Kenny The Cost of Discipleship€¦ · THE COST OF DISCIPLESHIP ... 1In the year that king Uzziah...

EverydiscipleoftheLordJesusChristisabeliever,butnoteverybelieverisadisciple.ThebiblicalportraitofatruediscipleissomeonewholivesinobediencetotheWordofGod,andnotsomeonewhosimplybelievesonHimforsalvation.Itmustalsobeunderstood that truebiblical discipleship is not solely theacademicpursuitofknowledgealone.AtruediscipleisbothalearnerandafolloweroftheLordJesusChrist.Disciples learnof Jesus through the readingand studyofGod’sWord,andthenfollowhimbyobeyingHisWord.

Luke11:2828Buthesaid,Yearather,blessedaretheythathearthewordofGod,andkeepit.John13:1717Ifyeknowthesethings,happyareyeifyedothem.John14:1515Ifyeloveme,keepmycommandments.John15:1414Yearemyfriends,ifyedowhatsoeverIcommandyou.

Theterms“Believer”and“Disciple”areusuallyviewedsynonymously.Disciple=alearner;apupil.ItisassumedthatabelieverintheLordJesusChristisautomaticallyadisciple.The reality, however, is that every true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ is abeliever,butnoteverybelieverisadisciple.Again,thebiblicalportraitofatruediscipleoftheLordJesusChristissomeonewholivesinobediencetotheWordof God, not simply believes on Him for salvation and then gains Bibleknowledge.

Thekeywordofthislessonis:

FOLLOWThekeyquestionsthislessonanswers:

WhatdoesitreallycosttofollowtheLordJesusChristwithmylife?

THECOSTOFDISCIPLESHIP

LFFELLOWSHIP.COMTheCostofDiscipleship2

Thekeypurposeofthislesson:

Toexplaintheprocessofone-on-onediscipleshipandgiveanoverviewofwhatatruediscipleoftheLordJesusChristlookslike.

Thekeypointofthislesson:

FollowingJesuswillcostyoueverything.

KEYVERSES:Luke14:25-2625Andtherewentgreatmultitudeswithhim:andheturned,andsaiduntothem,26Ifanymancometome,andhatenothisfather,andmother,andwife,andchildren,andbrethren,andsisters,yea,andhisownlifealso,hecannotbemydisciple.27Andwhosoeverdothnotbearhiscross,andcomeafterme,cannotbemydisciple.Luke14:3333Solikewise,whosoeverhebeofyouthatforsakethnotallthathehath,hecannotbemydisciple.


DISCIPLESHIPREQUIRESYOURSALVATIONTHROUGHTHESAVIORJESUSCHRISTBefore discipleship,wemust startwith addressing the problemofmankind’s need for salvationbecauseanunsavedpersoncannotbeadiscipleoftheLordJesusChrist.NoonecanclaimtobeadiscipleofJesusiftheyhavenotbelievedandcalleduponHimforsalvation.Why?

A. Godisholy,andmankindisnot.

1. God’s most prominent attribute is His holiness. He is perfect and completely setapartfromsin,iniquity,anddarkness.

Isaiah6:1-31IntheyearthatkingUzziahdiedIsawalsotheLordsittinguponathrone,highandliftedup,andhistrainfilledthetemple.2Aboveitstoodtheseraphims:eachonehadsixwings;with twainhecoveredhis face,andwith twainhecoveredhis feet,andwithtwainhedidfly.3Andonecrieduntoanother,andsaid,Holy,holy,holy,istheLORDofhosts:thewholeearthisfullofhisglory.

Revelation4:88And the fourbeastshadeachof themsixwingsabout him;and theywere full ofeyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord GodAlmighty,whichwas,andis,andistocome.

2. AdamandEveweremade inthe imageand likenessofGod,but lost the imageof

God and died spiritually by sinning in theGarden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s fallennaturehasbeenpassedontoallofhumanitybecauseeverythingreproducesafteritsownkind.

Romans5:1212Wherefore, as by oneman sin entered into theworld, and death by sin; and sodeathpasseduponallmen,forthatallhavesinned:Genesis5:33AndAdamlivedanhundredandthirtyyears,andbegatason inhisown likeness,afterhisimage;andcalledhisnameSeth:

B. Jesusalonecansavebecausemankindcannotsavethemselves.

1. It is impossible for sinful beings to enter into God’s holy presence because they

cannotsatisfytheimmeasurablestandardofGod’sholiness.

Job15:14-1614Whatisman,thatheshouldbeclean?andhewhichisbornofawoman,thatheshouldberighteous?15Behold,heputtethnotrustinhissaints;yea,theheavensarenot clean in his sight. 16How much more abominable and filthy is man, whichdrinkethiniquitylikewater?


2. TheonlywaytobereconciledtoGod,andhavetheassuranceofspendingeternity

withHiminheavenisthroughJesusChrist.

John10:99Iamthedoor:bymeifanymanenterin,heshallbesaved,andshallgoinandout,andfindpasture.John14:66Jesussaithuntohim,Iamtheway,thetruth,andthelife:nomancomethuntotheFather,butbyme.

Acts4:1212Neitheristheresalvationinanyother:forthereisnoneothernameunderheavengivenamongmen,wherebywemustbesaved.

1Corinthians3:1111Forotherfoundationcannomanlaythanthatislaid,whichisJesusChrist.

IMPORTANTNOTE:

A. Theremedyforman’ssinisNOTthroughgoodworks.Romans3:10-1210As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:11There is none thatunderstandeth,thereisnonethatseekethafterGod.12Theyareallgoneoutoftheway,theyaretogetherbecomeunprofitable;thereisnonethatdoethgood,no,notone.Romans4:4-54Nowtohimthatworkethistherewardnotreckonedofgrace,butofdebt.5Buttohimthatworkethnot,butbelievethonhimthat justifieththeungodly,hisfaith iscountedforrighteousness.Romans11:66Andifbygrace,thenisitnomoreofworks:otherwisegraceisnomoregrace.Butifitbeofworks,thenisitnomoregrace:otherwiseworkisnomorework.

B. Theremedyforman’ssinisNOTthroughreligion.Isaiah64:66Butweareallasanuncleanthing,andallourrighteousnessesareasfilthyrags;andwealldofadeasaleaf;andouriniquities,likethewind,havetakenusaway.Matthew23:26-2826Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first thatwhich is within the cupand platter, that theoutsideofthemmaybecleanalso.27Woeuntoyou,scribesandPharisees,hypocrites!foryearelikeuntowhitedsepulchres,whichindeedappearbeautifuloutward,butarewithin full of deadmen's bones, and of all uncleanness.28Even so ye also outwardlyappearrighteousuntomen,butwithinyearefullofhypocrisyandiniquity.


C. SalvationisonlythroughthecrossofJesusChrist.WithoutreceivingsalvationthroughJesus,mankindwillstillbeintheirsinandreceivethepenalty of being eternally separated fromGod in the lake of fire.God gaveHis only SonJesusChristbecauseitisnotHisheartforanyonetoexperiencethiseternalpenalty.JesusChristshedHisbloodonthecrosstowashawaymankind’ssinandsatisfyGod’sholywrath.

Romans3:2323Forallhavesinned,andcomeshortofthegloryofGod;

Romans6:2323For thewagesof sin is death; but thegift ofGod is eternal life through JesusChrist ourLord.

Romans5:88ButGodcommendethhislovetowardus,inthat,whilewewereyetsinners,Christdiedforus.

John3:15-1615Thatwhosoeverbelievethinhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeternallife.16ForGodsolovedtheworld, thathegavehisonlybegottenSon, thatwhosoeverbelieveth inhimshouldnotperish,buthaveeverlastinglife.

D. TorejectGod’ssalvationistodeclaretoHimthatyouhaveyourownway.

WithoutChrist, eternal separation fromGodoverour sin is theONLYotheroutcome. TorejectGod’ssalvationistosaytoGodthatyouknowanotherway.TheBiblestronglywarnsagainstthisapproach.

Proverbs12:1515Thewayofafoolisrightinhisowneyes:buthethathearkenethuntocounseliswise.

Proverbs14:1212Thereisawaywhichseemethrightuntoaman,buttheendthereofarethewaysofdeath.Proverbs26:1212Seestthouamanwiseinhisownconceit?thereismorehopeofafoolthanofhim.

E. HowdoessomeonereceivesalvationthroughJesusChrist?Through faith, a person receives Christ by calling upon His name for salvation. It isconfessingwiththemouthwhatisbelievedintheheartaboutHim.

Ephesians2:8-98Forbygraceareyesavedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves: it isthegiftofGod:9Notofworks,lestanymanshouldboast.

Romans10:9-109That if thou shalt confesswith thymouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thineheartthat God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart manbelievethuntorighteousness;andwiththemouthconfessionismadeuntosalvation.

Romans10:1313ForwhosoevershallcalluponthenameoftheLordshallbesaved.


BasedontheWordofGod,ifthatprayerwasprayedfromapositionofgenuinefaith,youhavebeensaved,sealedandseatedinChristforever:

SAVED

Romans10:99ThatifthoushaltconfesswiththymouththeLordJesus,andshaltbelieveinthineheartthatGodhathraisedhimfromthedead,thoushaltbesaved.

SEALED

Ephesians1:1313Inwhomyealsotrusted,afterthatyeheardthewordoftruth,thegospelofyoursalvation:inwhomalsoafterthatyebelieved,yeweresealedwiththatholySpiritofpromise,

SEATED

Ephesians2:55Evenwhenweweredeadinsins,hathquickenedustogetherwithChrist,(bygraceyearesaved;)6Andhathraisedusuptogether,andmadeussittogetherinheavenlyplacesinChristJesus:

SPARED

1Thessalonians1:1010AndtowaitforhisSonfromheaven,whomheraisedfromthedead,evenJesus,whichdeliveredusfromthewrathtocome.1Thessalonians5:99ForGodhathnotappointedustowrath,buttoobtainsalvationbyourLordJesusChrist,

ASAMPLEPRAYERGUIDE:ThisisasampleprayersomeonemightpraywhencallinguponJesusforsalvation.Thisisonlyan“example,”andnotascriptorformulatofollow.WhensomeonepraystoreceiveJesusasSavior, itmust come from their heart in faith. If not, the prayer is useless, andmay causesomeonetoafalseconversion.

Jesus,Iamalostsinnerinneedofyoursalvation.Ibelieveinmyheartthatyoudiedonthecrossformysin,wasburied,androseagainonthethirdday.Ibelievethatyouaretheway,thetruth,andthelife.IbelievethatthereisnootherwaythatIcanbesavedapartfromyou.IamcallinguponyouforredemptionandforgivenessthroughyourbloodthatyoushedonCalvary’scross.Infaith,IcallonyounowtobemySaviorandLord.


DISCIPLESHIPREQUIRESYOURSUBMISSIONTOTHELORDSHIPOFJESUSCHRISTTheterms“Lord”and“Savior”bothrefertoJesusChrist,buttheydonotmeanthesamethinginpractice.ManyhavebelievedontheSaviorJesusChristwhosavedthemfromtheeternalpenaltyoftheirsinthroughhisshedblood.Thereare,however,fewerbelieverswhohavebecomedisciplesof JesusChrist by submitting tohimas Lord. The issueof lordship is at theheartofdiscipleshipbecauseabeliever’ssolepurposeinlifeistofearGodandkeephiscommandments.

Ecclesiastes12:1313Letusheartheconclusionofthewholematter:FearGod,andkeephiscommandments:forthisisthewholedutyofman.

A. SubmittoJesusbyfearingwhoheis.FearGod:thisisthebeginningofwisdom!

Psalm111:1010ThefearoftheLORDisthebeginningofwisdom:agoodunderstandinghavealltheythatdohiscommandments:hispraiseendurethforever.Proverbs1:77The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom andinstruction.

WhenyouseeJesusforwhoandallthatHeis,itproduceswithinyouadesiretofollowHim.

Colossians1:16-1816Forbyhimwereall thingscreated, thatare inheaven,and thatare inearth,visibleandinvisible,whethertheybethrones,ordominions,orprincipalities,orpowers:allthingswerecreatedbyhim,andforhim:17Andheisbeforeallthings,andbyhimallthingsconsist.18Andhe is theheadof thebody, thechurch:who is thebeginning, the firstborn fromthedead;thatinallthingshemighthavethepreeminence.

1. Jesusisthecreator–vs.16

AllthingssubmittoJesusbecausetheywerecreatedbyJesusandforJesus.

2. Jesusisself-existing–vs.17AllthingssubmittoJesusbecausewithoutHim,theywouldceasetoexist.

3. Jesusissupreme–vs.18ThechurchbodysubmitstoJesusastheheadandauthorityofthechurch.

4. Jesusispreeminent–vs.18All things (calendars, relationships, desires) submit to Jesus because He is thepriority.

B. SubmittoJesusbyobeyingwhathesays.


YoucannotbereadytobeadiscipleofJesusuntilyouarewillingtoobeyHisWord!TobeafollowerofChristrequiresyoutowalkwithHiminobediencetoHiscommands.

Luke6:46-4946Andwhycallyeme,Lord,Lord,anddonotthethingswhichIsay?47Whosoevercomethtome,andhearethmysayings,anddoeththem, Iwillshewyoutowhomhe is like:48Heis likeamanwhichbuiltanhouse,anddiggeddeep,and laid the foundationona rock:andwhen the floodarose, thestreambeatvehementlyuponthathouse,andcouldnotshake it: for itwas foundeduponarock.49Buthethatheareth,anddoethnot,islikeamanthatwithoutafoundationbuiltanhouseupontheearth;againstwhichthestreamdidbeatvehemently,andimmediatelyitfell;andtheruinofthathousewasgreat.

IMPORTANTNOTE:Submittingto theLordshipof JesusChristbeginswithyourbaptism.Believer’sbaptism isanoutward expression of an inward truth. It is giving a public testimony that you personallyidentifywiththedeath,burial,andresurrectionoftheLordJesusChrist.

Matthew28:18-1918And Jesus cameand spake unto them, saying,All power is given untome in heavenand inearth. 19Goye therefore,and teachallnations, (EVANGELISM)baptizing them in thenameoftheFather,andof theSon, andof theHolyGhost: (BAPTISM) 20Teaching them toobserveallthingswhatsoever Ihavecommandedyou:(DISCIPLESHIP)and, lo, Iamwithyoualway,evenuntotheendoftheworld.Amen.

Thefollowingversesteachusthatsalvationoccursfirst,andthenitisfollowedimmediatelyinbaptismbyfullsubmersionintowater.BelieverswhohavenotbeenbiblicallybaptizedshouldseektofollowtheLordinbaptismassoonaspossible.

Act8:35-3935ThenPhilipopenedhismouth,andbeganatthesamescripture,andpreacheduntohimJesus.36Andastheywentontheirway,theycameuntoacertainwater:andtheeunuchsaid,See,hereiswater;whatdothhindermetobebaptized?37AndPhilipsaid,Ifthoubelievestwithallthineheart, thoumayest. Andhe answeredand said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.38Andhecommandedthechariottostandstill:andtheywentdownbothintothewater,bothPhilipandtheeunuch;andhebaptizedhim.39Andwhentheywerecomeupoutofthewater,theSpiritoftheLordcaughtawayPhilip,thattheeunuchsawhimnomore:andhewentonhiswayrejoicing.

Acts16:14-1514AndacertainwomannamedLydia,asellerofpurple,ofthecityofThyatira,whichworshippedGod, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the thingswhichwerespokenofPaul.15Andwhenshewasbaptized,andherhousehold,shebesoughtus,saying,Ifyehave judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And sheconstrainedus.

Acts16:29-3329Thenhecalledfora light,andsprangin,andcametrembling,andfelldownbeforePaulandSilas, 30And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And they said,BelieveontheLordJesusChrist,andthoushaltbesaved,andthyhouse.32AndtheyspakeuntohimthewordoftheLord,andtoallthatwereinhishouse.33Andhetookthemthesamehourofthenight,andwashedtheirstripes;andwasbaptized,heandallhis,straightway.

Acts18:88AndCrispus,thechiefrulerofthesynagogue,believedontheLordwithallhishouse;andmanyoftheCorinthianshearingbelieved,andwerebaptized.


C. OurgoalistodisciplethosewhoarefaithfultotheWordofGod.YoucannotbereadytobeadiscipleofJesusuntilyouarewillingtosubmittotheauthorityofGod’sWord.

1. OurCommand:

2Timothy2:1-31Thoutherefore,myson,bestronginthegracethatisinChristJesus.2Andthethingsthatthouhastheardofmeamongmanywitnesses,thesamecommitthoutofaithfulmen,whoshallbeabletoteachothersalso.3Thouthereforeendurehardness,asagoodsoldierofJesusChrist.2. OurProblem:

Proverbs20:66Mostmenwillproclaimeveryonehisowngoodness:butafaithfulmanwhocanfind?

3. OurFocus:Findingthefaithful.WearetoinvestinthosethatarewillingtoendeavortoliveoutwhattheylearnintheWordofGod.

Philippians2:12-1312Wherefore,mybeloved,asyehavealwaysobeyed,notasinmypresenceonly,butnow much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear andtrembling. 13For it isGodwhichworketh inyouboth towilland todoofhisgoodpleasure.

NoticehowtheWordofGoddescribesthosewhoobeytheWordofGod.2Peter1:1-51SimonPeter,aservantandanapostleofJesusChrist,tothemthathaveobtainedlikeprecious faithwithus through the righteousnessofGodandourSaviour JesusChrist:2GraceandpeacebemultiplieduntoyouthroughtheknowledgeofGod,andofJesusourLord,3Accordingashisdivinepowerhathgivenuntousallthingsthatpertainuntolifeandgodliness,throughtheknowledgeofhimthathathcalledustoglory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and preciouspromises:thatbytheseyemightbepartakersofthedivinenature,havingescapedthecorruptionthatisintheworldthroughlust.5Andbesidethis,givingalldiligence,addtoyourfaithvirtue;andtovirtueknowledge;

Notice that thewe are to add to our faith virtue, notmore knowledge. We arelookingforfaithfulmenandwomenofvirtuewhoseektoobeytheWordofGodasthey learn it.Wearenot looking to invest in those that skip application formoreknowledge.

Philippians4:8-98Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest,whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things arelovely,whatsoeverthingsareofgoodreport; iftherebeanyvirtue,andiftherebeanypraise, thinkon these things. 9 Those things,whichyehaveboth learned,andreceived,andheard,andseeninme,do:andtheGodofpeaceshallbewithyou.


Those“things”aretheWordofGod.WhatPaul’sdiscipleslearnedhadtobeapplied.Thecommandis“do”those“things.”2Peter1:10.

THESEVENMARKSOFADISCIPLEOFJESUSCHRIST

What does a disciple of Jesus look like? Jesusmakes it clear that there is a difference betweenthosewhomakeaprofessionoffaithonlyandthosewhofollowHimasatruedisciple.Aswestudythe statements that Jesus made about discipleship, we can see there are at least sevenmarksfoundinatruediscipleofJesusChrist.

MARK#1AdiscipleoftheLordJesusChristisestablishedintheWordofGod.TruedisciplesunderstandthattheirbeliefinwhattheBiblesaysaboutwhoJesusisshouldalsomovethemtofollowJesusasthey“continue”(tostayorabide)inHisWord.Manypeoplemakeaprofessionoffaith,buttheydonotfollowtheLordastruedisciplesofChrist.

John8:31-3231ThensaidJesustothoseJewswhichbelievedonhim,Ifyecontinueinmyword,thenareyemydisciplesindeed;32Andyeshallknowthetruth,andthetruthshallmakeyoufree.

1. TruedisciplesofJesusrelyonGod’sWordtobetheirfinalauthority.YouwillfacedailyopportunitiestochoosebetweencontinuingintheWordofGodorcontinuingtoliveinthingsthatareagainstHisWord.

Psalm119:128128Therefore I esteemall thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hateeveryfalseway.

2. TruedisciplesofJesusdependonGod’sWordtosustainthem.

The goal for every believer is for our lives to be established in theWord of God.The word of God provides everything that disciples need to follow the Lord andhonorHimwiththeirlives. Job23:12

12NeitherhaveIgonebackfromthecommandmentofhislips;Ihaveesteemedthewordsofhismouthmorethanmynecessaryfood.Matthew4:44Butheansweredandsaid, It iswritten,Manshallnot livebybreadalone,butbyeverywordthatproceedethoutofthemouthofGod.1Peter2:22Asnewbornbabes,desirethesinceremilkoftheword,thatyemaygrowthereby:Psalm119:103103Howsweetarethywordsuntomytaste!yea,sweeterthanhoneytomymouth!


3. TruedisciplesofJesusarechangedastheyliveoutGod’sWord.

John15:33NowyearecleanthroughthewordwhichIhavespokenuntoyou.

John17:1717Sanctifythemthroughthytruth:thywordistruth.

KEYQUESTION:Tragically, many have prayed the sinner’s prayer, been baptized, joined a church and haveattendedchurchforseveralyearswithouteverbeingestablishedintheWordofGod.TheonlyinteractiontheyhavewiththeWordofGodisduringthecorporateSundaygathering.Theydonothavearegular,consistentpursuitofit.BeingestablishedintheWordofGodmeansthatitisreadregularly,meditatedonconstantly,discussedfrequently,studieddiligently,andobeyedfaithfully.Can you say that you value theWord ofGod at a level that demands your consistent andconstantpursuitofItsTruth?


MARK#2AdiscipleoftheLordJesusChristloveshimmorethananyotherperson.Noone, including self, is to be loved first or greater than the Lord Jesus Christ. There isneverascenarioinyourlifewhereJesusshouldbeinanyotherpositionthanfirstinyourlife. Your love for Jesus may require you to choose between Him and your earthlyrelationships. Luke14:25-26

25Andtherewentgreatmultitudeswithhim:andheturned,andsaiduntothem,26Ifanymancometome,andhatenothisfather,andmother,andwife,andchildren,andbrethren,andsisters,yea,andhisownlifealso,hecannotbemydisciple.

1. TruedisciplesmaketheirrelationshipwithJesusthepriority.Our love for and devotion to Jesus is to be unparalleled by any other earthlyrelationships.Noone,includingself,istobelovedmorethantheLordJesusChrist.Heistobepreeminentoverallthings.

Colossians1:1818And he is the head of the body, the church:who is the beginning, the firstbornfromthedead;thatinallthingshemighthavethepreeminence.Matthew8:21-2221Andanotherofhisdisciplessaiduntohim,Lord,suffermefirsttogoandburymyfather.22ButJesussaiduntohim,Followme;andletthedeadburytheirdead.

TherewillalwaysbearelationshipthatSatanwillusetoderailyourrelationshipwithJesus.ItisnotuncommonforbelieverstomakeaverbalcommitmenttogrowasadiscipleofJesus,onlytochangetheirmindsafterrealizingthatfollowingJesusmaymeanlosingorhavingtoreevaluatetheimportanceofsomeoftheirrelationships.ThemostcommonrelationshipsthatchallengethelordshipofJesusChristare:

FamilyDoyouviewyourfamilyinthewaythatJesusdid? Matthew12:48-50

48Butheansweredandsaiduntohimthattoldhim,Whoismymother?andwhoaremybrethren?49Andhestretchedforthhishandtowardhisdisciples,andsaid,Beholdmymotherandmybrethren!50ForwhosoevershalldothewillofmyFatherwhichisinheaven,thesameismybrother,andsister,andmother.

FriendsAreyourfriendshinderingorencouragingyou?


Proverbs27:1717Ironsharpenethiron;soamansharpeneththecountenanceofhisfriend.Proverbs13:2020He that walketh with wisemen shall be wise: but a companion of foolsshallbedestroyed.

DatingIsthispersonfollowingJesustoo?IsthispersonhelpingmetofollowJesus? 2Corinthians6:14-18

14Beyenotunequallyyokedtogetherwithunbelievers: forwhat fellowshiphath righteousnesswithunrighteousness?andwhatcommunionhath lightwith darkness? 15Andwhat concord hath Christ with Belial? or what parthath he that believeth with an infidel?16 And what agreement hath thetemple ofGodwith idols? for ye are the temple of the livingGod; asGodhathsaid,Iwilldwellinthem,andwalkinthem;andIwillbetheirGod,andtheyshallbemypeople.17Whereforecomeoutfromamongthem,andbeyeseparate,saiththeLord,andtouchnottheuncleanthing;andIwillreceiveyou,18AndwillbeaFatheruntoyou,andyeshallbemysonsanddaughters,saiththeLordAlmighty.

2. TruediscipleswilleliminaterelationshipsthatdonotglorifytheLord.Itisimportanttounderstandthatitisimpossibletodisciplesomeonewhoisactivelypursuing relationships that are in biblical rebellionbefore the Lord. Believerswhoare walking in the lifestyles of lost friends, dating unbelievers, and/or living withsomeonetheyarenotmarriedtodoesnotreflectabelieverwhodesirestofollowChrist. Any relationships that displease the Lord areworth dissolving immediatelybecauseyourrelationshipwithGodismoreimportant. James4:4

4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world isenmitywithGod?whosoeverthereforewillbeafriendoftheworldistheenemyofGod.

KEYQUESTIONS:CanyousaythatyourrelationshipwithChristispreeminentbeforeallotherrelationships?

Isthereanyoneoranythingthatyouneedtoreprioritizeor“breakup”with?


MARK#3AdiscipleoftheLordJesusChristwillfollowhimunconditionally.Goodleadersneverdemandtheirfollowerstodosomethingtheyarenotwillingtodo.TheLord JesusChristboreHiscrossandthenexpectedHisdisciples todothesame.DisciplesarewillingtodoitbecausetheyloveJesus. Luke14:27

Andwhosoeverdothnotbearhiscross,andcomeafterme,cannotbemydisciple.

1. Truedisciplesarewillingtocarrytheirowncross.Disciples are willing to endure hardship, humiliation, discomfort, heartache, andevendeath.TheBibledoesnotshyawayfromtherealityofwhatwouldbeinvolvedforthosethatarewillingtofollowJesus–deathtoself.Disciplesmustbewillingtolaydownourrightsandour life in followingJesus.DisciplesmustchoosebetweenmakingalifeforthemselvesversusfollowingJesuswiththeirlife.

Matthew8:19-20

19And a certain scribe came, and said unto him, Master, I will follow theewhithersoeverthougoest.20AndJesussaithuntohim,Thefoxeshaveholes,andthebirdsoftheairhavenests;buttheSonofmanhathnotwheretolayhishead.

Mark13:9

9But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in thesynagoguesyeshallbebeaten:andyeshallbebroughtbeforerulersandkingsformysake,foratestimonyagainstthem.

2Timothy3:12

12Yea,andallthatwilllivegodlyinChristJesusshallsufferpersecution.

John15:2020RememberthewordthatIsaiduntoyou,Theservantisnotgreaterthanhislord.Iftheyhavepersecutedme,theywillalsopersecuteyou;iftheyhavekeptmysaying,theywillkeepyoursalso.

1Peter4:12-13

12Beloved,thinkitnotstrangeconcerningthefierytrialwhichistotryyou,asthoughsomestrangethinghappeneduntoyou:13Butrejoice,inasmuchasyearepartakersofChrist'ssufferings;that,whenhisgloryshallberevealed,yemaybegladalsowithexceedingjoy.Galatians6:1414ButGod forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, bywhomtheworldiscrucifieduntome,andIuntotheworld.


2. Truedisciplesarenotdeterredbythedifficultiesofpersecution.

TherearetimeswhenbelieversaretemptedtoquitfollowingtheLordbecausetheythinkitistoodifficult.TobeadiscipleofJesusmeansthatyouarewillingtofollowHimevenwhenitisnotcomfortableorconvenient.DisciplesunderstandthattheirrelationshipwithChristisfarmorepowerfulthananyhardshiptheymayendure. John16:33

33ThesethingsIhavespokenuntoyou,thatinmeyemighthavepeace.Intheworldyeshallhavetribulation:butbeofgoodcheer;Ihaveovercometheworld.

Romans8:31

31Whatshallwethensaytothesethings?IfGodbeforus,whocanbeagainstus?

2Corinthians2:1414Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, andmakethmanifestthesavourofhisknowledgebyusineveryplace.

Romans8:36-37

36As it iswritten, For thy sakeweare killedall theday long;weareaccountedassheep for the slaughter. 37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerorsthroughhimthatlovedus.2Timothy1:77ForGod hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of asoundmind.

KEYQUESTIONS:WhatmustyoulaydowninthisworldinordertotakeupyourcrossandfollowJesus?WhatiskeepingyoufromfollowingHim?AreyouwillingtogiveitupandlaydownyourlifetofollowJesus?AreyoureadytogiveupyourrightsinthisworldtoserveChrist?WillyoudailyliveforHim?


MARK #4 – A disciple of Jesus Christ loves Him more than any otherpossession.TheremaybeatimeinyourlifewherefollowingJesusmeansthatyouhavetoleaveitallbehind.Thisrequiresdeliberation.Thereissomereckoningrequiredbeforehand.

Luke14:28-3328Forwhichofyou,intendingtobuildatower,sittethnotdownfirst,andcounteththecost,whetherhehavesufficienttofinishit?29Lesthaply,afterhehathlaidthefoundation,andisnotabletofinishit,allthatbeholditbegintomockhim,30Saying,Thismanbegantobuild,andwasnotabletofinish.31Orwhatking,goingtomakewaragainstanotherking,sittethnot down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him thatcomethagainsthimwithtwentythousand?32Orelse,whiletheotherisyetagreatwayoff,hesendethanambassage,anddesirethconditionsofpeace.33Solikewise,whosoeverhebeofyouthatforsakethnotallthathehath,hecannotbemydisciple.

1. TruedisciplesarewillingtocountthecostoffollowingJesus.

BelieversmustknowinadvancethatfollowingJesuscallsfortheforsakingofallthatwehave. Jesus is not trying todiscouragebelievers from followingHim,butHe israthermaking sure they know in advancewhat followingHimwill cost. Hewantsdisciplesthatwillcountthecost,andthatarewillingtopaythecost.

Mark1:16-2016Now as hewalked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brothercastinganetintothesea:fortheywerefishers.17AndJesussaiduntothem,Comeyeafter me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18And straightway theyforsooktheirnets,andfollowedhim.19Andwhenhehadgonealittlefurtherthence,hesawJamesthesonofZebedee,andJohnhisbrother,whoalsowere in theshipmending their nets. 20And straightway he called them: and they left their fatherZebedeeintheshipwiththehiredservants,andwentafterhim.

2. TruedisciplesarewillingtoforsakeeverythingtofollowJesus.

Theremay be timeswhen youwill be distracted from following Jesus because ofyourfleshlydesiretoobtainorenjoyyourpossessions.Thereisnothingwrongwithowning things and enjoying them; however, you must decide between owningpossessionsandyourpossessionsowningyou.

1Timothy6:6-116But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we brought nothing into thisworld,andit iscertainwecancarrynothingout.8Andhavingfoodandraimentletusbetherewithcontent.9Buttheythatwillberichfallintotemptationandasnare,


and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction andperdition.Luke12:1515Andhe saidunto them,Takeheed,andbewareof covetousness: foraman's lifeconsistethnotintheabundanceofthethingswhichhepossesseth.

Key:ifyouarecovetingyouarenotconsecratedtoChrist.Too often we let our blessings make us dumb.We get focused on our blessingsinsteadofseekingaftertheBlessor.Mark10:17-23

Mark10:21-2321 ThenJesusbeholdinghim lovedhim,andsaiduntohim,Onethingthou lackest:go thyway, sellwhatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt havetreasureinheaven:andcome,takeupthecross,andfollowme.22Andhewassadat that saying,andwentawaygrieved: forhehadgreatpossessions. 23 And Jesuslooked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that haverichesenterintothekingdomofGod!Philippians3:7-97Butwhat thingswere gain tome, those I counted loss for Christ. 8Yeadoubtless,andIcountallthingsbutlossfortheexcellencyoftheknowledgeofChristJesusmyLord: forwhomIhavesufferedthe lossofall things,anddocountthembutdung,that Imaywin Christ, 9And be found in him, not havingmine own righteousness,which isofthe law,butthatwhich isthroughthefaithofChrist,therighteousnesswhichisofGodbyfaith:Philippians4:11-1211Notthat Ispeak inrespectofwant: for Ihave learned, inwhatsoeverstate Iam,therewith to be content.12I know both how to be abased, and I know how toabound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to behungry,bothtoaboundandtosufferneed.

3. TruedisciplesarewillingtomakefollowingJesustheirmainpriority.

OurhobbiesandcareersoftenhinderusfromfollowingtheLordandbeinginvolvedinlocalchurchministry.JustlikethedisciplesforsooktheirnetstofollowJesus,itisimportanttounderstandthatyoumaybeledtotheplacewhereyoumustchoosebetween following Jesus and your career as it may be hindering your spiritualgrowthandtheministryofmakingdisciples.OneofthecommonmistakesoftenmadeindiscipleshipistoacceptapositionthatcallsforthebelievertoworkonSundaysandotherdays/timesthatofteninterferewith theministryof the localchurch.Thismightseemtowork financially,but it isnotgoodforspiritualgrowth.Youmayalsobeforcedtochoosewhichhobbiestobeinvolvedinbecausetheymayinterferewiththeministry.


Hebrews10:24-25 24And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to goodworks:25Notforsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; butexhortingoneanother:andsomuchthemore,asyeseethedayapproaching.1Corinthians16:1-21Nowconcerningthecollectionforthesaints,asIhavegivenordertothechurchesofGalatia,evensodoye.2Uponthefirstdayoftheweekleteveryoneofyoulaybyhiminstore,asGodhathprosperedhim,thattherebenogatheringswhenIcome.

THEKEYPOINT:FollowingJesuswillcostyoueverything!FollowingJesusmayrequirethatyousacrificeacareer,thecomfortsoflife,culturalandfamilyresponsibilities,andevensomecloserelationships.WecannotfollowJesuswitha“mefirst”attitude. Luke9:57-62

57And it cametopass, that, as theywent in theway,a certainmansaidunto him, Lord, Iwillfollowtheewhithersoeverthougoest.58AndJesussaiduntohim,Foxeshaveholes,andbirdsofthe air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 59And he said untoanother,Followme.Buthesaid,Lord,suffermefirsttogoandburymyfather.60Jesussaiduntohim,Letthedeadburytheirdead:butgothouandpreach thekingdomofGod.61Andanotheralsosaid,Lord,Iwillfollowthee;butletmefirstgobidthemfarewell,whichareathomeatmyhouse.62AndJesussaiduntohim,Noman,havingputhishandtotheplough,andlookingback,isfitforthekingdomofGod.


MARK#5ADiscipleoftheLordJesusChristisusefultoHim.WeexisttoserveourKing,TheLordJesusChrist,nottoliveaswewantorfeel.WemustserveHisexpectationasdisciples.

Luke14:34-3534 Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour,wherewith shall it be seasoned?35It isneither fit for the land, nor yet for thedunghill; butmen cast it out.He thathathears tohear,lethimhear.

Saltthathaslostitssavourissaltthathasbecomeinsipid.Thatis,itistastelessandbecauseitistastelessitisthereforerendereduseless.Soalso,abelieverwhorefusestofollowtheLordJesusChristisofnousetoHim.Jesususesafigtreeasanillustrationtoteachusthatabelieverwhorefusestofollowhimasadisciplebecomesessentiallyuselessforthekingdom.Itisimportanttounderstandthattheissueisnotthatthefigtreedidnothavefruit,butthatitonlygavetheappearanceofhavingfruit.Jesustaughtusthatfruitfuldisciplesareusefuldiscipleswhenhedeterminedthetreetobeuselessafterinspectingit.

Mark11:12-1412Andonthemorrow,whentheywerecomefromBethany,hewashungry:13Andseeingafigtreeafaroffhavingleaves,hecame,ifhaplyhemightfindanythingthereon:andwhenhecame to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet.14And Jesusanswered and said unto it, Noman eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciplesheardit.

1. TruedisciplesliveforJesus’purposes!

Exodus8:11And theLORDspakeuntoMoses,GountoPharaoh,andsayuntohim,Thus saiththeLORD,Letmypeoplego,thattheymayserveme.Matthew5:1616Letyourlightsoshinebeforemen,thattheymayseeyourgoodworks,andglorifyyourFatherwhichisinheaven.Ephesians2:8-10


8Forbygraceareyesavedthroughfaith;andthatnotofyourselves:itisthegiftofGod: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.10 For we are his workmanship,created inChrist Jesusuntogoodworks,whichGodhathbeforeordained thatweshouldwalkinthem.2Timothy2:20-2120But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also ofwood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.21 If a manthereforepurgehimselffromthese,heshallbeavesseluntohonour,sanctified,andmeetforthemaster'suse,andprepareduntoeverygoodwork.

2. TruedisciplesliveinlightoftheJudgmentSeatofChrist.

While discipleship is the believer’s choice, there are clear consequences for notdoingso.ThebelieverwasandisclearlysavedfortheMaster’susewhichbegsthequestion,“IfabelieverisuselesstotheMaster,what’sthepointfortheirexistence?”Neverforget:wewillallstandbeforetheJudgmentSeatofChrist.1Cor3;2Cor5;Rom14

KEYQUESTION:AreyoureadytoGIVEyourlifeintoserviceforChristsothatonedayyouwillhear“Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant?”


MARK#6AdiscipleoftheLordJesusChristwillbearfruitforHim.Thereisanaturaltendencyforbelieverstoattendchurcheveryweekwithnointentionofsharing the gift of salvation with someone else. God desires so much more from Hisfollowers. John15:8

8HereinismyFatherglorified,thatyebearmuchfruit;soshallyebemydisciples.

1. TruediscipleswillbearfruitbyleadingotherstosalvationinChrist.Disciples are preoccupied with bearing fruit because they understand that this istheirchiefpurposeinlife.

John15:1-2,51I am the true vine, andmy Father is the husbandman. 2Every branch inme thatbearethnotfruithetakethaway:andeverybranchthatbearethfruit,hepurgethit,thatitmaybringforthmorefruit…5Iamthevine,yearethebranches:Hethatabideth inme,and I inhim, thesamebringethforthmuchfruit:forwithoutmeyecandonothing.

2. TruediscipleswillglorifyGodbybearingfruitintheirownlife.

There isalwaysexternalevidenceofwhat ishappeningwithinyouspiritually.GoddesiresthatthelifeofthediscipleoverflowswithfruitthatglorifiesHim.

Galatians5:22-2322But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness,faith,23Meekness,temperance:againstsuchthereisnolaw.Ephesians5:99(ForthefruitoftheSpiritisinallgoodnessandrighteousnessandtruth;)

Philippians1:1111Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto thegloryandpraiseofGod.Philippians4:1717NotbecauseIdesireagift:butIdesirefruitthatmayaboundtoyouraccount.Colossians1:10


10That yemight walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in everygoodwork,andincreasingintheknowledgeofGod;

EssentialtothecallofdiscipleshipwasthepromisethatJesuswouldmakeusfishersofmen(Mat4:19.)This isourwork!ThediscipleoftheLordJesusChrist isalwayspreoccupiedwithbeingusefultoHimandfruitfulforHim.

MARK#7AdiscipleoftheLordJesusChristloveshispeople.OneofthegreatestexpressionsofChristlikenessistobeselfless. John13:34-35

34AnewcommandmentIgiveuntoyou,Thatyeloveoneanother;asIhavelovedyou,thatyealsoloveoneanother.35Bythisshallallmenknowthatyearemydisciples,ifyehaveloveonetoanother.

1. TruedisciplesofJesusloveHispeoplemorethantheylovethemselves.

We are to have a sacrificial love for the body of Christ just like Jesus did. JesusdemonstratedhislovebyhumblinghimselfandlayingHislifedownforus. 1John3:16

16Herebyperceivewethe loveofGod,becausehe laiddownhis life forus:andweoughttolaydownourlivesforthebrethren.

Philippians2:3-4

3Let nothingbedone through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness ofmind let eachesteemother better than themselves. 4Looknot everymanonhis own things, buteverymanalsoonthethingsofothers.

2. TruedisciplesofJesuswillpursuerelationshipswithinthebodyofChrist.

Youmayhaveanaturaldesiretobecomeinternallyfocusedwhenyougettogetherwithotherbelievers;however, your love forChrist should leadyou to loveothersthatlovehimtoo.Thisdoesnotmeanthatdisciplesmustbeextroverts,butitdoesmean that they shouldpursueunity, forgiveness, and fellowshipwithin their localchurches. Romans12:10

10Bekindlyaffectionedonetoanotherwithbrotherlylove;inhonourpreferringoneanother;

Yourloveforyourotherswillbless,backupandbuildthemup!Ephesians4:1-3;15-161I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of thevocation wherewith ye are called, 2With all lowliness and meekness, with

KEYQUESTION:

AreyoureadytoGIVEyourlifeintoserviceforChristsothatonedayyouwillhear“Welldone,goodandfaithfulservant?”


longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity oftheSpiritinthebondofpeace.15But speaking the truth in love,may grow up into him in all things, which is thehead,evenChrist:16Fromwhomthewholebodyfitlyjoinedtogetherandcompactedby that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in themeasureofeverypart,makethincreaseofthebodyuntotheedifyingofitselfinlove.

WHATDOESPERSONALDISCIPLESHIPLOOKLIKE?BiblicaldiscipleshipisthelifelongdisciplineofbeingaheareranddoerofthewordofGodsothatthebelievermightbeconformedintotheimageofJesusChrist.

A. DiscipleshipisthefulfillmentoftheGreatCommission.NewTestamentbelievershavebeencommissionedbyGodtoleadindividualstoChristbypreachingtheGospel.TheymustalsoleadnewbelieverstobecomefollowersandlearnersofChristbyteachingthemtheWordofGod.

Matthew28:18-2018AndJesuscameandspakeuntothem,saying,Allpowerisgivenuntomeinheavenandinearth. 19Go ye therefore, and teachall nations, baptizing them in thenameof the Father,andof theSon,andof theHolyGhost: 20Teaching themtoobserveall thingswhatsoever Ihavecommandedyou:and,lo,Iamwithyoualways,evenuntotheendoftheworld.Amen.

B. Discipleshipisthereproductionofspirituallife.

Biblicaldiscipleshipistheprocessofreproducingonebeliever’srelationshipwithJesusintoanother.Thenaturalresultistomakegrowingdiscipleswhoareinturnmakingdisciples.AnexampleofthisistheApostlePaul’srelationshipwithTimothy.

1. PaulbeganthediscipleshipprocessbyhavingTimothyfollowhiminhisministry.Acts16:1-51Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, namedTimotheus,thesonofacertainwoman,whichwasaJewess,andbelieved;buthisfatherwasaGreek:2WhichwaswellreportedofbythebrethrenthatwereatLystraandIconium.3HimwouldPaulhave togo forthwithhim;and tookand circumcisedhimbecauseof the Jewswhichwere in thosequarters: for they knewall thathis fatherwasaGreek. 4Andas theywentthroughthecities,theydeliveredthemthedecreesfortokeep,thatwereordainedoftheapostlesandelderswhichwereatJerusalem.5Andsowerethechurchesestablished inthefaith,andincreasedinnumberdaily.

2. PaulthensentTimothytodisciplethechurchinCorinth.1Corinthians4:15-1715ForthoughyehavetenthousandinstructorsinChrist,yethaveyenotmanyfathers:forinChrist Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.16Wherefore I beseech you, be ye

KEYQUESTIONS:

CanyousaythatyoulovewhatJesusloves?Canyousaythatyouarereadytogiveyourlifelovingthechurch?


followersofme.17ForthiscausehaveIsentuntoyouTimotheus,whoismybelovedson,andfaithfulintheLord,whoshallbringyouintoremembranceofmywayswhichbeinChrist,asIteacheverywhereineverychurch.

3. At the end of his life andministry, Paul instructs his disciple Timothy to have aministrythatisalwaysreproducingdisciples.

2Timothy2:1-21Thoutherefore,myson,bestronginthegracethat is inChristJesus. 2Andthethingsthatthouhastheardofmeamongmanywitnesses,thesamecommitthoutofaithfulmen,whoshallbeabletoteachothersalso.

C. DiscipleshipseekstoaccomplishfourmaingoalsineachfollowerofChrist.

1. EstablishedinWorship:Thefocusofyourlife.HonorGodbyfollowingChristpersonallyandpassionately.Genesis22:55AndAbrahamsaiduntohisyoungmen,Abideyeherewiththeass;andIandtheladwillgoyonderandworship,andcomeagaintoyou.Psalm22:2727AlltheendsoftheworldshallrememberandturnuntotheLORD:andallthekindredsofthenationsshallworshipbeforethee.Psalm29:22GiveuntotheLORDtheglorydueuntohisname;worshiptheLORDinthebeautyofholiness.

2. EstablishedintheWordofGod:Theauthorityofyourlife.AsyougroundyourmindbylearningtheBible,theWordofGodwillbeelevatedtothehighestpositioninthelifeofthedisciple.Psalm138:22Iwillworshiptowardthyholytemple,andpraisethynameforthylovingkindnessandforthytruth:forthouhastmagnifiedthywordaboveallthyname.

3. EstablishedintheLocalChurch:Thecontextofyourlife.

Youshouldsubmittothestructureofthelocalchurchthroughyourdevelopmentofauthentic fellowshipandrelationshipswithothers,yourparticipation in thevision,yourobservanceoftheordinances,yoursubmissiontospiritualleadership,andyourfinancialsupportofreachingtheworldwiththeGospelofJesusChrist.Acts2:42;46-4742Andtheycontinuedstedfastly intheapostles'doctrineandfellowship,and inbreakingofbread,andinprayers.46Andthey,continuingdailywithoneaccordinthetemple,andbreakingbreadfromhouseto house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,47 Praising God, andhavingfavourwithallthepeople.AndtheLordaddedtothechurchdailysuchasshouldbesaved.


4. EstablishedintheMinistry:Thepurposeofyourlife.

GodhasgiftedyousothatyoumightbringHimglorybyusingthatgiftbyedifyingotherswithinthebodyofChrist.Investyourtime,talents,andtreasuresthroughthechurch and its ministries as you grow to the point that you are able to disciplefaithfulmenandwomen.

1Peter4:1010Aseverymanhathreceivedthegift,evensoministerthesameonetoanother,asgoodstewardsofthemanifoldgraceofGod.

D. Discipleshiputilizesasetof18lessons.

ThegoalofeachlessonistoteachyouwhattheWordofGodsays,andinstructyouinhowtoapplyitstruthssothatyoumay,inturn,leadanotherfaithfulbelievertodothesame.

7. Salvation

8. EternalSecurity

9. Ordinances

10. HolySpirit

11.WordofGod

12. Prayer

1. LocalChurch

2. OtherChristians

3. Family

4. DealingwithSin

5. LibertyinChrist

6. WillofGod

13. Giving

14.MoneyandPossessions

15. JobandEmployer

16. SharingtheGospel

17. JudgmentSeatofChrist

18. NextSteps

WHATISMYNEXTSTEP?

1. CountthecostoffollowingJesus.YoushouldspendsometimeinprayerasyouconsiderthecostoffollowingJesuswithyourlife.ItwouldalsobewisetospendsometimeconsideringwhatitmightcostyoutonotfollowJesusashisdisciple.

2. Beconsistent.Theone-on-onediscipleshipprocesswilltakeapproximately12monthstocompleteonaverage.Make your spiritual growth a priority by being consistent to attend church,fellowshipopportunities,andtheweeklymeetingswithyourdiscipler.

3. Submittothestandard.The biblical teaching standard we use is the King James Bible (Authorized Version).AnyonethatisdisciplingorbeingdiscipledwillusetheKJV. Ifyoudonothaveone,abiblecanbeprovidedforyou.

4. Bepreparedforopposition.Discipleshipwillstretchyouinagoodway.However,youcanexpectoppositionfrompeopleandsituationstopullyouawayfrombeingdiscipled.Thereisnogreaterpriorityorprivilege thangrowingasadiscipleof theLord JesusChrist.Stayfocusedandstayfaithful!

5. SubmitaDiscipleshipPairingRequestform.Tobepairedwithadiscipler,pleasecompletethefollowingformandsubmitittoour


NAME:_______________________________________________________________ADDDRESS:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

AGERANGE(circleone):18-2526-3536andup

MARITALSTATUS(circleone):SingleMarried

− Wouldyouliketobediscipledasamarriedcouple?YesNo

(Eachspousemustsubmitthisform.)

CHILDREN(Ifso,howmany,andages):______________________________________________________________________________________

AreyoucurrentlyanySundayFellowshiporsmallgroup?Ifso,pleaseconfirmwhichone(s.)

_____________________________________________________________________

Pleaseshareanyadditionalinformationyoufeelmaybeimportanttothepairingprocess:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

DISCIPLESHIPPAIRINGREQUEST


________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________MBTAppendix:LookingAhead–8KeyPointsPoint1: Theone-on-onediscipleshipprocessonaveragetakesapproximately12months.Youwill

meetwithyourdisciplereveryweekoreveryotherweekdependingonwhatisagreedupontogether.

Point2: IfyouhavenotcompletedtheNewMembersClassatMidtown,withrespecttogoals3and4,itisimportantthatyoudoso.

Point3: ThebiblicalteachingstandardatMidtownistheKingJamesBible.Therefore,anyonedisciplingorbeingdiscipledatMidtownwilluseaKingJamesBible.Ifyoudonothaveone,onecanbeprovided.Ifyouhaveadditionalquestionsaboutthisposition,seeourwebsiteforaudioonour“WhyKJVseries?”IfusingtheKingJamesBibleisunacceptabletoyou,respectfullyandinlove,Midtownisnotthechurchwhereyoushouldbelookingtogetdiscipled.

Point4: IfyouarenotfaithfullyattendingaSundayFellowship,pleasestartdoingso.Thisisagreatwaytogrowingoal2ofdiscipleship!

Point5: AllpairingsarereviewedandapprovedbytheMidtownpastoralteam.Thisprocesscantakeafewweeks.Pleaseknowthatthere’squiteabitofworkthatgoesonbehindthescenestopairyouwithadiscipler.Knowthatyouarenotbeingoverlookedorforgotten.We’redoingourbesttogetitright!

Point6: Bepreparedtobestretchedinaverygoodwayandexpectanyoneoranythingtosurfacesoontodissuadeyoufromdoingthis.ThereisnogreaterpriorityorprivilegethangrowingasadiscipleoftheLordJesusChrist!Stayfocusedandstayfaithful.It’ssoworthit!

Point7: IfyoumissedthispointundertheFirstMarkofaDisciple,pleaseconsidernow:

Withoutexception,atMidtownBaptistTemple,wewillNOTattempttodiscipleanyonewhoisyokedtoanunbelieverinadatingrelationship,livingwithaboyfriend/girlfriend,livingalifeoffornication(sexoutside

ofmarriage)orlivinganungodlylifewithunbelievers.


Point8: Tobepairedwithadiscipler,pleasecompletethefollowingformandsubmittoVanSneadorLoriMorganattheDiscipleshipkioskinthelobby.

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