Discipleship

I. Introduction
   A. In the book of Acts, "disciple" is found 28 times in 30 
      verses
      1. Acts 6:1, 2, 7
      2. Acts 9:1, 10, 19, 25, 26, 36, 38
      3. Acts 11:26, 29
      4. Many other examples
   B. "Disciple" and "the disciples" represents a common term used 
      by Christians to identify themselves in the New Testament 
      church
   C. If the idea of being disciples was that important to them, 
      it is good for us to consider it ourselves!
   D. This is especially true in our own day
      1. Discipleship concepts have become a great fad in many 
         denominations
      2. International Churches of Christ/the Boston (or Portland) 
         Movement, and the earlier Crossroads Movement, focused on 
         a discipling concept
      3. Many megachurches and other evangelical churches focus on 
         "discipleship"
   E. Let us consider the Scriptures and understand what God would 
      have us know
      1. What is a disciple?
      2. To whom do we subject ourselves as disciples?
      3. How do disciples act?  What goes along with being a 
         disciple?
      4. Should we consider ourselves to be disciples?

II. What is a Disciple?
   A. What do we mean when we speak of a "disciple"?
   B. A learner; a scholar; one who receives or professes to receive 
      instruction from another; a follower; an adherent to the 
      doctrines of another (Webster's)
   C. A disciple is like a student, but in the context of 
      Christianity, is much more
   D. Contrasts: students and disciples
      1. A student may not want to learn; a disciple desires to 
         learn
      2. A student may only learn about certain subjects; a disciple 
         learns about all of life
      3. A student does not necessarily emulate his teacher; a 
         disciple does
   E. A disciple, therefore, is marked by a level of devotion to his 
      teacher not always seen in students
   F. Consistent with Matthew 10:24-25
      1. A disciple ought to be like his teacher
      2. The goal of the disciple of Christ, therefore, is to be 
         like Christ in every way

III. Disciples of Whom?
   A. Another important question we must ask is: of whom shall we 
      be disciples?
   B. Somewhat controversial question today
      1. Many groups have begun "discipleship" programs
      2. Feature of such programs is "discipling", where one member 
         "disciples" another
      3. Is this what we see in the New Testament?
   C. Matthew 28:19 critical to our understanding
      1. What does Jesus command?
      2. To "disciple" or to "make disciples"?
   D. Clear that we must be disciples of Jesus
      1. Back to Matthew 10:24-25
      2. Who among us can truly be the type of teacher that Christ 
         was?
      3. Even Paul establishes in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to imitate 
         him as He imitates Christ
      4. In the end, devotion goes to Christ
   E. Making disciples
      1. When we go out, our purpose is to make disciples for 
         Christ, not to "disciple" people ourselves!
      2. We ought to provide godly examples, yes, and we have 
         responsibility to "teach all things that Christ commanded" 
         (cf. Matthew 28:19)...
      3. ...but in all such things, the focus is on Christ and 
         always pointing to Christ
      4. Only Christ can truly be the Teacher!

IV. Being Disciples
   A. How, exactly, does one act as a disciple?
   B. What goes along with being a disciple?
   C. A disciple, by nature, is subject to the teacher
      1. Romans 6:16-18
      2. For one to learn and be guided, one must be willing to 
         subject oneself to the teacher
      3. Such involves confidence and trust in the teacher-- faith
      4. Faith is then translated into obedience to the One teaching!
   D. A disciple must also be humble
      1. Matthew 23:12
      2. In order to subject oneself, one must have the humility 
         present to do so
      3. One cannot act presumptuously or have pride in such a 
         circumstance!
   E. A disciple must be willing to change his views and actions 
      according to the will of the Teacher
      1. Matthew 10:24-25
      2. To become "like" the Teacher requires us to change the 
         way we look at things and the things that we do
      3. Romans 12:1-2
   F. Disciples are content to remain that way!
      1. Christians always can grow in the grace and knowledge of 
         Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18)!
      2. We have not yet attained the goal (Philippians 3:13-16)!
      3. We must be willing to recognize that we can always learn 
         more, do better, and grow more!
   G. To be a disciple of Christ, therefore, requires one to be 
      open to Christ's teachings and to follow them
      1. Not an easy chore!
      2. Jesus teaches many hard things!
      3. You must love even those who hate you, bless those who 
         persecute you (Matthew 5:38-48)
      4. You must see the world turned upside down (Luke 6:20-31)
      5. You must renounce yourself and all that is yours if you 
         want to be saved (Matthew 10:34-39)
   H. Indeed, you must be crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20)!
   I. The cost of discipleship is great, yet so is its reward-- 
      Heaven (Philippians 2:5-11)!

V. How Do We Become Disciples?
   A. We see, then, that to be a disciple means to follow after 
      Jesus and His teachings
   B. Such was how the early Christians identified themselves, 
      and we should too!
   C. Jesus establishes how people become disciples in 
      Matthew 28:19-20
   D. Christians are called to "go" and "make disciples"! (v. 19)
   E. Jesus then explains how disciples are "made"
      1. They are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, 
         and the Holy Spirit (v. 19)
      2. They are taught to observe all that Christ has commanded
   F. This is how disciples have been made for almost 2000 years
   G. Let us be disciples of Christ today!
   H. Invitation/songbook