Dr. Kenneth Jones

Discipleship, Part II

What is a Disciple? A learner, pupil, who follows the teachings of another

and to follow his precepts and instructions

A disciple is a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct.

A Disciple Is: A Disciplined Follower; pupil, learner:

Totally committed –Matthew 16:24

A Living Sacrifice -Romans 12:1,2

You can have many followers but what are their motives, expectations (Matthew 4:24)? Are they in it for the loaves and fishes?

One must be willing to deny oneself daily (Luke 9:23)

Question While every disciple is a believer, the question was asked if every believer is a disciple? Better yet, is

every follower a believer?

Matthew 7:21-24: Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that

doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not

prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Many Will Say Many will say: No person, by merely acknowledging my authority,

believing in the Divinity of my nature, professing faith in the perfection of my righteousness, and infinite merit of my atonement, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven - shall have any part with God in glory; but he who doeth the will of my Father

I will say, “I never knew you,” - I never approved of you

A person may have had “spiritual” experiences, but still no true reformation or conversion

Ye workers of iniquity (evil) - In the end, there is one basis of salvation; it isn't mere verbal confession, not "spiritual works," but knowing Jesus and being known by Him. We are not saved by “works,” but by faith

More Than Just Words This warning of Jesus applies to people who say "Lord,

Lord," and yet their spiritual life has nothing to do with their daily life.

They go to church, perhaps fulfill some daily religious duties, yet sin against God and man just as any other

might.

“There are those that speak like angels, live like devils; that have Jacob's smooth tongue, but Esau's rough

hands." (Trapp)

“Unsaved” Church People There are some churches today that encourage unbelievers

participation never requiring them to serve the Lord (i.e. Seeker)

They are in the church and witnessing the power of God, but their commitment, lordship, and lifestyle have not changed

People attend churches today where there are no altar calls, no prayers for deliverance.

Untrained disciples do not know how to minister salvation to those requiring it resulting in some “spiritual miscarriages”

Point of Emphasis

Hanging Out with the Flock Doesn’t Make You a True Believer

They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work

reprobate" (Titus 1:16).

The Ninety Nine Percent “Saved” Story

Are Believers Truly Believers Barna Study:

57 percent of evangelical church attenders said they believe many religions can lead to eternal life? Whatever happened to truth, not just in our culture, but in our churches? (And what does "evangelical" mean any more?)

Only 1 in 3 Young Born-Again Evangelicals Believe Jesus Is Only Way to Heaven, Apologist Says

We have allowed complacency and false assurance of salvation to

become a major problem today.

You May Not Like This Acts 11: 22-26:

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as

Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and

exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with

the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

We Are Not a Church! While God’s church is more than

just a building or religion, it is described in the bible as a place of

“ordered” ministry and growth.

Jesus used the term and so did the disciples. The church is spoken of throughout Acts & the Epistles as

a place to exhort and disciple believers who should gather

regularly for fellowship

Characteristics of Discipleship John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my

disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Love is the mark of the fellowship of true believers

True Disciples:

Love to share the Word with one another

Love to share time with one another

Love to share their goods with one another

See their love for others as a blessing and not a hindrance

Characteristics of Discipleship John 8:31 - Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on

him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

Acts 2:41,42: Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the

apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer

You cannot separate faithfulness to God’s Word and fellowship from discipleship

New Testament Church Disciples Acts 2:41 – 47

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

the apostles work miracles 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and

fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs

were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with

gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the

Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

Attributes of Discipleship Transforming (Romans 12:2) – A disciple should always

be transforming and maturing into the image of Christ

“Carnal” Disciples/Christians want to be more like a “person” than Christ or even more like a “religion.”

1 Corinthians 3:4 - For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

There may be several individuals involved in your discipleship process, but the ultimate goal is be like Jesus

Attributes of Discipleship Be Accountable and Relational

No “Lone Ranger” Christians We grow and develop spiritually in the

midst of relationships Disciples cannot grow in isolation out of

fellowship with others When we accept the gospel by faith,

transformation can begin (Rms 1:16)

Consecrated Consecration is the act of setting apart

or dedicating someone or something for God's purposes. A disciple is consecrated unto the Lord.

Nothing But the Blood of Jesus? Some years ago A. W. Tozer expressed his “feeling that a

notable heresy has come into being throughout evangelical Christian circles—the widely accepted

concept that we humans can choose to accept Christ only because we need him as Savior and that we have the right to postpone our obedience to him as Lord as long

as we want to!”

He then goes on to state “that salvation apart from obedience is unknown in the sacred scriptures.” (I Call it

Heresy, Christian Publications, 1974, p. 5f)

I Want a “Cool” Jesus Barna Group Study Shows Depletion of

Church Accountability

USA (MNN) ― A recent Barna Group study shows that among church goers and self-described Christians, “only 5% indicated that their church does anything to hold them accountable for integrating biblical beliefs and principles into their life.”

Most people want a “Cool” Jesus who let them hang around the place and never hold them accountable to kingdom living and purpose

Where Are You in Your Walk?

A Theologian and avid disciple

Ministry during the Nazi occupation of Germany

Committed to preach the gospel

He was captured as part of a plot to kill Hitler

Witnessed and led many to Christ while in prison

Died one week before the war ended

Dietrich Bonhoeffer Cheap grace is the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline, Communion without confession, absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the

cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate.

Costly grace is the treasure hidden in the field; for the sake of it a man will go and sell all that he has. It is the pearl of great price to buy which the merchant will sell all his goods. It is

the kingly rule of Christ, for whose sake a man will pluck out the eye which causes him to stumble; it is the call of Jesus

Christ at which the disciple leaves his nets and follows him.

Hindrances to Discipleship Complacency - The state of doing nothing, of ignoring

the danger of being in a wrong relationship with God. Dictionary: complacency is: “a feeling of quiet pleasure or

security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.“

Distraction – Love the World Matthew 13:22 - He also that received seed among the thorns

is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.