Living the Call to Discipleship!

March 18, 2007

Taking the Gospel Into the World

Living the Call to Discipleship

It's one thing to talk about discipleship and quite another thing to live it. Even the first disciples did not fully understand what Jesus was calling them to do.

"Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:16-20)

Notice the progression in the above verses:

• The disciples first had to go to where Jesus would meet them.
• "When they saw him, they worshipped him…"
• Jesus made himself known to them.
• Jesus reminded them that he had "all authority in heaven and on earth…"
• Jesus sent them out in his power.
• We are to be teachers by example.
• We are assured of Christ's presence with us.

Thoughts for reflection:

• Living the Christian life as a committed follower of Jesus Christ involves living by example. Will that make a difference in the choices we make each day?
• How will you answer God's call on your life to be a disciple of Christ?
• Do you believe the LORD may be calling you to rethink priorities?
• What do you need from the LORD to enable you to become a more committed follower?
• Is your understanding of discipleship different now after these weeks of
study than when we began?
• Take time to reflect on what the LORD has been doing in your life to draw you closer to Him, and prayerfully consider if He may be leading you to share your story with someone as a means of teaching by example.

Topics covered in this class:

What is discipleship?

1. Laying the Groundwork…It's all about Jesus!(Ephesians
3:20)

2. Prayer (The Lord's Prayer—Matthew 6:9-13)

3. Worship (Isaiah 1:18a)

4. Food for the Soul: the Word of God (Psalm 119:103)

5. Our Call to Service—Reflecting Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-15)

6. Our Call to Relationship—Growing with Others (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3)

7. Generosity: "Freely you have received, freely give." (Matthew 10:8)

8. Taking the Gospel Into the World (Matthew 28:16-20)