"Evidences of Discipleship"

Matthew 28:18–19 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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,

Disciple = “a learner of Jesus who accepts the teaching of his Master, not only in belief but in lifestyle.”

Difference between Christian and disciple - anyone can hide behind the label Christian. In fact, churches all across this city, state, and nation will be filled with people who identify as “Christian.” We have made Christianity easy/comfortable, haven’t we? Just say this prayer, follow the right formula and you’re in! We’ve made it more about not going to hell than we have taking up our crosses and following Jesus.

So, what does the life of a disciple look like? Sanders gives us 4 principles:

The Continuance Principle

John 8:31–32 ESV

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Abide - remain - continue…Jesus also says later in the gospel of John that not only are we to abide in his word, but his word is to abide in us.

Sanders calls this the “inward” view of discipleship.

ASK: WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “ABIDE” OR “CONTINUE” IN HIS WORD? Is it simply having a “life verse?” You know, it’s funny to me that we all have “life verses” and they’re usually the uplifting ones - not the tough ones! Think about it in terms of gasoline in a car. The gas is what keeps the car going. The gas doesn’t discriminate as to what kind of terrain or conditions the car is in. The gas just powers the car because the car is supposed to go - regardless.

Sanders says on pg. 29 - “Our discipleship begins with the reception of the Word. Continuance in the Word is the evidence of reality.”

How many people make a decision for Christ based on impulse but never count the cost?

Story of Columba

The Love Principle

John 13:34–35 ESV

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The “outward” view of discipleship - our relationships with others.

Page 32 - “Our love must not be selective - because of family or social ties, or because they are neighbors geographically - but simply because we are obligated to share the love of Christ with others.”

Regardless of race, nationality, background, appearance, sexuality, etc. We tend to love people who are like us. That’s easy!

Hebrews 13:2 ESV

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Selfless Love

Forgiving Love

Sacrificial Love

No limit to the sacrifices He was prepared to make.

“The supreme evidence of discipleship, the authentic badge, is genuine love for one another.”

1 Corinthians 13:2 ESV

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

The Fruit Principle

John 15:7–8 ESV

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

A fruitless disciple of Christ is a contradiction of terms. If there is no real fruit in our lives, we cannot claim to be true disciples.

Sanders says, “What constitutes the ‘fruit’ of which the Lord spoke? Primarily the fruit is for God and His glory, and only secondarily for man. It is manifested in two areas:

Fruit in Character

“The Inward Life”

Galatians 5:22–23 ESV

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Listen…these aren’t spiritual gifts…we don’t get more of one and less of another.

Fruit in Service

“outward ministry”

John 4:35–36 ESV

Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest. Already the one who reaps is receiving wages and gathering fruit for eternal life, so that sower and reaper may rejoice together.

“Fruit is seen when souls are won for Christ, discipled by concerned disciples, and led on to spiritual maturity. The fruit-bearing that is an authentic mark of discipleship is not automatic but conditional.” If we are not dying daily…if we are not being filled...

Ephesians 5:8–11 ESV

for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.

Ephesians 5:8

Ephesians 5:14–21 ESV

for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says, “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5:14-21

Have you made at least one disciple yet? How has Jesus’ commission shaped the way you treat others?

What does it mean to you to “continue” (abide) in Christ’s word?

In which of the three principles (inward, outward, upward) are you currently making the most progress? Why?