According to this passage, what is God's will for all of mankind?

How would you define a "disciple"?

Discipleship is Jesus's plan for us to learn and live out "the knowledge of good and evil."

How does "disciple" relate to the term "Christian"?

The context of this verse is describing the first predominantly Gentile (non-Jewish) churches.

This is about 10 years into the history of the church. This church in Antioch is the first time that the disciples were called Christians.

What does that say about the relationship between the "disciple" and "Christian"?

This is significant because the word "Christian" is only used 3 times in the Bible (Acts 11:26, 26:28. I Peter 4:16). The word "disciple" is used 270+ times. So, to have a clear picture of what being a Christian means, we must understand what being a disciple of Jesus means.

Jesus shows that the most important thing is our love for God. How do we see Jesus setting an example of loving God?

How has God's love inspired you to love and serve Him?

This is the only new command Jesus gives in the New Testament and the command to love one another is already in the Old Testament. So what is new about this command?

Is this command teaching us how to love everyone? Or is it about the relationship between disciples?

What are some ways that you see Jesus loving His disciples? How can you follow His example?

Are you committed to living out discipleship in the community of the church?

Here there is clear connection between Jesus proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and the call to discipleship, i.e. "come follow me."

What is the connection between the call to "follow me" and the commission of "I will send you out to fish for people"?

Jesus calls His disciples to be "fishers of men." How will that call change your life?

These men were given a whole new mission in life. What have you been living for until now?

Notice their eagerness and excitement; how do you feel about becoming a fisher of men? How will you begin?

The context of this verse is right after Peter's confession of belief in Jesus as the Christ/Messiah/King (Luke 9:20).

Jesus goes on to teach what life as a believer will entail:

o What do the words "if anyone" or "whoever" tell us about who Jesus is talking to?

o What does it mean to deny self? How does it connect to allowing Jesus to define good and evil?

o Have you lived a lifestyle of self denial? What would it look like?

o What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What was the cross in Jesus's day? Has this been your daily lifestyle? What will you do differently?

o Have you completely given your life to Jesus, not only in words and thoughts, but in action and lifestyle. How will this cost affect your life?

What strikes you about this "if anyone" passage?

What does it mean to "hate" your family, friends, and even yourself? (Luke 16:13)

Is this how you have loved God or are there "close seconds" in your life? What things in your life are difficult to prioritize behind God?

What does the parable of building a tower tell you about the seriousness of building a relationship with God?

Have you ever sat down and counted the cost?

What is the meaning of the kings-at-war parable? Who are the big and little kings? What is the final cost of being a disciple?

Have your surrendered everything, a.k.a. your kingship, to King Jesus? Will He accept anything less than 100%? What will your life look like when you give Him the throne of your life?

A disciple is committed to . . .

LOVING Jesus

FOLLOWING Jesus

Being TRANSFORMED by Jesus

Committed to the MISSION of Jesus

-Do you see how discipleship is living out the lordship of Jesus?

-According to this study, what does Jesus define as good?

-How do you think discipleship plays a role in repairing the Four Broken Relationships?

-Spend time prayerfully reflecting and journaling God's call to discipleship in your life.

-Pray about your cost and the decision to embrace new life discipleship!

-Pray about who you could share the good new of the kingdom with!

Matthew 25:31-46, Luke 19:10, Luke 9:57-62

Luke 5:1-11, Matthew 10:26-39, Colossians 3:13, Matthew 7:21-27