The Truth about Discipleship

Introduction

Situation

The question we should ask in the age we live in is this; are we really clear about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?

I believe that there are some things about being a disciple of Christ that many of us have overlooked would like to completely remove or not even considered at all. Yet Jesus makes it very clear. Just being raised in a Christian home or being associated with a Church or even if you attend regular church services doesn't make you a disciple of Christ. When Jesus performed miracles and taught in the synagogs, he had crowds who followed him and listened to his teachings. Jesus seemed to love the crowds but made a distinction between the people in the crowds listening to him from actual those who were followers. The crowds were potential disciples. We see in Luke 10:2 that Jesus referred to the crowds of folks as being part of the harvest but had something different to say about the laborers. To those whom he referred to as the laborers were given supernatural power and his authority and were sent out into the harvest with specific instructions.

Complication

When we look at Matthew 10 we see those instructions. We also see the warnings beginning in Matthew 10:16. “Behold I send you out in the midst of wolves. In Matthew 10:17 he says “Beware of men that will hand you over and scourge you in the synagogues!” That word scourge in Matthew 10:17 means to beat you severely! The verse that we really would like to take a black permanent marker to in our bibles is Matthew 10:21 “ brother will betray brother to death”and Matthew 10:22 “ You will be hated by all because of my name.”

The problem in many of our churches is we only teach a glorified watered down version of the Christian experience. We only talk about the Jesus that performs miracles. We leave out the truth about being a disciple of Christ that you will be hated , betrayed or even killed just for doing the very thing that the Lord called you to do! This danger is not something that only applies to the 1st century believer but it is happening today! not so much in America but other parts of the world folks are being executed for their faith. Do not be the one that believes that we are immune from this. Jesus told us it will happen.

Resolution

what is the believer supposed to do?

Do Not fear

Look at Verse 26

Matthew 10:26–28 NASB95

26 “Therefore do not fear them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. 27 “What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim upon the housetops. 28 “Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Explanation

Illustration

Application

Trust His Plan for your Life

Matthew 10:29–31 NASB95

29 “Are not two sparrows sold for a cent? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 “So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.

Explanation

Illustration

Application

Boldly Declare Jesus

Explanation

Illustration

Application

Celebration