DiscipleShift Part 1 - Answer the Call

Introduction

What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus?

What does it look like to be a devoted, dedicated disciple?

Is there a difference between a self-defined or culturally defined Christian and a Biblically-defined or Jesus-defined Christian?

If so, then which one matters more and holds eternal weight?

Is there a difference between a Christian and a Disciple?

As we look at the idea of being a disciple, I think it is fair to assess that there is a great need to shift our understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus to more biblical definition.

Luke 5:1–11 ESV

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.

1) Jesus’ Disciples Trust Him!

Despite their own conventional wisdom, disciples trust Jesus more than themselves.

Despite their own efforts and comfort levels, disciples trust Jesus more than themselves.

2) Jesus’ Disciples Yield to Him!

A disciples understands that Jesus is holy and they are not.

A disciple is overwhelmed and moved to action at the very presence of Jesus.

3) Jesus’ Disciples are Becoming New!

Jesus calls Peter to a whole new identity!

It takes time to become new and grow in that newness…this is called being born again (More of that next week.)

4) Jesus’ Disciples Follow Him!

It takes effort and discipline to be a disciple.

Anyone who claims a belief in Jesus but has no spirit-driven disciplines producing life-change in their lives are people defining their belief rather than their belief defining them.

You cannot claim Jesus without letting Jesus claim you!

A preacher may call you to Jesus, but Jesus calls you to a life-changing, life-defining adventure with Him.

A disciple must answer the call or they are not truly a disciple!

CLOSING

A disciple is not someone who simply attends church or follows rituals. They give their lives over to Jesus and are growing into exclusive obedience to Him. Their belief is not mere acknowledgment…it is life defining!