SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES - DISCIPLESHIP

We have talked about how meditation heightens our spiritual sensitivity – which leads us to prayer. Prayers leads us to incorporate fasting as a means of deepening our prayer life, which in turns leads us to deeper study.

We talked about how the discipline of simplicity takes our focus off of things and we can live freely with others. Solitude allows us to be more intentional and present with people. Submission calls us to live in peace with others without manipulation which through service allows us to bless them as well.

Confession frees us to allows us to worship without baggage and when we worship with unabandonment and live out these aspects of discipline they open the door to guidance which cumulates with celebration and rejoice in the joy of the Lord.

And with Celebration – always looking for ways to celebrate or turn a regular event into a celebration for the Lord.

This last discipline we are talking about today is not one Foster discussed but it is important. It requires us to follow the last command of Jesus Christ that He gave us right before He ascended into Heaven. It is the discipline of Discipleship.

I. Why Discipleship?

We are not meant to do life alone

Genesis 1:26a – Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness…”

Genesis 2:18a – Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone;

We are called to be in relationship – not to be alone – should carry over to every aspect of our lives

We are created in God’s Image – who is a creator – maker – we are called to be makers as well

Biblical Examples

Moses Discipled Joshua

Elijah Discipled Elisha

Paul Discipled Timothy

Barnabas Discipled John Mark

Jesus commanded it –

Matthew 28:19-20 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Go therefore and make – the literal translation is as you are going, as you are moving – time is not a excuse to not make disciples

1 Peter 3:15 – but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

We honor Christ when we follow His commandments – Love God Love Others Make Disciples

II. What Is Discipleship?

Not evangelism or preaching – it’s not having all the answers

It's becoming Christ like and helping others on their Journey.

1 Thessalonians 2:8 – So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

NIV Translation - Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well

(Penn from Penn and Teller)

2 Corinthians 3:18 – And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

Understand that it is a process –

We all have our part to play –

1 Corinthians 3:6 – I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.

Not done alone –

1 Corinthians 3:5 – What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.

First we must be discipled!

Who is speaking into your life?

Not a sprint – not short term – marathon – long distance –

Titus 2: 7 – Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus 3:1 – Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

Titus 3:7-8 – so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.

1. Must be of sound speech – Know the Word – to know you must read the Word

2. Integrity – Must be true – no deceit in your actions or words – truth is in you

3. Model of good works – deeds – James 2:18 – But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

4. Extending the Grace the was given to you

What does this have to do with discipleship –

Where Grace and Word Intersect –

1. Know – Know what God has saved you from – Know what God has done in your life and be willing to be transparent

Where Word and Truth intersect –

1. Feed – feed the person you are discipling – talk about your reading that day, talk about how to apply it

Where Truth and Deed Intersect –

1. Protect – give advice, direction, guidance – be willing to receive advice, direction, and guidance,

Ephesians 6:11-13 – Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.

2. Protect your testimony – repent and seek forgiveness

1 John 1:9-10 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

Where Deed and Grace Intersect –

1. Lead – Lead by example – help lead in all aspects of life – be willing to offer help when asked

Ephesians 2:8-10 – For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

1. Simple

2. Participatory

3. Relaxed

4. Meet anywhere

III. How Do We Engage in Discipleship?

I don’t have time -

Start simple – do life together – walking in relationship – being intentional with your conversations.

1. Follow Jesus

2. Be changed by Jesus

3. Be On Mission for Jesus

It has been stated you cannot be a believer and not a disciple – all disciples in turn disciple someone else.

Matthew 4:19 – And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

Jesus will make you – just follow Him – don’t over complicate it! Leave your comfort zone and trust in the Lord!

God must be priority over comfort – God has to be the most important thing in our life

Can't just disciple anyone – they have to want to be discipled (Jim and Shannon situation without names)

They left – Jesus didn’t bribe them, entice them away

Matthew 4:20 – Immediately they left their nets and followed him.

Theodore Roosevelt said – “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care”

Remember people are willing to talk if we talk with them not AT them

Who do you speaking into your life? Who is discipling you?

Who in your life can you disciple?

What is stopping you?

Let us Pray!

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