What Is A Disciple Series

What is A Disciple?

Matthew 4:23

A Disciple of Jesus is rational.

1. A disciple of Jesus is one who learns (they are students). There is a difference between teaching and imparting knowledge. Imparting knowledge is simply giving out information. Teaching occurs when we acquire knowledge and then put that knowledge into practice.

2. Because teaching occurs when we put knowledge into practice, a disciple of Christ is obedient to his commandments. This means a disciple of Jesus hears the Word of God, listens to the Word of God and demonstrates the Word of God. (Luke 6:46-49)

3. A disciple is converted to Jesus!

Matthew 4:48-49 + John 1:1-14

A disciple of Jesus is relational.

1. Consider the differences between the methodology of disciple’s religious leaders (impersonal) x Jesus (intimate)

2. A disciple of Jesus is committed. This highlights our relationship with Christ. (John 13:14-15) ** Consider the commitment to your wife **

3. Consider the way(s) we relate to God:

a. Life over God: We exchange God’s principles for man’s formulas. (Controllable outcomes).

b. Life under God: We live with the cause and effect belief (we obey God, he blesses us).

c. Life from God: We want God’s gifts and his blessing but we are not really all that interested in Him.

d. Life with God: God wants us to partner with him. (John 1:14) God invites us to dance with him (we need to be in sync with him).

4. A Disciple is converted to Jesus and his people.

Matthew 4:19

A Disciple of Jesus is missional.

1. Jesus showed his followers how to do life and he sent them out to do life. (He went out with them and he sent them out 2 by 2).

2. Being a follower of Jesus means that we trust Jesus. (Our faith must grow! If we don’t live out our faith, we don’t grow. Spiritual disciplines are key in this area.

3. The cross represents the Christian life as marked by suffering; the empty tomb represents the Christian life as victorious.

4. We are called to make disciples (Matthew 28:16-20) This is where you pick up in the next lesson.

5. A disciple is converted to Jesus, his people and his mission.