Discipleship (Part 1) The Marks of a Disciple

Feb. 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Matthew 28:19,20
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

3 Key points:
1, We are called to be disciples : We are here not just to be "believers", part of a church, one in the church going crowd, somewhat religious, etc. but we are here to become disciples of Jesus Christ.

2, Disciples are "made" : Disciples don't happen by accident - there is a process that we yield ourselves to, to become disciples of Jesus Christ.

3, Jesus intends for disciples to make more disciples:

We are starting a series on "Discipleship : Becoming and Making Disciples".

Our objective is to learn how to become disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ and also how to make disciples.

disciple = a learner, one who follows another's teaching.
"A "disciple" was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher" (Vines Dictionary)

A disciple is a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ who strives to be like Jesus.

Today Part 1: The Marks of A Disciple

What did the Lord Jesus say would be the "identifying marks" that would characterize those who would be His disciples?

1, As a disciple, I obey (remain in) His Word

John 8:31,32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

Matthew 28:20
20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

2, As a disciple, I walk in love, just as I am loved

John 13:34,35
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

3, As a disciple, I pursue fruitfulness in life

John 15:8 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

Jesus described the Father’s “pruning” (John 15:2) as necessary for greater fruitfulness.

4, As a disciple, I endeavor to be Like Jesus

Matthew 10:24,25
24 "A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master.
25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!

Luke 6:40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.

1 Corinthians 11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

1 John 2:6 He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

5, As a disciple, I carry my cross (sacrifice, separation, suffering)

Matthew 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Luke 14:26,27,33
26 "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

The cross is a place of sacrifice, separation from the world and suffering for the sake of the Kingdom.

Watch the sermon video at https://vimeo.com/59043982