Commissioner Edward ReadHoliness, then, is pursuing the lifestyle

desired by God as indicated in Scripture.

If holiness is pursuing a Godly lifestyle, then spirit-filled living means giving the Holy Spirit freedom in our life to do His ministry.

Let’s read the responsive reading, verses taken from John 14, 15 and16.

The Holy Spirit...1) is the Spirit of Truth2) is a Teacher3) functions as a Witness4) is an Advocate5) speaks for God

When the Holy Spirit works in our life, we can expect...

we will have a sense of UNITY with Jesus

we will be led into all TRUTH we will be helped to TRULY WORSHIP

God


we will be given HELP in MAKING DECISIONS

our study of the BIBLE will be ILLUMINATED WITH UNDERSTANDING


we will be MOTIVATED into ACTION we will be given the RIGHT WORDS as

we SHARE our FAITH with others

Silent reflection…a) The Spirit has not been a major factor

in my spiritual life.b) I am beginning to see signs of the

presence of the Spirit.c) The Spirit is an integral part of my

spiritual life.

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory.

All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

“He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

“’For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’

“Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.”

Matthew 25 : 31 - 46

This passage mentions six types of people in need:

* hungry * thirsty* outcast * naked* ill * imprisoned

If Jesus was here to move us to compassion for hurting people, who would he move us towards in our communities?

In small groups of 3 or 4, discuss who might be included in a list needing compassion today -- “the least”.

By Richard Foster

“LIFESTYLE DISCIPLESHIP”

WE WILL BRING ALL THE PIECES TOGETHER IN LOVE AND EXAMINE THE CHALLENGE OF THE GREAT COMMISSION.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love on another.”

John 13:34

Love is a COMMAND not a SUGGESTION.

Divide into small groups to study 1 Corinthians 13 -- The Love Chapter.

Define what love is, is not, does and does not...

Love IS: patient kind Love IS NOT: proud rude self-seeking easily angered

Love DOES: rejoices with the

truth Love DOES NOT: envy boast keep record of

wrongs delight in evil

Love ALWAYS: protects trusts hopes perseveres

Love NEVER: fails

“The fruit of the Spirit is love; only one fruit -- love. The other qualities mentioned are merely varieties of love… Joy is love singing. Peace is love resting. Long-suffering is love enduring. Gentleness is love’s touch.”

“Goodness is love’s character. Faithfulness is love’s habit. Meekness is love forgetting self. Temperance or self-control is love holding down the reins.”

Author unknown

“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.”

Matthew 28:19

1) They were to go and make DISCIPLES.2) To whom is the commission directed?

TO THE 11 DISCIPLES, then to ALL FUTURE DISCIPLES.

3) Where are the disciples to go? TO ALL NATIONS.

Acts 1:8 clarifies the plan:“’But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be mywitnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’”

JERUSALEM = home, those places and people closest to us

JUDEA = those familiar to us in our circle of acquaintances

SAMARIA = those unacceptable to us…ENDS OF THE EARTH = those completely

unknown to us, other lands, states, cities, cultures

4) Making disciples includes: GOING… FISHING BAPTIZING TEACHING5) As we fulfill the Great Commission,

what promise does Christ make?I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.

DISCIPLES ARE MADE NOT BORN!

Let’s take a look at an example -- “The Parable of the Shoe Manufacturing

Plant”

The objective of a Corps is not just to provide a social outlet for people…

The objective of a Corps is to produce disciples!

“...is the intentional process of cultivating the life of Christ in another person and equipping them to do the

same in someone else.”

“The Great Commission of Christis to make disciples,

not just get converts.”

THEY NEED:1) PROTECTION2) FELLOWSHIP3) FOOD4) TRAINING

What has God been saying to you today through this time of learning?

Take time to reflect and then write “A Letter To Myself”.

Sign it and seal it in the envelope, then address it to yourself and hand it in.

“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.”

Matthew 28:19

BASICS OF DISCIPLESHIP

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