2. The Meaning of Discipleship
River Bend
March 23, 2014

3. Introduction
18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20

4. Introduction What is a disciple?
one who engages in learning through instruction from another, pupil, apprentice
a personal follower of Christ - Is that all?
A biblical viewpoint of discipleship -
Matthew 10:25; Luke 6:40
Purpose of our study

5. The Call of Discipleship
The disciples of Christ -
Mark 3: “13 And He went up on the mountain and summoned those whom He Himself wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He appointed twelve, so that they would be with Him and that He could send them out to preach,”
They were chosen and called by Jesus - Mark 1:17; 2:14

6. The Call of Discipleship
Our calling to become disciples -
John 6:44 - “44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up on the last day.”
2 Thessalonians 2:14 - “14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

7. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
The establishment and continuing of a relationship -
Luke 14:26, 27 - “If anyone come to Me…and come after Me…”
C.G. Caldwell - “…In coming “to” Jesus we forsake all other paths. In coming “after” Jesus we maintain a true and steady course on the path that He directs.”

8. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
How much am I willing to love Christ?
Is this a contradiction of Scripture?
“Honor your father and mother” - Exodus 20:7; Ephesians 6:2
“Love your enemies” - Matthew 5:44
“Love your neighbors as yourself” - Matthew 22:39; Luke 19:18

9. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
How much am I willing to love Christ?
Similar pictures in Scripture -
Genesis 29: Jacob’s love for Rachel
2 Corinthians 3: The glory of one compared to the other.
The love manifested in Jesus’ own life - Matthew 12:46-50

10. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
How much am I willing to love Christ?
Is Christ given preeminence? - Colossians 1:18
Matthew 10:37 - “37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me; and he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.”

11. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus -
Followed in the footsteps of God -
David - 1 Kings 14:8; Elijah - 1 Kings 18:21; Josiah - 2 Kings 23:3
A command of grave importance - Matthew 10:38; 16:24; Mark 8:38; Luke 9:23; 14:27

12. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus -
“even his own life” = “carry his own cross” - Ephesians 5:29; Luke 9:57- 58

13. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
Walking in the footsteps of Jesus -
The standard of discipleship was set by Christ -
1 Peter 2:21 - “21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,” (cf. 1 John 2:6)

14. The Exacting of Discipleship Luke 14:25-33
There is a great cost to being Jesus’ disciple -
Building a tower - Proverbs 24:3-4; 2 John 8
Going to war - Proverbs 24:5-6
How far am I willing to go?
Matthew 19: The Rich Young Ruler
Philippians 3:8; Matthew 6:33

15. Conclusion What is result of one giving everything to follow Jesus?
Luke 18: “29 And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive many times as much at this time and in the age to come, eternal life.” (cf. Matthew 19:29)