Studies

Discipleship: Jesus is the focus

Introduction:

Being disciples is a “Jesus thing,” in that we are doing what he modeled and commanded for the purpose of becoming more like him and helping others to do the same.  He is our example to imitate and the constant focus of our discipling efforts.  Without this focus discipling will become no more than a tradition at best and a burden at worst.  [In this LIFE group] we will focus on Jesus and pose the question: “ What does it mean to be a disciple?”  His answer: to follow a leader, to follow on his terms and to follow for training.

I.                    To Follow a Leader

A.      Paul was trained by Gamaliel – Acts 22:3

B.      John The Baptist had disciples who followed him

1.       Mark 2:18  “John’s disciples”

2.       Luke 11:1 They were taught to pray by John

3.       John 3:25 John’s disciples argued wit a certain Jew

4.       Matthew 11:2 They were near John while in prison

5.       Mark 6:29 They buried his body

C.      Jesus had disciples as well which was a common thing

1.       To follow meant to face the same dangers he faced

2.       His disciples would be identified as a followers of Jesus

3.       Luke 6:40 A disciple is to be like his teacher

4.       John 15:20 No servant is greater than his master

5.       John 12:26 Whoever serves me must follow me

In our society, we are taught to be our own man, to make our own mark in history, we are taught to go and make something out of ourselves.  How can we overcome this challenge? 

II.                  To Follow on His Terms

A.      Relationship with Christ

1.       John 8:31-32 Hold to his teaching

2.       Luke 6:46 Do what he says

-          It goes beyond logic and intellect, to understand Jesus truth, you must obey

B.      Relationship with Other Disciples

1.       John 13:34-35 Love one another as Christ has loved us

2.       Isaiah 11:6-9 - Isaiah’s Vision of God’s kingdom established by Jesus

C.      Relationship to the World

1.       John 15:8 Be disciples of Jesus by loving the lost

2.       Luke 19:10 Seek and to Save

D.      Defining Commitment

1.       Luke 9:22-26

a. Jesus lead the way and called us to do the same

b.  Take up the cross, not bearing the cross is not an option

2.       Luke 14:33 Jesus is either Lord of all or not

III.                To Follow for Training

A.      Matthew 11:29 Jesus wants us to learn from him

B.      Luke 11:1 disciples were eager to be taught: “teach us”  

C.      A disciple’s motivation: “I want to be like Jesus, teach me, shape me and mold me to be like Jesus!”

D.      Discipling-partner relationships are welcomed by eager hearts to learn

 LIFE Group Discussion Questions:

1. Discuss what does it mean to be a disciple.
2. What does it mean to be totally committed to the leader Jesus Christ?
3. On whose terms have you been following Jesus?
4. What does it mean to take up your cross daily?
5. In what areas do you need further training?  Do you love being discipled?