OUTLINE:
Making Disciples
Jesus said “follow Me”. This means He allowed them, even encouraged them, to be personally involved in and observant of His personal life.
Making Disciples
Following Jesus has a purpose; specifically… to bring the light of His Gospel to others as well.
Mk 1:17 – And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
Making Disciples
Not only did Jesus teach them the Word throughout their time together, but He also taught them by one of the greatest ways ANY OF US learns,… BY EXAMPLE.
Making Disciples Requires His Love
1 Jn 4:19We love because he first loved us. – ESV
2 Co 5:14a For the love of Christ compels us, – NKJV
Making Disciples Requires His Love
Jn 15:13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends.
On The Job Training
We have the opportunity to take others by the hand and show them what the Lord has shown us. It’s that simple. Keep it simple!
Making Disciples
We are to “go out”; and that means to reach out, not waiting for others to come to us. Mt 28:18-20
How Might We Disciple Another?
– Read your favorite passage with them (this helps you simply speak from the heart).
– Take them to the store with you (let them see your light functioning in real life).
– Have a “heart to heart” on the phone (CALL not text :).
– Give them a ride to church one day.
Following Paul’s Example
Php 3:17Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.
1Co 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
Making Disciples OF OUR LORD
As we invite others to “follow” us around, we strive to show people that they don’t need us; we are just messengers, they need GOD. They need the Lord, Himself. They need a personal relationship with the Lord who died for them. Jn 14:6, 1Jn 4:19, Ps 116:1-2
Making Disciples
Discipling also involves teaching; teaching others the ways of Christ.
Making Disciples
As believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, we are called to transcend things like political preferences, not allowing them to become a stumbling block to others, for the sake of His Gospel!
Transcending Worldly Things for the Gospel’s Sake
It’s a trap from Satan to get preoccupied with things like politics, operating like a citizen of this world instead of a citizen of heaven, like we believers are! Eph 2:19, Php 3:20. Rise above it all and share with others about the true King, instead!
Transcending Worldly Things for the Gospel’s Sake
Are you fighting to make more disciples for our worldly leaders, or are you fighting to make more disciples for our Lord and Savior??
Transcending Worldly Things for the Gospel’s Sake
One of the greatest favors you could do for someone else is to not take sides politically with them, but instead give them the Hope above all hopes; the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. 1Ti 6:15, Rev 17:14,19:16
Transcending Worldly Things for the Gospel’s Sake
Don’t make others stumble because of your political affiliations; instead show them how you refuse to let that spoil your happiness in Christ. Rise above it all, for their sakes!
Transcending Worldly Things for the Gospel’s Sake
We do what we need to do and should do as citizens of our nation, but earthly politics are not the believer’s purpose in life!
Our Great Example
Even when Jesus was facing death, He refused to engage in Pilate’s temptation to focus on the kingdoms of this world. Jn 18:36
Key Passages in Making Disciples
Mk 1:14-20 – Repent and follow Me.
Jn 3:1-18 – You must be born again.
Lk 9:57-62,14:25-35 – What it means to follow Jesus/ count the cost.
Eph 2:1-10 – From sinners to saints, by grace through faith.
Ro 3:9-26,4:1-8,5:1-11 – Being under sin, we can only justified by faith in Christ.
Making Disciples
Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to affect your heart with the urgency of the mission He has given you, and the other believers in your life.
Ask Him for the strength, wisdom, and perseverance to pursue His mission by the power of His Spirit in you. He is able, and He will bring it to pass, EVEN IN YOU. 1Th 5:23-24