DISCIPLESHIP
INTRODUCTION: It is generally believed that a person
becomes a disciple of Christ the moment
he is saved. However, this is not true because some children of God never become real disciples of
Christ.
he is saved. However, this is not true because some children of God never become real disciples of
Christ.
I. Discipleship: a special relationship.
A.
Salvation is one thing; discipleship is quite another.
B. The new birth creates
one relationship to Christ; discipleship establishes still another.
C. A
person cannot be a disciple of Christ without being saved, but he can be saved
with-
out being a disciple.
out being a disciple.
1. Discipleship is a
vital relationship which born again believers need to establish
with
Christ.
2. Discipleship is a
glorious relationship with Christ which many saved people have
never
experienced.
D. It is important that
all children of God be introduced to this blessed relationship with
Christ known as discipleship.
Christ known as discipleship.
II. The practical meaning of discipleship
A. A state or condition in
which a believer is continually learning the teachings of Jesus,
II Timothy 2:15.
II Timothy 2:15.
B. A state or condition in
which the believer is continually following Jesus, John 8:31,32.
C. A state or condition in
which the believer is continually working for Jesus in obedient
service, John 15:8.
service, John 15:8.
III. The cost of discipleship
A. It costs a denial of self, Matthew 16:24.
1. A
man cannot be self-centered and a disciple of Christ at the same time.
2. Selfishness is an enemy of the spiritual
life and true discipleship.
3. A
disciple must empty himself of selfishness and be full of the love of Christ
and
committed
to His will, Matthew 16:25.
B. It costs some cross-bearing, Luke 14:27.
1. Cross-bearing suggests crucifying the flesh
and faithful obedience.
2. Jesus
bore His cross; He finished all the work that was set before Him, John 19:30.
3. We
must assume and fulfill all the duties assigned to us in order to be true dis-
ciples,
I Corinthians 4:2.
C. It can cost materially
to follow Jesus, Luke 9:23-26.
IV. Discipleship requires Love.
A. It demands that we love
Jesus more than anyone else, Luke 14:26. (The word “hate” is
used in a relative sense.)
used in a relative sense.)
B.
Our love for relatives must seem to be hate in comparison to our love
for Jesus. (He is to
be our first love.)
be our first love.)
1. We must love Him more than father and
mother.
2. We must love Him more than wife and
children.
3. We must love Him more than brothers and
sisters.
4. We must love Him more than our own lives.
V. Discipleship demands sacrifice, Luke 14:33.
A. If necessary, we must
be willing to give up our material possessions to follow Jesus,
Mark 10:21.
Mark 10:21.
B. We must be willing to
give up our homeland, if necessary, in order to serve where
Christ wants us, Matthew 19:29.
Christ wants us, Matthew 19:29.
C. We must be willing to
give up our desires and ambitions to obey Christ’s will in our
lives, Acts 9:6.
lives, Acts 9:6.
VI. Discipleship pays
A. It pays great dividends in this life, Mark
10:30.
1. He has promised that we will receive a
hundred-fold more blessings.
2. He has promised to supply all our needs,
Matthew 6:33.
3. He promised that He would not withhold from
us anything that is good, Psalms
84:11.
4. He promised to give us whatever we ask, I
John 3:22.
B. It will pay immeasurable dividends in
eternity.
1. The faithful disciple receives a victor’s
crown, II Timothy 4:8.
2. They rule and reign with Christ during the
millennium, Revelation 5:10.
3. They live forever in the New Jerusalem in
the Bride of Christ, Revelation 22:3-5.
