IMPACT: Maturing The Believers

Maturing The Believers

Discipleship

I.        Introduction

II.      You’ve got to know it! (Study the word)

A. Biblical

B. Application

1. It is an act of submission to Christ

2. We will know what the Bible says in everyday areas of our life

3. We will be able to draw strength from the word of God, no matter what comes our way

III.   You’ve got to show it! (Teach the word)

A. Biblical

1. Great Commission – Go and Make Disciples

2. In the gospels we see Jesus discipling the twelve.  In Acts we see the twelve going out and discipling others

3. 2 Timothy 2:2 – The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

B. Paul was proactive in discipleship

1. 1 Corinthians 4:16 – “I exhort you, be imitators of me.”

2. 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ. – Disciples need to follow the mentor and we need to be examples for them.

IV.    You’ve got to glow it! (Live the word)

A. Discipleship must become who you are

1. Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life – “God’s ultimate goal for your life on earth is not comfort, but character development.  He wants you to grow up spiritually and become like Christ.”

2. Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.

3. Christ-likeness is not imitation, but inhabitation – Rick Warren

B. Cost of discipleship

V.      Conclusion – How do you become a disciple

A. You must make a decision to be a disciple of Christ

1. We are defined b the commitments that we make

2. Many are afraid of committing to anything

3. Others make half-hearted commitments to competing values – leads to frustration and unhappiness (Party Life/Church on Sundays)

B. You must make a conscious effort to change the way you think

1. Your life is shaped by your thoughts

2. Discipleship is not just what you know, but how you apply what you know

C. You must study the Word of God

D. You must pray – Carry on a regular conversation with God

E. You must have fellowship with other believers