Some questions before you begin:
-What sticks out to you from the last study?
-Have you had any challenges since making the Bible your standard?
-What have you read since the last study? Did you take notes? What did you learn? How were your prayers?
-Do you have any questions before we begin?
Purpose
-To illustrate the Bible’s standard for followers of Jesus. To commit to being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 28:18-20
-According to this passage, what is God’s will for all of mankind? How would you define a
“disciple”? How does that relate to the term “Christian”?
Acts 11:25-26
-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 these two words?
-This is significant because the word “Christian” is only used three 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.
Three Characteristics Of A Disciple
1. Matthew 22:36-37 - Love For God
-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 your relationship with God been? Have you been loving Him with all your heart, soul and mind? What can you do to do so?
2. Mark 1:14-16 - Fisher of Men
-What did it mean for them to follow Jesus? What does it mean for you?
-Jesus wants to make his disciples into “fishers of men,” how will that change your life?
-These men were given a whole new mission in life, what have you been living for?
-Notice their eagerness and excitement, how do you feel about becoming a fisher of men? How will you begin?
3. John 13:34-35 - Love For One Another
-This is the only new command Jesus gives in the New Testament and the command to love one another is in the Old Testament. So what is new about this command?
-What are some ways that you see Jesus loving his disciples? How can you follow his
example?
-Is this command teaching us how to love everyone? Or is it about the relationships between disciples?
The Cost of Discipleship
Luke 9:23-26
-The context of this verse is right after Peter’s confession of belief in Jesus Christ. Jesus goes on to teach what life as a believer will entail:
-What do the words “if anyone” or “whoever” tell us about who Jesus is talking to?
-What does it mean to deny self? Have you lived a lifestyle of self denial? What will it look like?
-What does it mean to take up your cross daily? What was the cross in Jesus’ day? Has this been your daily lifestyle? What will you do differently?
-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? (Luke 9:57-62)
Luke 14:25-33
-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 first parable 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 second parable? Who are the big and little kings? What is the final cost of being a disciple?
-Have you surrendered everything to God? Will he accept anything less than 100%? What will your life look like when you give him your all?
Key Questions:
-Have you been living as a disciple of Jesus? Will you be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
-What changes will you need to make to live by Christ’s clear call? Who in your life needs to hear about discipleship?
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