2. Lesson 2 The Considerations of Discipleship

3. Recap Why do churches and Christian families die out?
1. We have not intentionally passed our faith to our children.
2. We have neglected to train our converts to become teachers so that they can share their faith.
The success of our next generation depends on how faithfully the church trains members to share the gospel.

4. Introduction
The dictionary defines a disciple as, "Someone who follows another person and submits himself to the teaching of that leader or way”
In Greek, disciple “Mathetes” means a learner, one who accepts & follows the teaching (didaskalos) of his teacher.
Christians were first called disciples from the beginning of the church (Acts 6:1), hence Christian = disciple.
Later in Acts 11:26, disciples were called Christians. 256x vs 3 times.
A person cannot be a Christian and not be a disciple.

5. Make no Mistake about this…
Many Christians have relegated discipleship to something for others.
No member will say, “I’m not a Christian” but may deny being a disciple.
Christians = Disciples = Christians.
Matthew 28:19 -  go and make disciples.
Acts 2:47 - the Lord added to the church.
Acts 6:7 - number of disciples multiplied.
In Acts 11:26 - disciples were called Christians.

6. 1. Look Before You Leap
Luke 14:28 - For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?
Luke 14:18 - And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
John 6:60, 66 - Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Matthew 13: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

7. 2. Three Marks of a Christian Disciple
Chiefly, a Learner and Doer: Jn 8:31 - if you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
2. Touch another with love of Christ: Jn 13:35 - By this all will know that you are My disciples if you have love for one another.
3. Bearing much fruit: Jn. 15:8 - By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.
Bottom line: Commitment - Luke 14:27 - Whosoever doth not bear his own cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.
1. Look Before You Leap

8. 3. Three Requirements of a Christian Disciple
1. Deny self: Lk. 9:23 - If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself…
Phil 1:21 - For me to live is Christ…
2. Bearing our cross: Lk. 14:27 - And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be my disciple.
Gal. 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ.
3. Putting God first in our lives: Lk. 14:26 - If any comes to me and does not hate… yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
Bottom line: God calls us to singleness of mind - Lk. 14:33 - Whoever does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple. Free but costly.
1. Look Before You Leap
2. Three Marks of a Christian Disciple

9. 4. Three Goals of Christian Discipleship
To be a disciple one must follow the leader: 1 Peter 2:21 - Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps.
1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.
2. Make disciples: Mt. 28:19 - Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations.
We are signposts pointing to Jesus.
Teaching the converted: Mt. 28:20 - Teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.
Bottom line: We should direct disciples to the Bible and to be like Jesus.
1. Look Before You Leap
2. Three Marks of a Christian Disciple
3. Three Requirements of a Christian

10. 5. Three Rewards of a Christian Disciple
Jesus offers a peace that the world cannot give - John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
2. He offers unconditional, unchanging love - John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
3. He promises eternal life - Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Bottom line: There are both present and future blessings.
1. Look Before You Leap
2. Three Marks of a Christian Disciple
3. Three Requirements of a Christian
4. Three Goals of a Christian Disciple

11. Summary We need to seek the Lord’s Strength. We cannot do it alone.
Phil. 4:13 – “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.”
Learn -- 2 Tim. 3:16, 17
Obey and Follow -- Mark 8:34
Ready to Submit -- Rom. 12:1
Devotion to Service -- Luke 16:13
Next Week: The Cultivation of a new disciple

12. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Does my life truly reflect and define the meaning of Christian discipleship?
If not, in what area of discipleship am I lacking? How can I improve?
Which of the points in today’s lesson you find most helpful? Share with your group.
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