Discipleship

Living Out Our Faith

Discipleship. 

1. What is a disciple? What is discipleship?

   1. The Greek word mathétés refers to a disciple, a learner, a pupil. Biblically speaking this is someone who follows Christ. Used 263 times in the NT. 

   2. The Greek word mathéteuó refers to the training of a disciple, otherwise known as discipleship. Used 4 times in the NT. 

   3. A few characteristics of a disciple are…

      1. One who is assured of his salvation (John 3:16) and is activated by the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:26-27), growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior (2 Peter 3:18), and who shares Christ’s burden for the lost souls of men and women (Matthew 9:37-38).

2. What does discipleship look like? 

   1. “But true discipleship is not just about hanging out. True discipleship is about embracing gospel truths in the context of a biblical community that results in life change. It's about visibly seeing sanctification in the life of a new believer. It's about progressively becoming more aware of our sinfulness and of God's holiness. It's about the cross looming larger and larger in our lives as we embrace gospel truths.” - Jay Bauman, writer for Ligonier. 

   2. This small group is a form of discipleship! Having a mentor is a form of discipleship! Doing a bible study is a form of discipleship! There are many different groups or settings where discipleship can take place. 

   3. I’ve noticed that discipleship is usually most efficient when done with fewer people, such as a one on one study with a leader or friend. If anyone desires to have someone help disciple them outside of the group setting we can do so! 

   4. It is crucial to furthering our sanctification! Just like how evangelism is the means for God to bring salvation to His people, discipleship is one of the means for God to continue sanctifying His people! 

3. Why should we be discipled? 

   1. It builds humility! Our heart is deceitful so it is likely not best to always trust yourself (Jeremiah 17:9). A wise man will hear and learn from wise counsel and an unwise man will do the opposite (Proverbs 1:5). We must resist the temptation to be wise in our own eyes (Proverbs 3:5-7). 

   2. It unites us with fellow believers. The body of Christ isn’t meant to just meet on Sundays then live regular lives the rest of the week, we should be doing life together (Acts 2:44-47)! We must be willing to share details of our life with others, discipleship provides an opportunity for prayer and mutual encouragement (Galatians 6:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:11). We are all members of the body of Christ (Ephesians 5:30) and are given gifts to help build it up (1 Corinthians 12:12-31). 

   3. It equips us for faithfulness. We see Scripture tell us that older men and women are to live as examples for those younger than them (Titus 2). 

   4. Of course there are many more benefits, but these are three strong ones.

4. What is the cost of discipleship? 

   1. To take up your cross and follow Christ. 

      1. Luke 14:27 (Matthew 10:38), Mark 8:34-35 (Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24), and Luke 9:57-62. Many are unwilling to be disciples of Jesus because of the steep cost of doing so. Even here in Luke 9 they only follow him half-heartedly at best. They failed to count the cost of following Him. 

      2. Nowadays the cross is viewed as a symbol of atonement, forgiveness, grace, and love. There are crosses and images of crosses all over. 

      3. In Jesus’ time, the cross represented nothing but torturous death. Romans forced convicted criminals to carry their own crosses to the place of crucifixion, bearing a cross meant carrying their own execution device while facing ridicule on their way to death. 

      4. To take up your cross and follow Christ means to be willing to die in order to follow Christ. Here in America this is not an everyday thought for most Christians, making it easier to think it’s okay to not pick up our cross in the other aspects of our lives. 

         1. For example, are you willing to put to death your own ideas, plans, and desires, and exchange them for the Lord’s desires for you? 

         2. Are you willing to lose close friends, be alienated from family, lose your reputation, or lose your job to follow Christ? 

         3. If our country were to change drastically or if you were to go on mission at some point in your life, would you be willing to die to serve Christ? Personally I think the best way to die would be as a martyr for Christ (although it would likely be painful). 

         4. More importantly, are you willing to live for Christ? 

5. If there is such a steep cost then why would we be or make disciples? 

   1. Jesus said to (Matthew 28:18-20)! Nothing else is more important in this life than following Christ, nothing (Luke 12:49-53, Luke 9:23-27).  

      1. Repeating verses are Matthew 10:34-39 and Matthew 16:24-28. 

6. Resources: 

   1. Why is making disciples important? Got Questions. 

   2. The Church and Discipleship by Jay Bauman Ligonier. 

   3. Three Benefits of Discipleship desiringGod. 

   4. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Take up your cross and follow Me”? GQ. 

   5. What is the difference between a Christian and a disciple? GQ. 

   6. Strong's Greek: 3101. μαθητής (mathétés) -- a disciple Bible Hub. 

   7. Strong's Greek: 3100. μαθητεύω (mathéteuó) -- to make a disciple BH.