The Purpose of Discipleship in the Mission of God. Making disciples of Jesus Christ is our.

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1 Introduction The Purpose of Discipleship in the Mission of God Matthew 28:16-20 Intentionality in the midst of a confused culture Discipleship A disciple is one who is following Jesus by obeying His Word, growing in His likeness and influencing others to follow Him. The Big Picture Making disciples of Jesus Christ is our. Objective (28:17) Imperative (28:19) Implications (28:18-19) A. Discipleship fulfills for the nations. B. Discipleship is an ongoing necessity. The Word of Jesus Christ is our. A. Discipleship treasures & transfers truth generationally (2 Timothy 1:8ff). B. Discipleship teaches (28:20). 1

2 C. Discipleship relates to we do. The Lordship of Jesus Christ is our. Authority (28:18) Security (28:20) Our purpose in God s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. 2

3 The Habits of Discipleship in the Grace of God Discipleship makes use of. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever. Amen (2 Peter 3:18). Scripture And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified (Acts 20:32). The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: He wakeneth morning by morning, He wakeneth mine ear to hear as the learned (Isaiah 50:4). Prayer Hebrews 4:14-16 The life of Ephesians 4:29 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25). The heart of our discipleship is helping one another receive grace from God through His appointed means. Discipleship models. My people s greatest need is my personal holiness (Robert Murray M Cheyne). Virtuous habits develop through God-glorifying imitation and God-dependent practice based on a God-breathed standard. 3

4 Discipleship ministers by. Align your with your. Realize that truth-centered conversation will require both. and Discipleship meets needs. And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things (Mark 6:34). Discipleship motivates toward. But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ s. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. 23 Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly (Phil 2:19-24). 4

5 The Practices of Discipleship in the Rhythms of Life Valuing the ordinary means of grace Leading in family discipleship As Christian parents, our goal in raising our children is not to prepare them for going out in to the world as fully functioning adults. Our goal, as Christian parents, is to prepare our children for eternity (Helopoulos). And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). A. nurture = : Christian training aimed to form virtuous habits B. admonition = : Christian counsel aimed to challenge affections, redirect beliefs, and correct practices Establish rhythms A. 1. Protect the priority 2. Stick to the basics 3. Get everyone involved 4. Don t get discouraged B. The Lord s Day 1. Foundation 2. Motivation 3. Implementation C. Meals 5

6 Step into opportunities Suggested resources A. Helopoulos, A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home B. Murray, Exploring the Bible C. Stinson & Dumas, A Guide to Biblical Manhood D. Whitney, Family Worship Investing in church discipleship Encourage (Titus 2:6-8) A. Renew spiritually (Eph 4:23) B. Take responsibility (1 Cor 16:13-14) C. Prize accountability (Heb 3:12-13) D. Amputate sensuality (Matt 5:27-30) E. Lead sacrificially (1 Cor 13:4-7) Step into opportunities Suggested resources A. Berg, Changed into His Image B. Bridges, The Discipline of Grace C. Carson, Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation D. Ferguson, Devoted to God: Blueprints for Sanctification E. Lambert, Finally Free: Fighting for Purity with the Power of Grace F. Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression G. Mathis, Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines H. Moore, Tempted and Tried: Temptation & the Triumph of Christ I. Packer, Knowing God J. Reinke, 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You K. Ryle, Holiness L. Vincent, The Gospel Primer 6

7 The Response of a Disciple: God s Provision for Growing Stability Background A. Situation 2 Peter 1 B. Author C. Message The great message of this second Epistle of Peter was written to strengthen Christian people against various forces and factors that were tending to shake and to unsettle them in their faith (Lloyd-Jones). Do I realize? A. Privileged (1:1) B. Presence [grace and peace] (1:2) C. (1:3) D. (1:4) E. Purification (1:9) What am I willing? What would? 7