THE CALLING INTO DISCIPLESHIP

TEXT: MARK 10: 28 – 31, LUKE 9. 23 – 24, LUKE 14: 25 – 35

MEMORY VERSE: JOHN 15: 16, You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit, should remain: that whatsoever you shall ask of the father in my name, he may give it to you.

INTRODUCTION

Disciple is from a Greek word mathetes, which refers generally to any student, pupil, apprentice or adherent as opposed to a teacher. In the ancient world, however, it is most often associated with people who were devoted followers of a great religion leader or teacher of philosophy. Jesus has summoned us to his side, but not simply to put us to work. His calling is to know him (Mathew 4: 19), to have intimate fellowship with Him (1 Corinthians 1: 9) and to enjoy Him. This is primary and is necessary. If the disciple where to have lost interest in Him as a person and friends, they would never have continued to walk with Him,Jesus call to discipleship is a call to Christlikeness which include (3) related facts:

1. A call unto discipleship (Luke 9: 23 – 24, Luke 14: 25 – 35, Mark 10: 42 – 45)
   1. New birth (John 3: 3 – 6, 1 Peter 1)
   1. Indwelling of the spirit (Romans 8: 19)
   1. Infilling of the Holy Spirit (John 14: 26, John 15: 6, John 16: 8 – 14)
   1. His abiding presence (John 15: 1 – 11)
2. The demand on discipleship (Luke 9: 23 – 24, Luke 25 – 35, Mark 10: 42 –45)
   1. Following without reservation (Luke 9: 23 – 24)
   1. Renouncing the world and all its pleasures (1 John 2: 15 – 17)
   1. Forsaking all worldly acquittals (James 4: 4, 11 Corinthians 6: 14 – 18)
   1. Making God and his kingdom the priority (Mathew 6: 33)

• The promise for discipleship (Mark 10: 28 – 31, Philippians 4: 19)
  • A hundred fold to all that was lost (Mark 10: 21 – 29, 3 John 3: 2, Philippians 4: 19)
  • Gain Gods large family (Mark 10: 30, Romans 12: 3 –4, Ephesians 2: 19)
  • Eternal life (Mark 10: 31, John 3: 16 – 36)

CONCLUSION

 Jesus call to discipleship is an all – or – nothing summons, reaching into every area of our lives. It involves giving him pre-eminence over the closest of our human relationship and over the one we have for our lives. He has also made his grace available for this demand. And attached to this call are numerable promises. Therefore, come out and be separated (2Corinthians 6: 14 – 18)