Disciplines of Discipleship

The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship

The Discipline of Discipleship

John 15:1-11

   I hope you are enjoying this study as much as I am.  There are so many things to think about and remember as we grow as mature, disciple-making disciples that we can get bogged down in too many intricate details.  So today let’s just look at the bottom-line basics to be a well-disciplined disciple.  Now, as we start we have to remember these are not one time concepts.  We don’t just do it and walk away.  Nike’s slogan is “Just Do It.”  A disciple’s slogan is to be, “Just Keep Doing It.”  Doing what?  I am so glad you asked.  To be a disciplined disciple one must always…

 

Participate in Eventual Pruning

   We will eventually be pruned or we will escape pruning.

   Trouble is if we don’t get pruned we are dead.

You can make something dead look alive.

You can never make something alive from something dead.

God decides what gets cut and how!

 

Produce External Production

 You are personally responsible for the produce produced.

  What is fruit?

      That which perpetuates the nature and being of the original.

      That which pleases the owner/vinedresser.

      That which comes as a result of be picked-on, picked-up, and

      picked-over.

 

Provide Evidential Proof

  We can chat all day about what we think we are doing for God but   

   the proof is in the proof!

   True disciples know prayer is answered.

   True disciples glorify the one they are mimicking.  Obedience!

   True disciples bear much fruit.

     

Praise with Eternal Pleasure

  True joy is only available to a disciple.

   True joy is a by-product of following Jesus.

   True joy is a process of continual work.

Development of Discipleship

The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship

The Development of Discipleship

John 14:16-31

   Having made the choice and understanding the destination of discipleship presents us with a new challenge.  We must now comprehend what steps are necessary for mature development as a disciple.  If it is a growth process then we must grow.  If we don’t grow we die as followers and become useless to the Kingdom.  Praise God He has given us a wonderful plan to fully develop into disciple-making disciples.  Today we focus on the basic development principles that are geared toward proper growth.  Too often we want to side-step these practices and we miss this vital teaching.  We jump from John 14 to 15 without realizing why Jesus introduces the Holy Spirit at this juncture.  Well let me share with you why.  Our development is dependent upon…

 

Enjoying the Encourager.

   God is present supernaturally within the personhood of every believer.

1.    He is there to Encourage.

2.    He is there to Support.

3.    He is there to Partner.

4.    He is there to Impart.

 

Embracing the Exclusiveness.

  The maturing disciple must quickly come to terms with their special nature.

1.    Jesus asks God on your behalf.

2.    There are requirements to be privy to the Holy Spirit.

3.    No other created thing has the promise of Jesus’ partnership.

 

Expecting the Un-Expected

  What happens when believers, by nature and habit start abiding in the Word of God?

   Read John 14:12-14.

   Read John 15:7

   What has to be the deciding factor in us praying effectively?

     

Enduring the Embattlement

  The purpose of peace

   The failure in fear.

   The encroaching enemy

Destination of Discipleship

The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship

The Destination of Discipleship

John 14:1-15  (15:7-8)

   Hopefully we have made the choice to become disciples.  The subject of study is Jesus and we can do nothing better than simply following Him wherever and however He leads us.  Since following implies movement we have to understand where movement may be taking us.  Most of the time it is enough to keep focused on Jesus but to know where He is leading is crucial to proper development along the way.  So where is Jesus leading us?  What is so special about the destination we are striving to reach?  If simply following is not enough, what else should we be doing in order to: A. keep following Him.  B, realize the solidarity in moving in our own direction as well.  Well anyway let’s let John help us unpack the deep theological truth to this destination.  To reach it we have to understand and follow…

 

The Declaration of a Disciple’s Destination.

   Are we of the “way” or “in” the way?

1.    Jesus “IS” the WAY!

2.    Jesus “IS” the TRUTH!

3.    Jesus “IS” the LIFE!

 

The Direction of the Disciple’s Departure

  In order to embark we must meet three criteria.

1.    We have to have Profound Revelation.

2.    We have to have Proper Resources.

3.    We have to take Personal Responsibility.

 

The Drive of the Disciple’s Development

  As disciples mature they produce more and more evidence

   of their development.

   But no disciple will move 1 inch without exercising faith.

   It’s all about God and never about us!

     

The Danger of the Disciple’s Delinquency

  Do you love Jesus?

  Are ya doing what He tells ya to do?

  What exactly would that be then?  Can you describe it?

 

Desire for Discipleship

The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship

The Desire of a Disciple

Luke 9:23-27

   As we begin the New Year we will do so with discipleship as our theme.  Therefore, we should all embrace the true, Biblical concept of being and doing what disciples are to be and do.  As silly as it may sound very few church members are actually disciples as well.  To be a disciple means we are following Jesus to the point where we influence others to follow as well who then influence others to follow too.  So, today we have to choose; to be... or not to be?  That is the question Jesus is asking each of us today.  How will you respond?  Jesus mentions three obstacles that will interfere with your ability to properly choose.  These obstacles can be overcome when properly observed through the eyes of a disciple.

 

 

I.  Carefully Ponder your Personhood

   Have you ever thought about discipleship?

1.    Do you have the Personality?

2.    Are you Present enough to be a disciple?

3.    What are you trying to Protect?

 

 

 

II. Creatively Prioritize your Possessions

   So what does Bill Gates have that I don’t have?

   Denying self means making everything at least second-place in your life.    

1.    Does Jesus get the first of our finances?

2.    Does Jesus get the first of our time and talents?

3.    Does Jesus get the best of our relationship?

 

 

 

III. Completely Prepared for His Presence

   Jesus is coming again… how ready are we?

A.   We should be proud to call Him Savior and Lord.

B.   We should be eager to obey His Word.

C.   We must to be ready to give an accounting to Him personally.

New AM sermon series

Hey I have finally got around to posting the new sermon series on discipleship.  Feel free to learn and grow in your personal walk with Jesus!