“Can I Be A Disciple?”
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Discipleship Bible Studies
Lesson One
September 5, 2007

DWS

Purpose: To forge a better understanding of what it is to be a disciple and to study Biblical instruction regarding how to become “real” disciples of Christ.

Requirements: You will be asked to learn material which will likely be presented to you for the first time in this format.  You will be asked to give proof of retaining some of the most important material.  Lastly, you will be required to enact the principles learned into your daily walk with the Lord.

Can you be a disciple?

Yes, you can. However, it is more than a decision.  Discipleship comes as a result of submitting ourselves to the Lord’s Will and living our lives empowered by our faith in Him.  Going against our nature as sinners and our preferences as men, we can and must become disciples.

What is a disciple?

A disciple is one who has given himself over to another to be taught and to follow the example of the teacher.

Synonyms: learner, follower, imitator

Tonight’s lesson

Those things which are BASIC for disciples of Christ.  These are the “musts” or the non-negotiable prerequisites to discipleship.  Not everyone that is truly saved becomes a disciple.  I would even dare to state that a majority of Christians never become disciples in the biblical sense.  Why is this?  The answers are multiple, but many fail to become true disciples because they are unwilling to meet the prerequisites to begin the process.  Here is what the Bible says MUST be present in each of us to produce genuine discipleship.

The Prerequisites for Discipleship

1. We MUST forsake all         Luke 14:33

“So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.”

           “forsaketh”: Strong’s #557, 575 (only place utilized in the NT)

            Refers to separation, departure, cessation

            e.g. Call of Peter / Andrew / James / John

            See Matthew 4:18-22

           Does this include my own family?  To what extent?

Luke 14:26

“hate” – to detest; by extension, to love less

“hate” who?  Father, mother, wife, children, brethren, sisters, and OWN LIFE.

2. We MUST bear our own cross                    Luke 14:27

“And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple.”

What if we do not “bear our own cross”?

MATTHEW 10:38

“worthy” – deserving, comparable, or suitable (as in drawing praise)

Discussion: What is meant by the “cross”?

Comes from the root word (#2476) meaning: to stand

Also, to establish, hold up, set staunch, stand (forth, still, up)

Discussion: What is my cross?

Variable from person to person; essentially it is any opportunity that God gives an individual to “stand” for His principles/gospel.  That becomes the individual cross that you we each bear.

3. We MUST continue in His Word               John 8:31

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”

The Lord is displeased with those that draw back.  Hebrews 10:38; Luke 9:62

“Word”: doctrine in the original texts.

Discussion: What does it mean to continue in His Word?

Refers to and implies much more than Bible study and meditation.  It is the thought of becoming so engrossed in His righteousness that we LIVE His doctrines.  In other words, the teachings of Christ become our life philosophies and practices!

4. WE MUST bear much fruit                                    John 15:8

“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”

See the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22, 23

God is glorified when we bear this “spiritual fruit” Philippians 1:11

Discussion: Why and how is God glorified by this spiritual fruit?

God is glorified because this “fruit” or life practices are against our nature.  We must make a conscience and consistent effort to bear this fruit after much work.  None of us are capable of bearing fruit if we are not genuine disciples.  “Much fruit” is a sign of real, inward discipleship of our thoughts, intents, and private practices.

5. We MUST love the brethren                       John 13:35

“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

See I John 4:20

Discussion: Is it possible to love ALL our brethren?

Yes!  If we bear spiritual fruit and have the love of God shed abroad in our hearts..we will!!

I may not love all the thoughts / works of my brethren, but I must love them with the love of our Savior.  Otherwise, I am not a true disciple.  See Hebrews 13.

Jesus has: Opened our eyes, redeemed us by His blood, called us by His grace, taught us by His Spirit…Is He not worthy to be commended to others?