Discipleship 1

Memory Verse:  You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. John 15:16 (NLT).

Spiritual Emphasis: Discipleship is a journey of spiritual growth that involves believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, learning from Jesus, striving to live more like Jesus, sharing the Good News with non-believers, teaching, loving God and others, denying oneself, being firm in God’s word, fellowship with other believers, and imitating Christ.

Text: Matthew 4:19-22

Who is a disciple?

• A disciplined follower of Jesus Christ: A follower is first and foremost a believer – John 14:12; John 15:16.
• Chosen: A disciple is chosen. Christ chose us, we did not choose ourselves. To be chosen means to be consecrated – the act of setting apart a person to the worship and service of God – 1 Chron. 29:5; Heb. 7:28.
• Ordained: To be ordained means to be sanctified. Sanctification is a process by which a person is set apart for the use of God – 1 Thess. 5:23; 2 Tim. 2:19-21.

Question: How can a disciple bear fruits and abide in Christ?

Conclusion

True disciple is committed to following Jesus to the end, and to live as if Christ died yesterday, rose today, and will return tomorrow. As a disciple of Christ, we are members of a community where we provide feedback and encouragement to one another, thereby fostering growth, unity, maturity and accountability to one another.

Shalom!Self-Study: Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8; Romans 10:14-15; John 1:45; John 15:16; Ephesians 4:16; Matthew 4:19-20; Titus 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:2.