Discipleship Lesson #1

Discipleship Program Are you a disciple of Jesus? More than likely you believe in Jesus or you would not even be reading this. You might even be attending church services regularly--possibly for years. But is that what it means to be His disciple? The purpose of this study is to make clear what it means to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ and to start down the path of following the Master. In this 12 session introduction to discipleship, we will use the metaphor of a tree to visualize what God desires to do in us as we move forward in growing up into what God intends for us. Why discipleship? The answer is simple. Jesus commanded that we make disciples. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matt 28:19-20 (ESV) What is discipleship? While we may think that the 12 disciples mentioned in the Gospels were the only disciples, Luke gives a broader picture: And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, Luke 6:17 (ESV) A few verses later in Jesus sermon, he said, A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Luke 6:40 (ESV) Therefore, a disciple should look like his teacher. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (ESV)
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Definition of a disciple: The New Testament of the Bible was translated from the Greek and Aramaic languages that were the common languages used when Jesus walked the earth. In the Greek language, the word for disciple was mathetes, which literally means those who direct their minds to something. It then denotes the pupil, as one who is engaged in learning.1 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32 (ESV) One of the commandments that Jesus specifically said defined a disciple is love. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 (ESV) In the Jewish tradition, a disciple would be called by a Rabbi to follow him. Jesus does this, and he makes it clear that his calling of a disciple is for a purpose. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another. John 15:16-17 (ESV) So from these few passages we learn several things about a disciple of Jesus: 1. A disciple is called by Jesus. And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: Luke 6:13 (ESV) a. The call is to everyone. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:3-4 (ESV) b. It requires a response. Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; Isaiah 1:18-19 (ESV) 2. A disciple is to be trained by Jesus. Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them. Matt 5:1-2 (ESV) 3. A disciple will be conformed to the image of Jesus, which is ultimate maturity. for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Gal 3:26-27 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ. Eph 4:15 (ESV) a. Jesus was baptized, so we should follow His example. Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John.14 But John tried to talk him out of it. I am the one who needs to be baptized by you, he said, so why are you coming to me?15 But Jesus said, It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. So John agreed to baptize him. Matt 3:13-15 (NLT) b. Jesus gave his life, so if we are His disciple, we must surrender ours. And he said to all, If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross
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Kittel, Gerhard, ed. Geoffrey Bromiley. The Theological Dictionary of New Testament Words. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1985, 2003) p. 556.

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daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. Luke 9:23-24 (ESV) c. Jesus was persecuted, and the Word tells us that we can expect the same. Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 2 Tim 3:12 (ESV) Jesus told this to us himself. Remember the word that I said to you: A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. John 15:20 (ESV) d. Jesus healed people, so we are called to healing ministry. God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. Acts 10:38 (ESV) These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. Matt 10:5-8 (ESV) e. Jesus had compassion for people. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 (ESV) f. Jesus was at peace and we should be at peace. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV) g. Jesus lived, ministered, and died in the power of the Holy Spirit and so should we. how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God. Heb 9:14 (ESV) 4. A disciple will abide in Gods Word. So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples John 8:31 (ESV) In view of this, a true disciple would: a. Become a "doer" of the Word Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matt 7:24 (ESV) But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James 1:22 (ESV) b. Study the Bible diligentlyStudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15 (KJV) c. Look for opportunities to study with others (Church services, Bible studies, etc.). And they devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. Acts 2:42 (ESV) 5. A disciple will bear fruit. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. John 15:8 (ESV) Therefore: a. Jesus is not talking about an occasional good deed, but a lifestyle. let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matt 5:16 (ESV)

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b. Failure to bear much fruit will result in being hindered in our relationship with Christ. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; John 15:5-6 (ESV) How can someone be a disciple if they are cut off or not staying connected with Christ? 6. A disciple will love. This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 (ESV) Therefore, a true disciple would: a. Try to get to know his brothers and sisters in Christ. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, Eph 2:19 (ESV) b. Take advantage of opportunities to encourage and grow closer to them (e.g., attending services on Sunday and Wednesday nights) not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Heb 10:25 (NKJV) 7. People will recognize a true disciple. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35 (ESV) 8. A disciple will make other disciples. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations Matt 28:19 (ESV) Certainly in a lesson like this we cannot exhaust all that God wants to do in us and through us as disciples; nor can we exhaust what it means to be like our LordNow there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 (ESV) We do know this from scripture: discipleship is organic. In other words, it is a living, growing relationship with our MasterJesus. And the results of the commitment to discipleship can be seen in the description the Psalmist gives: Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalms 1:1-3 (ESV) The Tree Pattern 1. Disciples, like trees are to yield good fruit. That means fruit that not only looks good, but provides nutrition for the body. 2. Disciples, like trees are to be planted by water. If there is no water nearby, there can be no life in the tree. Jesus said He would give us living water. (Psalm 1:3) (John 4) 3. Disciples are planted in the House of the Lord. (Psalm 52:8; 92:12-13) 4. Disciples, like trees, need to be planted for a while and become mature before they can be used for mans food. (Leviticus 19:23-24) I 1 Timothy 3:6, Paul says that a neophutos should

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not be put in leadership. The word neophutos means newly planted.2 The word is used of newly planted palm trees.3 So, if we are to be planted in the House of God and we must bring forth fruit, we should have a look at the main parts of the tree as described in scripture: 1. The roots of the tree are to be the point of establishment in the House of the Lord. It is the systematic instruction of Gods Word that determines our standards, attitudes and values and will cause us to produce fruit eventually. We are to be rooted and grounded in the Lord, and Jesus is the Word. This means that we need solid, systematic instruction in Gods Word. In Jesus parable of the sower, as the Word is planted there are either positive or negative results: And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. Mark 4:6-8 (ESV) so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faiththat you, being rooted and grounded Eph 3:17 (ESV) In the Book of Acts, there are three examples of Churches (Houses of the Lord) that were rooted in Christ by strong teaching. a. The Church at Jerusalem. Acts 2:42 b. The Church at Antioch. Acts 11:19-26 c. The Church at Corinth. Acts 18:11 2. The Trunk gives stability and is the connective tissue that allows the nutrients taken in by the roots to be transferred to the stems of the branches where the fruit is produced. The trunk is like our character in relationship with Christ, and reflects our level of righteousness (covenant relationship), and power of ministry. that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (ESV) 3. The Fruit is the product of maturity (Leviticus 19:23-24) and is produced from a healthy tree that is: Planted in Gods house (Psalm 52:8; 92:12-14); by the Lord (Isaiah 61:3); rejoices and is joyful (Psalm 96:12); produces fruit after its kind (Genesis 1:11-12); and is good for food (Genesis 2:9). In this study, we will see the benefits of a life committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the relationship that He offers as teacher and disciple. While discipleship by its very root meaning involves discipline, there is an eternal reward for us if we patiently allow God to do a work in us. So, I can confidently agree with the Apostle Paul who wrote:

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Phil 1:6 (ESV)
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W.E. Vine. An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson (1984) p. 791. Kenneth S. Wuest. Wuests Word Studies from the Greek New Testament. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans (1984) part IV, p. 58.

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Review Questions/Statements 1. Jesus did not tell us to go make converts. He told us to go make ___________________. 2. The goal of discipleship is to me like our Master, to be like ________________. 3. In order to be like our Master, we must be students and _____________ His ways. 4. A disciple is ____________ by Jesus. (Luke 6:13) 5. A disciple is ____________ by Jesus. (Matt. 5:1-2) 6. A disciple will be ______________ to the image of Jesus. (Romans 8:29) 7. A disciple will bear _____________. (John 15:8) 8. A disciple will _______________. (John 15:12) 9. A disciple will be _______________. (John 13:35) 10. A disciple will make other _____________. (Matt. 28:19)

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