Based upon Bob Gordon's book, Foundations of Christian Living

1. What is a
disciple?

3. “When dealing with discipleship and
the related capacity to generate
authentic followers of Jesus, we are
dealing with that single most
crucial factor that will in the end
determine the quality of the
whole – if we fail at this point then
we must fail in all the others.”
Alan Hirsch
3

4. Write your own [brief] definition of
what a disciple is.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
Introduction

5. This will help you to:
- decide if you really are a disciple
- make sure your church (group) are all
looking to grow in the same things, and do the
same things, as they walk as disciples
- help others to understand what it means to
be a disciple of Jesus
Introduction

6. Memory Verses:
Galatians 2:20 I have been crucified
with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives in me. The life I
now live in the body, I live by
faith in the Son of God, who loved
me and gave himself for me.

7. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not
know that your bodies are
temples of the Holy Spirit, who
is in you, whom you have
received from God? You are not
your own; 20 you were bought at
a price. Therefore honor God
with your bodies.

8. Philippians 1:21 For to me, to live is
Christ and to die is gain.

9. The Cost of Being a Disciple
Luke 14:25-35 (NIV)
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and
turning to them he said: 26 “If anyone comes to
me and does not hate father and mother, wife
and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even
their own life—such a person cannot be my
disciple. 27 And whoever does not carry their
cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

10. 28 “Suppose one of you wants to build a tower.
Won’t you first sit down and estimate the cost
to see if you have enough money to complete
it? 29 For if you lay the foundation and are not
able to finish it, everyone who sees it will
ridicule you, 30 saying,‘This person began to
build and wasn’t able to finish.’

11. 31 “Or suppose a king is about to go to war
against another king.Won’t he first sit down and
consider whether he is able with ten thousand
men to oppose the one coming against him with
twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will
send a delegation while the other is still a long
way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the
same way, those of you who do not give up
everything you have cannot be my disciples.

12. Having read these
verses—would
you now change
your definition?
8

13. Is there anything you
know you should
give up and yet are
still holding on to?
9

14. Some Definitions of Disciple
“A disciple is _________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________.
It is being conformed to the image of Christ as
Romans 8:28-29 states–that God’s No.1
purpose in our lives is to make us like Jesus.”
Rick Warren

15. Some Definitions of Disciple
“A disciple is _________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________.
It is being conformed to the image of Christ as
Romans 8:28-29 states–that God’s No.1
purpose in our lives is to make us like Jesus.”
Rick Warren
…one who thinks, feels and
acts like Jesus Christ.

16. “Discipleship is
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________”
Alan Hirsch

17. “Discipleship is
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________”
Alan Hirsch
…becoming more and
more like Jesus and
letting Him live His life
more and more in me.

18. Real Life Ministries suggests that:
(1) A disciple knows and follows Christ
(2) A disciple is being changed by Christ
(3) A disciple is committed to the mission
of Christ.

19. Key Scriptures
What are the most important Bible verses in
your understanding of what it means to be a
disciple of Jesus Christ?
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________

20. 1 Peter 2:21 To this you were called,
because Christ suffered for you,
leaving you an example, that you
should follow in his steps.

21. John 8:31–32 To the Jews who had
believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold
to my teaching, you are really my
disciples. Then you will know the
truth, and the truth will set you free.’

22. 2Timothy 2:2 And the things you have
heard me say in the presence of
many witnesses entrust to reliable
people who will also be qualified to
teach others.

23. Luke 6:40 The student is not above
the teacher, but everyone who is
fully trained will be like their
teacher.

24. Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do,
whether in word or deed, do it all in the
name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to
God the Father through him.

25. 1 John 2:6 …whoever claims to live in him
must live (walk) as Jesus did.

26. Definition
The Greek word for disciple is ‘mathetes’ which
means,
“__________________________________________
___________________________________________
__________________________________________”
The word ‘disciple’ occurs more than 260 times in
the first five books of the NewTestament.
It was used in the secular Greek world for an
apprentice to a tradesman — they were
spoken of as imitators of their teachers.

27. Definition
The Greek word for disciple is ‘mathetes’ which
means,
“__________________________________________
___________________________________________
__________________________________________”
The word ‘disciple’ occurs more than 260 times in
the first five books of the NewTestament.
It was used in the secular Greek world for an
apprentice to a tradesman — they were
spoken of as imitators of their teachers.
‘one who learns instruction
from another’.

28. Every Christian is called to be a disciple of
Jesus and this means:
- ________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________

29. Every Christian is called to be a disciple of
Jesus and this means:
- ________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
- they will follow
Jesus

30. - ________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
- a disciple is a person who is determined
to follow Jesus Christ, to learn from Him
and live according to His example.

31. - ________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
- a disciple is a person who is determined
to follow Jesus Christ, to learn from Him
and live according to His example.
- they put the claims of
Jesus first in their lives,
regardless of the cost to
themselves

32. Five Basic Truths
1.___________________________________
_____________________________________
They don’t follow some words of Jesus, but
commit themselves to follow through all the
teaching of Jesus in a disciplined and committed
way.
Jesus will speak living words to us daily through
the Holy Spirit.

33. Five Basic Truths
1.___________________________________
_____________________________________
They don’t follow some words of Jesus, but
commit themselves to follow through all the
teaching of Jesus in a disciplined and committed
way.
Jesus will speak living words to us daily through
the Holy Spirit.
A disciple lives continually
by the Word of Jesus.

34. Five Basic Truths
We must live our daily lives obeying the
commands, teaching and example He has
already given to us.
Discipleship is about doing what has been
revealed for us to do through God’s Word.We
need to obey the Word of God as the basis of
our discipleship, otherwise we will be at the
mercy of every idea or feeling that comes along.

35. 2.________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
100% commitment—Jesus has the right to demand this as He
laid down His life for us.

36. 2.________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
100% commitment—Jesus has the right to demand this as He
laid down His life for us.
A disciple commits his life completely
to Jesus.

37. - to a loving God who is concerned for our health and
growth in God.
- He wants us to trust Him in every step as He takes our
lives and shapes them in accordance with His will (Matthew
6:24; John 10:1–18).

38. 3. _______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
( John 15:4 – 5).
What does fruit look like in the life of a
disciple?

39. 3. _______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
( John 15:4 – 5).
What does fruit look like in the life of a
disciple?
A disciple has a fruit-
bearing relationship
with Jesus

40. • Fruit of HS
• Obedience
• Love for Jesus / God
• Fellowship of HS
• Forgiveness towards others…etc.
If we don’t bear fruit in our lives, the
Kingdom of God will not be expanded and
the Body of Christ will not grow.

41. Waylon Moore writes, ‘
“Our union with Christ makes possible a
life through which others can be saved.
When a tree is so full of sap that it can no
longer hold it, the result is fruit! When a
Christian is full of Christ, others see Him
and hear about Him and are then
spiritually reborn into the Kingdom of
God. Thus new believers are one fruit of
discipleship.’’
21

42. 4.________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
( John 13:34 – 35).
This is not ordinary human love but the
love which God has shown us. It is selfless
love that does not look for something in
return to stimulate its action.

43. 4.________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
( John 13:34 – 35).
This is not ordinary human love but the
love which God has shown us. It is selfless
love that does not look for something in
return to stimulate its action.
A disciple shows
unconditional love for
others

44. The Greek word for this love is ‘agape’
which means ‘selfless love’, where God and
others are more important to us than our
own selfish desires.
The word [agapao] means unconquerable
benevolence and undefinable goodwill. It
will never seek anything but the highest
good for mankind. It does not need a
chemistry, an affinity or a feeling.

45. 5.________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Matthew 28:18–20).
The goal is to win other disciples, not just
converts. Converts may change their minds
but disciples follow their Master.

46. 5.________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Matthew 28:18–20).
The goal is to win other disciples, not just
converts. Converts may change their minds
but disciples follow their Master.
A disciple is dedicated to
the fulfilment of Christ’s
commission

47. A Disciple is a Very Blessed Person
For each of the points below consider:
Would it be life changing if you lived
this not just believed it?
How often do you believe the lies of the devil
about these things and not the truth that God
and the Bible proclaim?

48. – He is called and chosen by God
(Ephesians 1:4 – 5).
– Jesus is his Saviour; He died on the cross
for him so that his sins could be forgiven,
making him acceptable to God (Romans
5:8).
– God is his Father, with whom he has a
personal relationship, so he is a child of
God and of God’s Kingdom (Galatians 4:6–
7).

49. – He has been given eternal life (John
3:16).
– The Holy Spirit lives in him, giving him
power to witness to his new life in Christ
(Acts 1:8).
– He has peace with God (Romans 5:1).
– Nothing can separate him from the love
of God (Romans 8:38 – 39).

50. A Disciple has Responsibility:
‘’____________________________________
___________________________________’’
This is a question that should be asked in every
situation you face.
Make an is agreement (covenant) with Jesus to
always try to do what he would do (1 John
2:6).

51. A Disciple has Responsibility:
‘’____________________________________
___________________________________’’
This is a question that should be asked in every
situation you face.
Make an is agreement (covenant) with Jesus to
always try to do what he would do (1 John
2:6).
‘‘What would Jesus do?’’

52. A Disciple has Responsibility:
Ask the Holy Spirit to show us what Jesus
would do in your position. He will answer if we
really want to know what pleases Him. By
knowing more of Jesus’ teaching and lifestyle
increases, and by reading God’s Word, so your
ability to know what Jesus would do will
increase.

53. Make a firm decision
– Make a firm decision to do what
Jesus would do, (don’t settle for less
than God’s best)
– This should not be an emotional
response but a definite act of the will.

54. Make a firm decision
– At times you will need to submit
significant decisions to those who are in
spiritual authority over you. Don’t be
afraid to do this if you genuinely want
the will of God for your life because
disciples are not to act on their own but
as part of the Body of Christ, but they
are to be personally responsible to the
Lord for their actions.

55. Some of the benefits of being a disciple
– _______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
towards people, money, business practice
and social responsibility.

56. Some of the benefits of being a disciple
– _______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
towards people, money, business practice
and social responsibility.
There will be changes for
the better in your
attitude

57. – ______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
so that many negative thoughts, attitudes
and actions which are inconsistent with the
life of Jesus will be removed.

58. – ______________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
so that many negative thoughts, attitudes
and actions which are inconsistent with the
life of Jesus will be removed.
You will experience the
refining or purifying of
your life,

59. – Jesus would not act in unbelief.When
you desire to act like Him, He will give you
the faith to do so.When necessary you
can confess your doubts and ask for His
forgiveness and faith.

60. – Love will govern your actions, words
and attitudes.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________.

61. – Love will govern your actions, words
and attitudes.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________.
You will become more
willing to forgive; you
will have greater
compassion for those in
need and a greater
concern for the lost.

62. – We inherit everything from God that
Jesus inherits.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Romans 8:17). Even when obedience
proves costly, you will not be the loser, for
God will always give back far more than is
given to Him; both in this life and eternally
in heaven (Luke 6:38; John 10:10).

63. – We inherit everything from God that
Jesus inherits.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Romans 8:17). Even when obedience
proves costly, you will not be the loser, for
God will always give back far more than is
given to Him; both in this life and eternally
in heaven (Luke 6:38; John 10:10).
If we are prepared to share
in His sufferings, we will
also share in His glory

64. – Changes will take place in some of your
old habits because the Lord wants to see
those changes in you.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Colossians 3:17).

65. – Changes will take place in some of your
old habits because the Lord wants to see
those changes in you.
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Colossians 3:17).
Submit willingly to those
changes, and resist
temptation to return to old
habits and so compromise
your discipleship

66. – By taking your discipleship seriously you
will be seeking first the Kingdom of God
and His righteousness.You can be
confident that God will keep His promise
and provide for your every need, as He did
with Jesus (Matthew 6:33).

67. Questions and Discussion Points
1.Should we live as we want, or as God wants in every
situation? (2 Corinthians 5:15).
2.Who is our guide in the things of Christ Jesus? (John
16:13–14).
3.What sort of things will anyone who has faith in Jesus
do? (John 14:12–14).

68. 4. Can we learn anything about love by God’s giving of
His Son Jesus (1 John 4:10–11), and how we as disciples
remain in His love? (John 15:9–14).
5.What are the two greatest commandments of God?
(Matthew 22:37 – 39).

69. 6.How can we, as disciples, live out our daily lives
manifesting ‘agape’ love towards God and others as God
requires of us? (Romans 5:5).
7.When things get tough, can we relax a bit until we can
cope with life again? (Luke 9:62). If not, why do so many
Christians do this?

70. Summary and Application
1.We need to be totally committed to Jesus, making
Him our Lord.This means that we will not say ‘no’ when
He asks us to do something for Him.
2.Every disciple of Jesus should ask the question,‘‘What
would Jesus do?’’ in every situation in which they find
themselves.

71. 3.We need to live continuously in God’s Word as His
disciples so that we will know Him better, and then we
will have an increased ability to know what Jesus would
do in each situation.
4.We need to see God as our loving Master who only
wants our good.
5.We need to love and serve God first, others second
and ourselves last.
Summary and Application

72. The End