One of the first times I walked in the snow, it wasn’t as easy as I thought. I was then so grateful for those footprints of those who’ve gone before. They made it so much easier to take this walk. I prayed that I too will make footprints that will make it easy for those who come behind me.
Overview
Be Disciples
- The Condition
- The Challenge
- The Cross
- The Crown
Make Disciples
- The Great Commission
Be Disciples - The Condition
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me”. Luke 9:23
Be Disciples-the Challenge
Be Disciples-the Challenge
“An enemy I had whose face I stoutly strove to know
For hard he dogged my steps unseen wherever I did go
My plans he balked my aim he foiled he blocked my onward way
When for some lofty goal I toiled he grimly said to me Nay
One night I seized him and held him fast, from him the veil did draw
I looked upon his face at last…
Be Disciples-the Challenge
I’ve had more trouble with DL Moody than I’ve had with any man alive – DL Moody
Be Disciples-the Challenge
Paul confesses in Romans 7:19 For the good that I want, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want. 20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want, I am no longer the one doing it, but sin which dwells in me. 21 I find then the principle that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good. 22 For I joyfully concur with the law of God in the inner man, 23 but I see a different law in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from the body of this death?25 Thanks be to God who does this through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Be Disciples-the Challenge
- Christ is not interested in what I do. He is interested in who I am in my personal space with him
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“A whole new generation of Christians has come up believing that it is possible to accept Christ without forsaking the world.” AW Tozer.
Be Disciples - The Cross
- Jesus stated the power of the cross in John 12:32,33“32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” 33 This He said, signifying by what death He would die.”
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Paul’s joy and crown:
1 Thess 2:19“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?”
Be Disciples-The Crown
- 1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.
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For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. Matt 16:25
Raghuram rajan, top economist, slayer of inflation, saviour of the rupee made the following statement: “I wanted to get a glimpse of the real world of cinema, which is the other side from my line of work. To me, the world of money is unreal – Raghuram Rajan”…..
because he needed a break!!
And in the “real world of cinema”, the famous producer Mahesh Bhatt in his interview in koffee with karan after hitting the peak of success says “Nothing fails like success – Mahesh Bhatt”.
- Paul, on the other hand has a clear driving purpose when he says “For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
- Jim Elliot, who sacrificed his life at the hands of the Ecuadoran tribe while bringing them the gospel makes the profound statement “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”.
Christianity is “Christ in you”
Christianity is:
- Not a vague abstraction but a wonderful affection.
- Not a tiresome argument but a tremendous friendship.
- Not an intricate uninspired philosophy but an inspired and thrilling love.
- Not a drudging at the grindstone of a dingy routine morality but “Christ in you, the hope of glory” [2]
Commission of Discipleship
The Great Commission:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 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.” Amen. Matt 28:18-20
Commission of Discipleship
“In His last direct conversation with Peter, Jesus says: “Do you love Me more than these?… Feed my sheep!”In John 21:15-17
In Gal 2:22 Paul says “I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives (is living) in me”
Summary - Be Disciples
“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
Make Disciples
The Great Commission:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 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, 20 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.” Amen. Matt 28:18-20
Discussion
- What are the hardest aspects to “deny” in our lives?
- How do we overcome them?
- What are some challenges that the church faces in fulfilling the great commission?
- How can we make a difference in overcoming these challenges in our church?
References
1.Dr. John Maxwell (Developing the leader within you)
2.“Gates of New Life” by – James