Audio

First Principles – Discipleship
Lesson Preached by Mike Underhill on October 2, 2013

Notes & Scriptures

Introduction: Matthew 28:18-20

  1. What does Jesus want everybody to become?
  2. Which is the more popular term — “Disciple” or “Christian?” The word “Christian” only appears three times in the New Testament. It is the name those in the world gave the disciples, seven years after the church began. (Acts 11:19-26). The word “Disciple” occurs over 270 times in the New Testament.
  3. SAVED = CHRISTIAN = DISCIPLE
  4. Jesus came to make disciples. Only baptized disciples will be saved.

Let’s have Jesus define disciple, thus defining who is a true Christian.

Mark 1:14-18

  1. Calling of the first disciples
  2. Come follow me (Christ)
  3. Fishers of men — Jesus gave these first disciples the real purpose for living
  4. Immediately

Luke 9:23-26

  1. If any man…
  2. Deny self. Notice Christ in the garden (Matthew 26:36-39, “Not my will, but your will”). Do not give in to moods.
  3. Carry the cross — daily
  4. Gain the world … forfeit soul. Lose your life for Jesus … save it

Luke 14:25-33

  1. If any man…
  2. Count the cost (v. 28-30)
  3. Consider the alternatives (v. 31-32)
  4. Love Christ more than any person (v. 26)
  5. Persecutions (v. 27)
  6. Everything, not just anything (v. 33)

Luke 11:1-4

  1. Must learn to pray — disciples saw the strength Jesus received from the Father
  2. Daily personal relationship with God (v. 3); daily prayer.

John 13:34-35

  1. Love one another
  2. Be an active part of the fellowship

Matthew 28:18-20

  1. Command — make disciples (given to all)
  2. Who is a candidate for baptism? A person who makes the decision to be a disciple
  3. You need someone to disciple you to maturity in Christ
  4. This is the only way to save the world!
Year Preacher Disciple
1 365 2
2 730 4
3 1,095 8
13 4,745 8,192
33 12,045 the world, 10 billion plus

Conclusion Question: Am I a disciple? Am I a Christian? Am I saved? What do I need to do to become a disciple?