Disciples Who Make Disciples Series

Introduction

Good Morning Everyone!

Today is Discipleship Sunday so I would like to begin our time with some facts and fictions about discipleship.

#. 1: Discipleship is something I can do by myself—just Jesus and me.

Fact 1: Discipleship is relational. To be obedient to the Great Commission, we need to be disciples who are making disciples of Jesus.

#. 2: Discipling others is too complicated—let the professionals do it.

Fact 2: Discipling others is actually not so complicated. Fishermen and tax collectors who had no formal theology training did it.

#. 3: Discipleship is a program of the church.

Fact 3: Discipleship is not a program, it’s a lifestyle. Every Christian should live a lifestyle of discipleship – all the time.

#. 4: Making disciples is fine if you find it fulfilling.

Fact 4: It’s not all about self-fulfillment. Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

#. 5: Seriously, I’m so busy, I don’t see any way to add more into my life.

Fact 5: If we totally buy in to our cultural value of “busyness,” discipleship will not take place. We must value the things of God and make room for discipleship.

#. 6: Discipleship can be accomplished through Christian fellowship.

Fact 6: Discipleship is intentional. It’s time invested in a few people, on purpose. That’s how Jesus did it.

This morning, we will look at the way how Jesus made disciples and learn three key components of discipleship. First component is…

Relationship

In Matthew 4:18-20, we see that as Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake as they were fishermen. Jesus said, “Come, follow me.” Immediately, they left their nets and followed Him. Jesus invited them to be in a relationship with Him. This simple invitation changed their lives, the lives of other disciples, and later the world. This invitation, “Come, follow me” is rooted in a simple and often overlooked truth - Discipleship happens in the context of relationship.

In the three years following their initial call to follow Jesus, the disciples grew in their relationship with Him and, as well as their relationship with one another. He poured into twelve disciples during those three years. The number one thing that Jesus did was to get involved in their lives. He was intentional in relating to them as a group and also individually. Jesus knew their personalities, weaknesses, strength and areas for development. Jesus was intentional in building relationship with His disciples. Everything He did with them and for them was intentionally geared toward helping them in their maturity.

In addition to being intentional, Jesus made Himself available to His disciples. He met with His disciples in a regular basis. In fact, He was with them almost 24/7. His availability to His disciples shows that they are His priority. For Jesus, discipleship was not just a program or a Bible study, it was a relationship. And it was not just a casual relationship, it was a close relationship.

Application

Brothers and sisters, discipleship happens in the context of relationship! Whether you are discipling someone or being discipled , you need to make yourself available. No matter how spiritually gifted we are and how much theology we know, “People won’t care what we know, until they know that we care.” Our availability communicates that we care about the relationship.

In addition, our discipleship should include more than just weekly meetings and Bible studies. Eat out together, play sports together, and do things that they would enjoy. This way they see our life outside a discipleship setting. And we need to demonstrate our vulnerability with our small group. If share our own struggles and challenges, it’s going to be easier for others in the group to be open too.

But, if we come across as a perfect discipler who doesn’t have any issues or problems, then they will not be open and vulnerable about their issues and struggles. It takes time to reach that point in our relationship, but we need to move toward that direction. Openness and vulnerability strengthens our relationship with each other. Brothers and sisters, when we disciple someone, we are not taking on a project, we are investing in a person. Therefore, building relationship should be the key component of our discipleship.

Another key component of discipleship is…

2. God’s Word

In Matthew chapter 24 we see Jesus teaching His disciples on the Mount of Olives. He was teaching them regarding His Second Coming. And we see Him quoting the Old Testament scripture as He teaches His disciples. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus commissions His disciples saying, “And teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”