The Call to Discipleship

Acts 11:19–26 NKJV

Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

Are You a “Christian”?

The term “Christian” is found three times in the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16).

Many profess to be a “Christian”, but they do not follow Jesus Christ.

These are often referred to as “nominal” Christians, i.e., Christians in “name” only.

Today’s Christians are more like fans than followers.

They are willing to wear the t-shirt but not the uniform.

They are willing to sit in the stands than be on the field.

They want to stay in a safe place rather than take a chance of being hurt.

They will tell the coach how to play the game rather than play according to his game plan.

They don’t want to commit to training practices.

They don’t want to be part of the team.

They prefer being entertained than being engaged.

A “Christian” is a disciple of Jesus Christ.

The “disciples were first called “Christians” at Antioch.

Are you a fan or a follower of Jesus Christ?

Would you qualify as a “Christian” by the New Testament standard of discipleship?

Are You a “Believer” or a “Disciple”?

The term “Christian” is often misunderstood to mean “believer”.

There is a difference between a “believer” and a “disciple”.

They profess to believe, but they live like they don’t.

They “talk the talk” but do not “walk the walk”.

“Your talk talks and your walk talks, but your walk talks louder than your talk talks.”

Does your walk back up your talk?

Is “believing” in Jesus enough?

Matthew 7:21–23 NKJV

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

James 2:17–19 NKJV

Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!

John 8:28–36 NKJV

Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ‘You will be made free’?” Jesus answered them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.

A “disciple” is a dedicated follower of the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

The term “disciple” is used 269 times in the New Testament.

The Jews who “believed” in Jesus proved they were not disciples of Jesus.

Their “belief” in Him was casual, convenient, and conditional.

They turned on Jesus when He called them to discipleship.

Jesus said they were not true children of Abraham.

Jesus said they were of their father, the devil!

They were ready to stone the One in Whom they formerly believed!

Discipleship is the evidence that a person is a true believer in Jesus Christ.

Do you believe? Are you following Jesus Christ? If not, why not?

Jesus Calls Us to be Disciples

Matthew 10:38 NKJV

And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.

John 8:31–32 NKJV

Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

WWJD (“What Would Jesus Do?): How can we do what Jesus would do if we don’t know what Jesus did?

John 10:4 NKJV

And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

Jesus Commands Us to Make Disciples

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

To be a disciple is to make disciples.

In our home, church, community, region, nation, and world.

Making disciples is Christ’s command.

Disciple-makers teach (by word and example) others to “observe” (follow and obey) “all things” that Jesus commanded (of His disciples).

Response to the Word

Have you believed in Jesus Christ in full surrender and obedience?

Are you a “fan” or a “follower” of Jesus Christ?

Are you making disciples?

Is your life an example of a true disciple?

Are you helping others to know and understand what Christ commands?