Lesson One: An Overview of the Discipleship Concept Understanding the Call to Christianity Synopsis: Discipleship is the idea that the believer is an imitator of Christ, in which Christ is viewed as their Master who provides a model for godliness. Thought to Ponder: The term disciple is used approximately 269 times in the New Testament as compared to the word Christian, which is used three times. While these words are very much related, the abundance of the term disciple should spark you to desire to understand the concept. I. A Definition of Discipleship: Four-Fold Definition A. Discipleship Implies the existence of a personal attachment which shapes the whole life of the one described as mathētēs [which is the Greek word for disciple meaning pupil or learner] when, in its particularity, leaves no doubt as to who s deploying the determinative/influential power. 1. Luke 6:40 (NASB95) A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. 2. 1 John 2:6 (NASB95) The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked. 3. Matthew 10:25 (NASB95) It is enough for the disciple that he become like his teacher, and the slave like his master. If they have called the head of the house Beelzebul, how much more will they malign the members of his household! B. A disciple is one who responds in faith and obedience to the gracious call to follow Jesus (Romans 1:5). C. Being a disciple is a lifelong process of dying to self while allowing Jesus Christ to come alive in us (Gal. 2:20) D. Paul alludes to discipleship when he says that we are to put off the old nature of belonging to the former manner of life and put on the new nature in true likeness and holiness. And that s a daily process put off/put on so we can become like Him. (Eph. 4:17-32)
II. The Priority of Discipleship: Three Examples in the Life of Christ A. Discipleship requires that a believer makes a conscious decision to make Christ first. An encounter with Christ will often reveal to what we are truly loyal. 1. Luke 9:57 62 (NASB95) 57 As they were going along the road, someone said to Him, I will follow You wherever You go. 58 And Jesus said to him, The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. 59 And He said to another, Follow Me. But he said, Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father. 60 But He said to him, Allow the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim everywhere the kingdom of God. 61 Another also said, I will follow You, Lord; but first permit me to say good-bye to those at home. 62 But Jesus said to him, No one, after putting his hand to the plow and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. a. Jesus is headed toward his final visit to Jerusalem and encounters believers who desire to be his disciples, yet Jesus wishes to provide them with a realistic picture of what it means to follow him b. In this passage, Jesus sets forth a powerful picture of discipleship. It means the willingness to suffer hardship, and the willingness to suspend selfish. c. Jesus statement, while seeming to be insensitive was a lesson on discipleship. This lesson was designed to teach a nonnegotiable truth, which is Jesus is first. 2. Matthew 19:21 (NASB95) 21 Jesus said to him, If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. a. The rich young ruler was placed in the crossroad of priority when asked to sell all that he had. b. Jesus reveals that this ruler was prepared to only go as far as his comfort would allow. c. Jesus will often reveal what people are unwilling to surrender for an opportunity of deeper communion with God. 3. Luke 14:26 27 (NASB95) If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. 27 Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
III. Discipleship calls the believer to model others that exemplify Christ A. Paul invites followers to mimic his Christ-like behavior. This implies that Paul recognized he was a safe model of the master. Finding the right model is crucial to Christian success. 1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NASB95) 1 Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. 2. Philippians 3:17 18 (NASB95) Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, 3. Ephesians 5:1 (NASB95) 1 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 4. 1 Thessalonians 1:5 6 (NASB95) 5 for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 6 You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 5. 1 Thessalonians 2:14 (NASB95) 14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews, 6. Hebrews 13:7 8 (NASB95) 7 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. B. It is not enough to know the doctrine of Christ. We are called to model Christ-like behavior. The difference between strong Christians and weak Christians is in the application of the word into transformed behavior. Christlikeness is part of God s re-creation. He wants us to be conformed to the image of his son from the inside out. (Romans 8:29-30) Romans 8:28 29 (NASB95) 28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;
Class Discussion Questions: 1) Knowing the definition of Discipleship, is it possible to be a good Christian and not be a practicing disciple? 2) Since Discipleship includes the idea of modeling or imitating, tell us about your experience as a growing Christian in terms of how you have chosen models to help you in this Christian race. What was some areas a person in Christ helped you with? 3) What does it mean for you that Christ is a priority? What are some possible hindrances Christians should be aware of? Review Questions: 1) What is the Four-Fold Definition of a disciple provided in this lesson a) b) c) d) 2) Give three textual examples of Jesus making Priority a requirement to follow him? 3) What is the difference between weal Christians and strong Christians?
Lesson 2: Follow the Leader Embracing the Leadership of Jesus Synopsis The content of discipleship requires a quality of life that mimics and models the behavior of its master. One of the great youth games that is still played to this day is called Simon Says. The objective of the game is to follow the leader and mimic his movements each time he/she says Simon Says. Additionally, the players must be careful not to mimic a move that is not first initiated by Simon says. Within the Christian context, we replace Simon with Christ. The essence of Christianity is accepting what Christ says, in which everything we do should reflect submission to his authority as our master. This lesson is to accentuate our relationship to Christ as followers. Key Passage: Colossians 3:17 (NASB95) 17 Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father. I. The disciple must be willing to forsake all to actively follow Christ. A. Biblically, disciples accepted the call to follow by giving up their occupations 1. Matthew 4:19 (NASB95) 19 And He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. B. Jesus often tested the desire of potential disciples by exposing what they were unwilling to give up 2. Mark 10:21 (NASB95) 21 Looking at him, Jesus felt a love for him and said to him, One thing you lack: go and sell all you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me. 3. In deciding to follow Christ, we are faced with choices regarding what to do with those things that hinder us from being followers. a. Riches can be a hindrance (Matthew 19:16-22) b. Family can be a hindrance (Luke 14:26) c. An occupation can be a hindrance (Jesus called a tax collector) C. All of us have to face what hinders us from truly being followers of Christ and make a faith choice to forsake all.
II. The disciple must be a willing learner A. Mt 11:29 Matthew 11:29 (NASB95) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. 1. In a passage that is often considered the great invitation Jesus gives a powerful picture of discipleship. a. Take my yoke 1. A symbol of submission and allegiance. A wooden crossbar that connected two animals together 2. Read Jeremiah 27:1-2 to see the imagery in the Old Testament b. Learn of me 1. The yoke is descriptive of the teaching of Jesus in contrast to hard legal requirements of Pharisees as they added to the mosaic law. B. One of the biggest hindrances to discipleship is a Christian who has not dedicated to being a habitual learner. Jesus makes learning a necessary part of discipleship. (Matthew 28:19-20). III. The disciple must embrace Imitation A. Imitation is not foreign to our culture. A great deal of learning is experienced through imitation. 1. children imitate what they see in parents 2. children imitate what they see in celebrities 3. this can also be seen in mentee/mentor relationships B. In Christ, we are called to follow in his steps 1. 1 Peter 2:21 (NASB95) For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. a. Follow him in his example of love (John 13:1-12) b. Follow him in his example of Compassion (Matthew 9:36-38) c. Follow is example of Faithfulness (Heb. 5:8-9) d. Follow his example of suffering (Matthew 5:12) Discussion Questions: 1. How do you think faith impacts our choice to follow Jesus? 2. Jesus says his yoke is easy and his burden light. If there are times when following Jesus seems difficult, how could Jesus statement be true?
3. Has following Jesus improved your quality of life? If yes, in what ways has mimicking him been a better choice than the alternatives? Review Questions: 1. Name three examples of Hindrances that can prevent us from following Christ? 2. What is the symbolic meaning of a yoke? IN Matthew 11:29, what does the yoke describe? 3. Name four examples Jesus left for us and what passages they can be found in?
Lesson 3: Jesus Expectation of Disciples The High Cost to Follow Jesus Synopsis: Whenever we apply for a job, or perhaps even get the job, one of the first things you will be provided are job expectations. To be effective at a job the expectations must be clear, and without ambiguity so that the one who accepts does not suffer from confusion as to what it means to be a worker in company that they have now been employed. Many people become Christians without real clarity of the expectations. In such cases, many have suffered from a very casual Christianity that is absent of expectation. This leads us to explore what are some core expectations of discipleship. Thought to Ponder: Salvation is free, but following Jesus is expensive. While it is true salvation is by grace, discipleship requires sacrifice. If you plan to maximize your discipleship, then you must accept that you not only embraced Christ as savior, but also master. The closer you draw to Jesus as master, the further away you will pull from things that use to have your allegiance. It is inevitable. I. Fulfilling Five Core Expectations: 1. The Sacrifice of Self (Mark 8:34 38). The disciple of Christ needs to be set apart from the world. Our focus should be on our Lord and pleasing Him in every area of our lives. We must put off selfcenteredness and put on Christ-centeredness. 2. Submission to Jesus teachings (John 8:31 32). We must be obedient children and doers of the Word. Obedience is the supreme test of faith in God (1 Samuel 28:18), and Jesus is the perfect example of obedience as He lived a life on earth of complete obedience to the Father even to the point of death (Philippians 3:6 8). 3. Fruitfulness (John 15:5 8). Our job is not producing fruit. Our job is to abide in Christ, and if we do, the Holy Spirit will produce the fruit, and this fruit is the result of our obedience. As we become more obedient to the Lord and learn to walk in His ways, our lives will change. The biggest change will take place in our hearts, and the overflow of this will be new conduct (thoughts, words and actions) representative of that change. The change we seek is done from the inside out, through the power of the Holy Spirit. It isn t something we can conjure up on our own. 4. Love for other disciples (John 13:34 35). We are told that love of other believers is the evidence of our being a member of God s family (1 John 3:10). Love is defined and elaborated on in 1
Corinthians 13:1 13. These verses show us that love is not an emotion; it is action. We must be doing something and involved in the process. Furthermore, we are told to think more highly of others than of ourselves and to look out for their interests (Philippians 2:3 4). The next verse in Philippians (verse 5) really sums up what we are to do when it comes to everything in life: our attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. What a perfect example He is to us for everything we are to do in our Christian walk. 5. Evangelism Making disciples of others (Matthew 28:18 20). We are to share our faith and tell nonbelievers about the wonderful changes Jesus Christ has made in our lives. No matter what our maturity level in the Christian life, we have something to offer. Too often, we believe the lie from Satan that we don t really know enough or haven t been a Christian long enough to make a difference. Not true! Some of the most enthusiastic representatives of the Christian life are new believers who have just discovered the awesome love of God. They may not know a lot of Bible verses or the accepted way of saying things, but they have experienced the love of the living God, and that is exactly what we are to share. II. Seeing Behavioral Expectation in the Beatitudes (Read Matthew 5:3-12) Nine Beatitudes (Matt. 5:3 12) Portrait Promises 1. Vertical (5:3 6) Blessed poor in spirit Blessed those who mourn Blessed the meek Blessed those who hunger and thirst for righteousness theirs is the kingdom of heaven they shall be comforted they shall inherit the earth they shall be satisfied 2. Horizontal (5:7 12) a. active Blessed the merciful Blessed the pure in heart Blessed the peacemakers they shall receive mercy they shall see God they called children of God b. passive Blessed those persecuted for righteousness sake theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Blessed are you when reviled, persecuted, and defamed your heavenly reward is great III. Behavioral Expectations in the New Testament (Let s discuss these passages and their relation to discipleship) A. Romans 12:1 2 (NASB95) Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. B. Colossians 3:1 5 (NASB95) Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory. Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. C. 2 Peter 1:5 8 (NASB95) 5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Discussion Questions: 1. Following Jesus causes the Christian to face the need for behavioral adjustments. According to Romans 12:1-2, what motivates us to change our behavior? 2. According to Colossians 3:1, what motivates us to change our behavior? 3. What are some trigger points that make us revert in our behavior to old habits?
Lesson 4 Discipleship and Its Impact on Behavioral Transition Synopsis: In Lesson one, we have explored some initial definitional dimensions (Four-fold Definition) that helped launch us into an introduction to the discipleship concept. Lessons two and three accentuated those concepts embodied in priority. Following and behavioral change is necessary as the disciple submits to being a learner of Christ Jesus. In this lesson, we want to continue down the road of understanding the discipleship concept by bring into view other definitional perspectives that will aid us to experience behavioral transition. The more you explore the what we are, it will influence the how we should behave. Definitional Perspectives that Impact Behavioral Change: I. Becoming and Being a Flourishing Follower of Jesus 1. Discipleship is becoming and being a flourishing follower of Jesus. This implies the notion of growth. The idea is not simply following Jesus causally, but in such a way where productiveness results. Many churches have many members But how many of the many members are productive disciples? We need to challenge people to become believers and then to be a flourishing follower of Jesus. That s what the life of Christ is all about; it s a life; it s living, and we should flourish as followers of Christ. Jesus denounced that which doesn t flourish. Israel is used as an example. Scriptural Considerations: Luke 13:1-8 Matthew 21:19 II. Embodying the Character of Christ 1. Discipleship is embodying His very character that is, we are living out the vitality and the life of Christ through our own lives. Scriptural Considerations: Acts 4:13 Matthew 5:13-14 III. Engaging in a Lifelong Personal Pursuit
1. Being a disciple a life-long pursuit to be like my master for the rest of my life. I m going. We are engaging in a relationship with Jesus that is perpetual in its duration, and perpetual in its affect. Scriptural Considerations: Philippians 1:21 22 (NASB95) 21 For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. 22 But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. Galatians 2:20 IV. Holistic Transformation (Relational, Cognitive, Affective, Behavioral) 1. Relational The more the connection between God and the believer is nourished transformation is inevitable. What does that mean? It means my growth is dependent on a divine connection. The more we grow in knowledge of God s grace, it provides the means of my transformation. Scriptural Consideration: Romans 12:1 2 (NASB95) Titus 2:11-14 He changes us relationally in that we are placed in a vital connection to him (vertical), and we are changed in how we related to others (horizontal). Our relationships are affected by our relationship with Jesus. A Christian who is being transformed has a Christian worldview in their thinking. 2. Cognitive - Jesus impacts the disciples convictions. His new relationship arrest his affections. The disciple changes what he seeks because Christ has become his life. Scriptural Considerations: Matthew 16:23 (NASB95) 23 But He turned and said to Peter, Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God s interests, but man s.
Philippians 3:19 (NASB95) 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. 3. Behavioral - And then finally, behaviorally in other words, how we live. So, holistic transformation, unless it takes place there, it s not enough. So, in our behavior, in other words, we mean our actions, we mean our habits, and we also mean our lifestyle. So, that s what engaging in a personal pursuit of holistic transformation looks like. V. A Like-Minded Community of Faith 1..This is not just a personal pursuit, but a corporate pursuit where Jesus is creating a new community of faith governed by a spiritual paradigm (model). This is in a community of faith. So we corporately commit ourselves to being and making other disciples. Scriptural Considerations: Matthew 16:18 Hebrews 10:24-25
Lesson 5 Seeing Love for the Master as the Motivation of Discipleship A Survey of Faith in the Gospels John 14:15 John 14:15 (NASB95) 15 If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. Synopsis: Jesus highlighted love as a motivation for service. At times, he would accent love for God or himself as the root of the disciple s obedience. If Jesus and the Father is the object of your love, then they are also the motivation for our transformation. I. Jesus Explanation of the Greatest Commandment in the Law (Matthew 22:36-37) A. Jesus is tested by a Pharisee during the passion week (last week of Jesus life) B. The question is out of the approximate 613 laws of the Old Testament, which one is the greatest. C. Jesus chooses an imperative outside of the 10 commandments, and from Deuteronomy 6:5, and the second great commandment out of Lev. 19:18. D. Notice how love for God is the primary that provides the basis for love for man. E. Jesus will challenge the disciples to show love toward enemies. But it stems from having love toward God and how he loves us (Luke 6:32-36). *Whatever we do for God or for the benefit of man begins with a love for God. To love an enemy cannot come from the source of one s emotions, but from the God who loves me unconditionally. II. Jesus Compliments an Examples of Love (Luke 7:36-47) A. During Jesus early Galilean ministry, he is invited into the home of a Pharisee named Simon. B. She had a reputation indicated by Luke s description of her as a sinner.
C. She comes to the house of Simon knowing that he was in the house (probably the courtyard where the public could gather to hear the discussion between two great Rabbis). D. This woman places love on display 1. Bowing 2. Kissing 3. Anointing 4. Wiping with tears E. Jesus identifies that the actions of the woman were based on how much she loved (verse 47) The Process Toward Commitment Love of God Faith in God Obedience to God III. Being Ceremonial to the Exclusion of the Love of God (Luke 11:42) A. Jesus condemns the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and Scribes for their loyalty to ceremony without the love of God. B. They were more concern with the act absent from the proper motive C. The love of God in this passage is probably about the love we have for God. The Pharisees lacked this because they loved the appearance of being religious more than God himself. IV. Jesus Prays that His Disciples Will Exemplify Love (John 17:26) A. Understanding the character (name) of God communicates love. B. Jesus desires that the love God had toward Jesus would be in his disciples. C. This Love was an intimate love between the Father and Son announced at the river Jordan (Matthew 3:17). Jesus is God s Beloved Son. (John 3:35, John 5:20)
Conclusion: The disciple of Christ must embrace love toward God as a root cause for his service. A disciple who does not love God is missing a key identifying mark of discipleship (John 13:34-35). To love God is the first commandment of priority that functions as the foundation upon which the Christian performs.