Faith in Discipleship

 

    The Great Commission lays out what is expected out of discipleship.  It is repeated in a few places, but it is short.  There is a reason it doesn't go into great detail.  Jesus lived his life with those men for three years.  He was with them day and night.  He had taught them how to disciple during that time.  The Great Commission is just the commandment not to stop and teach others how to continue until he returns.

    Discipleship begins with leading someone to salvation.  The next step is forgiveness.  God forgives you for all your transgressions at salvation, but you have to learn how to forgive too.  You have to learn how to forgive like Jesus to be able to be a disciple.

    Discipleship is acknowledging God's authority over you, willingness to go out into the world in Jesus' name, teach others about Jesus, and live life with the Holy Spirit in you all the time in all ways.  It comes down to telling the world that Jesus is the only way to God and eternal peace.  Forgiveness is offered to everyone, but not everyone will have forgiveness.  It is a personal choice that no one can make for anyone else.

    Part of discipleship is learning your Bible.  You study it.  You find the connections for yourself.  You work through doubts, confusion, and life questions.  You memorize Bible verses that will help you in your daily life and to lead others to Jesus.  It comes down to making yourself available for God to use and investing in your relationship with Him.

    Discipleship requires true faith in Jesus' birth, life, death, resurrection, and his appending return.  Jesus is the only way.  There are no alternative routes to eternal peace.  This truth should give you urgency to be a disciple in the world today.  

    Discipleship is going to where the lost are not expecting them to just show up where you are.  You go to them and meet physical and emotional needs, so you have a door to meet spiritual needs.  You want them to want and seek a relationship to their true provider.  

    You have to devote time to the lost just as much as you do investing into your personal relationship with Jesus yourself.  Otherwise you are vulnerable to fall into trap and lose your witness.  Show the lost that Jesus is loving, warm, and welcoming not aloof, standoffish, or an unattainable thing that only a select few get.

Matthew 7:13-23, 28:18-20, Luke 9:21-27, John 3:16-17, 8:31-32, 13:31-35, & Philippians 4:10-14