Introduction:

  Jesus gave the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.  He commanded His disciples to go throughout the world and make other disciples.  This commission is still valid today.  But what does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? 

Body:

  I. What Is the Definition of a Disciple? 

• A disciple is one who is a student or pupil, a learner.
• Vine’s states that a disciple is one who follows another’s teaching.
• Therefore, a person who patterns his life after another is an imitator.  (Luke 6:40)
• A disciple of Christ strives to be like HIm, conformed to His image.  (Romans 8:29)

 II. How Can a Disciple Be Identified? 

• Being a follower of Christ is about commitment.  (II Corinthians 4:8-11)  This dedication to Jesus and His teaching results in several identifying marks:
  1. Diligence in knowing the words of Christ, a student of the Word; and abiding in them  (John 8:31, Colossians 3:16)
  2. Diligence in loving Christ’s disciples (John 13:34-35)  A love that all can see!  (I John 3:17-19)
  3. Diligence in bearing good fruit (John 15:1-2,4-6,8) 

  One type of fruit is the fruit of the spirit.

• Would you be identified as a disciple of Jesus?

III. What Are the Costs of Being a Disciple? 

• Jesus must even come before our own family.  (Luke 14:25-26, Matthew 10:34-37)
• Jesus must come before my wants and desires.  (Luke 9:23-25)
• We must be willing to bear our own cross.  (Luke 14:27)  Do whatever you must to remain a faithful follower.
• We must be willing to count the cost.  (Luke 14:28-33)

Invitation:

  How does someone become a disciple of Christ?

• You must have faith in the risen Christ.
• This faith must cause one to repent (turn from self to Christ), confess (a public announcement of one’s faith), and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins (an immersion in water).
• Read Matthew 28:18-20.  “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  NKJV

Bobby Stafford

September 4, 2011

What Must One Do to become a Christian and be saved?