Disciplship - follow the steps of Jesus to become like him

Discipleship

We desire to be successful at life: whether it is in relationships, health, career, or wealth. We look to people, past or present, to inspire us with their accomplishments and we want to know their secrets, so that, we, too, can be successful. This study promises that, when we follow the teaching of Jesus and imitate his heart and life, we can achieve true success, both in this and the next life.

1. Discipleship defined

The early Christians were called disciples of Jesus because they actively obeyed Jesus’s teaching and imitated Jesus’s way of life as he had modeled for us. Today there are many ‘versions’ of Christians but few actively pursue discipleship. What role do you think discipleship has in the life of a Christian and what does mean to you?

Read Acts 11:26b

2. Jesus calls his disciples

We see here how Jesus called his first disciples. What did Jesus promise them when he called? And what do you notice about how the would-be-disciples responded to Jesus’ calling? Jesus promises us the same things today when we choose to follow him: life with a purpose and reward greater than our career can offer us. Why is it important to respond to Jesus immediately when he calls? What happens when we delay?

Read Mark 1:14-18

3. The choices disciples make

Discipleship is a daily decision

v23. – to die to our sinful desires, and to do what Jesus would do instead. For example, you can choose to read the Bible instead of watching another YouTube video, you can choose to be honest instead of lying, to be patient instead of lashing out, to forgive instead of harboring resentment, and so on. Reflect on this past week – where / when did you choose to follow Jesus and where / when did you not?

Discipleship is a lifetime choice

v24-28 – a ‘whole world’ is one where you have everything you want, the way you want them. Describe an ideal life for you – perhaps where you are esteemed for your expert knowledge in your profession, where you enjoy the comfort your wealth brings you, or a life surrounded by loved ones. Sometimes gaining our whole world has a price – in saving our lives on earth we can lose our very self – our true identity and purpose in God – for eternity. Jesus cautions us to choose carefully what we value and prioritize in life.

Discipleship does not fit in the world

v26. practicing discipleship can make your life stand out – sometimes in ways that invite others to mock you (think Noah building an ark!). The world will try to make you feel foolish and even ashamed of Jesus. Would you still choose discipleship when your faith humiliates you before friends, neighbors, and colleagues?

Read Luke 9:23-26

4. Loving Jesus above all

Our families are usually the ones who are closest to us and whose love, support, and opinions mean the most to us. God wants us to care so much more about his love and opinions of us – so much more that we would hate even what we love the most – incomparably more. Whose opinions or voices do you listen to and value the most? Are you ready and willing to choose loving God over the people you love and respect most?

Read Luke 14:25-27

5. Fighting the right war

First Jesus tells us the cost of becoming his disciple. Now he tells us the cost of not being his disciple.

Keeping God out

A tower, including the fortress, is built to defend a city. If you think the price of being a disciple is too high to pay, and that and that you’d prefer to go your own way – you can build a fortress to keep God out. But think first if you can truly accomplish this all the way to the end of your life. Reflect on your life so far, in what ways have you kept God out? (e.g, you go to church on Sundays but the rest of the week you hardly think about God. Or perhaps there are areas of your life you want God to be handed off (girl- boyfriends, money, career, hobby, etc.)

Surrender now or later

In this parable. the first king is those of us who are confronted with going to battle against a far more powerful king: God. (Hint, he will win in the end). We can 1. fight him now, suffer a casualty, lose everything, and in the end, surrender. or 2. surrender now and make peace with God – and enjoy a life of true love, peace, and prosperity in this life, plus rule the world with him in the next life. Look at the areas of your life where you rebel against God or the authority of the Bible, his word. For example: harboring bitterness, flirting with sexual sins, being dishonest in your finance, substance abuse, and so on. What is Jesus advising you to do?

Read Luke 14:28-33

6. Doing greater things

For those who choose to follow Jesus as his disciples, Jesus promises to empower them to do great things. What can you imagine as ‘greater things’ Jesus could do through your life?

Read John 14: 12

7. Making disciples

As disciples of Jesus, we are commissioned by him to make disciples. We saw earlier in Mark 1:17 that Jesus promised to send us out to ‘fish for people’ when we become his disciples. Here he gives us the blueprint of what that means. Are you ready to accept this great commission from Jesus to go and teach others about him? And even model for them how you follow Jesus? When you are on God’s mission, you no longer live for yourself, but you walk with God daily to be used by Him. And Jesus promises to be with you always – you never have to do discipleship alone.

Read Matthew 28: 18-20

What does it mean for you to be a disciple of Jesus? And how is this different from being a Christian, or a believer? If you find the topic very challenging, you are not alone. (Jesus did, too!) God is looking for hearts that are willing to trust him and faith that is daring to obey. He wants you to live the life of discipleship (although it is always a choice you have) because this is how we can experience the ultimate fullness of his love. He also knows that our sinful or earthly nature is constantly opposing us. Jesus can relate and promises to support, guide, and empower us through the Holy Spirit. Are you ready to say ‘yes’ to discipleship?