What is a Disciple

What is a disciple?

Introduction

- Start by greeting your audience.

Def: "disciple" as someone who follows and learns from a teacher.

for the Christian, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus and learns from His teachings.

Point 1: A disciple is called to follow Jesus

Jesus calls Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him.

Matthew 4:18-22

Matthew 4:18–22 NASB95

18 Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 Going on from there He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and He called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed Him.

discipleship begins with a call from Jesus,

Jesus Called them first, they responded to His Call

We often wait

There’s a cost

often requiring us to leave behind our old ways and follow Him.

It can’t be put off or delayed

immediacy of their response and their willingness to leave everything behind.

Point 2: A disciple is committed to learning and obeying

Jesus commands His disciples to go and make more disciples, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded.

Matthew 28:18–20 NASB95

18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

- Highlight the importance of learning Jesus' teachings and applying them to our lives.

- Discuss how discipleship involves growth in knowledge, understanding, and obedience.

Point 3: A disciple loves as Jesus loved

Jesus' commandment to love one another as He has loved us.

John 13:34–35 NASB95

34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Discuss how love is central to discipleship.

True discipleship is marked by love for God and love for others.

The Kingdom Way is to Love God and Love Others so they can Love God and Love Others

play Song

Emphasize that love is not just a feeling but an action.

We are called to serve, forgive, and care for others.

Point 4: A disciple bears fruit

John 15:1–8 NASB95

1 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. 3 “You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing. 6 “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. 7 “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

- Discuss how disciples are called to bear fruit in their lives—good works, transformed character, and bringing others to Christ.

- Explain that bearing fruit is a natural outcome of a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus.

Point 5: A disciple lives a life of sacrifice and service

Jesus' call to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Luke 9:23–24 NASB95

23 And He was saying to them all, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. 24 “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.

Discuss how discipleship involves sacrifice and surrender.

We must be willing to put God's will above our own.

Emphasize the importance of serving others and living a life that reflects the values of God's kingdom.

Conclusion

A disciple follows Jesus, learns and obeys His teachings, loves others as Jesus loved, bears fruit, and lives a life of sacrifice and service.

Encourage your audience to reflect on their own discipleship journey.

Are they truly following Jesus? How can they grow as His disciples?

Close with a prayer, asking God to help everyone present grow in their discipleship and walk closely with Jesus.