Discipleship Discipleship Joshua 1 7 8 Only be

Discipleship

Discipleship • Joshua 1: 7 -8 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.

Discipleship • Success: The achievement of something desired, planned or attempted. • Without goals, there can be no success. • What kind of goals do you have individually or collectively

Discipleship • How to succeed in growing spiritually • These principles apply to much of life as well as in spiritual matters. • 2 Corinthians 13: 5 “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you fail the test”.

Discipleship • “…we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love. ” Ephesians 4: 15, 16

Discipleship Part One Desire Spiritual Things

Desire Spiritual Things A. Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life 1. Our goals, ambitions and affections ought to be spiritual - not carnal –

Desire Spiritual Things Colossians 3: 1, 2 “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. ”

Desire Spiritual Things Mark 12: 30 "And you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength. “ (CAN WE CHANGE THE WORD ‘ALL’ WITH: SOME, PART, MOST? ? ? ) HONESTLY, MOST OF US DO.

Desire Spiritual Things Romans 8: 6 “For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace”.

Desire Spiritual Things A. Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life 1. Our goals, ambitions and affections ought to be spiritual - not carnal – 2. We must have our priorities right:

Desire Spiritual Things Matthew 6: 33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.

Desire Spiritual Things Luke 12: 15 “And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses. "

Desire Spiritual Things a. It begins in our heart or mind!!!! Matthew 6: 19 -21 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.

Desire Spiritual Things A. Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life B. We should desire to partake in spiritual activities -

Desire Spiritual Things 1. We should desire to assemble. Heb. 10: 24, 25 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day approaching”.

Desire Spiritual Things a. We should desire to worship God – Psalm 122: 1 “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord. "

Desire Spiritual Things a. We should desire to worship God Psalm 63: 1, 2 “O God, you are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You; In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory”.

Desire Spiritual Things • We should desire the company of our brethren • Romans 12: 10 “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another”; • Are you here ONLY because you are commanded to be here?

Desire Spiritual Things 2. We should desire to study God's word? Psalm 119: 36, 37 “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, . . Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way”.

Desire Spiritual Things 2. We should desire to study God's word? Psalm 119: 97 “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day…”

Desire Spiritual Things 2. We should desire to study God's word? Psalm 119: 103 “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!”.

Desire Spiritual Things 2. We should desire to study God's word? 2 Timothy 2: 15 “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.

Desire Spiritual Things a. Assembling to study God's word, ought to be attractive to us. b. Do we hunger and thirst after God's word as much as 1) Our news-paper? 2) Our Monthly Magazine - (Sports Ill. , Readers Digest, Playboy? . . . ) 3) Our Favorite TV show - (Morning news, Sitcoms, Talk Shows. . . )

Desire Spiritual Things c. Many have not received a LOVE for the truth. . 2 Thessalonians 2: 10 -12 “and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness”.

Desire Spiritual Things 3. We should desire to keep the Lord's commandments Psalm 119: 129 -131 “Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments”.

Desire Spiritual Things [WE decide that which is valuable to us - We have placed our priorities in the order that they are in based upon our desires! That which we desire most is that which: . . We long for -. . We work for -. . and excites us the most - Do we desire spiritual things as we should? If we have developed this spiritual desire within our hearts, then we will seek to take the next step. . ]

Discipleship Part Two Desire Spiritual Things Discipline Of Self

Discipline of Self A. This discipline involves the whole person 1 Corinthians 9: 24 -27 “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”.

Discipline Of Self 1. Every thought: Be careful of your thoughts - they may break into words at any time. 2 Corinthians 10: 5 “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”, a. Who you are and who you will become begins with your thoughts -

Discipline Of Self Proverbs 23: 7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. ” "Beware of what you set your mind on for that you will surely become". -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Discipline Of Self b. This however is not just a duty to be viewed negatively No man who thinks in terms of catching mice will ever catch lions. 1) If you do not think in terms of Spiritual growth and Spiritual service; you will NOT achieve eternal life. . i. e. We will succeed spiritually only things preoccupy our thinking! if spiritual

Discipline of Self 2. Every motive: Hebrews 6: 10 “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister”.

Discipline Of Self a. Do you LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart? (Mark 12: 29 -31) “Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. ' This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ' There is no other commandment greater than these. "

Discipline Of Self John 14: 23 “Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him”. b. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? The Good Samaritan - (Luke 10: 30 -37)

Discipline Of Self 3. Every act: Colossians 3: 23 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ”

Discipline Of Self 3. Every act: 2 Timothy 2: 5 “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully”.

Discipline Of Self 3. Every act: 1 John 3: 18 “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”.

Discipline Of Self 4. We must control our attitudes!! Ephesians 4: 2, 3 “. . . walk. . with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. ”

Discipline of Self 4. We must control our attitudes!! Philippians 2: 2 -5 “fulfill my joy by being likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ”

Discipline Of Self [It has been said that repentance is the hardest command - why is that? Because it takes a great deal of self discipline! Before we can take the next step toward success - the step of self discipline MUST BE made! Once we gain control of ourselves, then we can move on to the next step. . ]

Discipleship Part Three Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord

Dedication To The Lord A. The act of being set apart for a purpose 1. A synonym for sanctification and/or consecration.

Dedication To The Lord Expresses the idea of being made NEW – 2 Corinthians 5: 17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. ”

Dedication To The Lord b. Christians are separated from the world and ought to stay that way 2 Corinthians 6: 14 -7: 1 “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people. " Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you. " "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty. " Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”.

Dedication To The Lord 2. Christians HAVE BEEN SANCTIFIED or set apart by the Lord to serve Him! 1 Corinthians 1: 2 “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: ”

Dedication To The Lord a. This is done and recognized by God when we willingly yield to Him Romans 6: 17 -18 “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. 18 And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness”.

Dedication To The Lord [If we make less than 100 -percent surrender to God, - we can be sure that the devil will take advantage of any inroad to reach that uncommitted area of our lives. ]

discipleship Part Four Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord Devotion To God

Devotion To God A. Indicating continued action 1. Difference between dedication and devotion Joshua 24: 15 "And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day, (dedicate), whom you will serve, (be devoted to), whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. "

Devotion To God 2. Devotion is made of: a. A deep steady affection; Matthew 22: 36 -40 "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law? " Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. ' "This is the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself. ' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets. "

Devotion To God 2. Devotion is made of: a. A deep steady affection; John 14: 23, 24 “Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. "He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me. ”

Devotion To God 2. Devotion is made of: b. Loyalty, Colossians 1: 13 “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”,

Devotion To God Devotion is made of: b. Loyalty, Romans 12: 1, 2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”.

Devotion To God 2. Devotion is made of: c. Faithfulness, Rev. 12: 10 (the church in Smyrna) "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life”. A husband with just one ongoing affair cannot be considered faithful - devoted!

Devotion To God 2. Devotion is made of: d. Earnestness in religion; Titus 2: 14 “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works”.

Devotion to God 3. By these things - we express our "Devotion" unto God Colossians 1: 23 “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister”.

Devotion To God 3. By these things - we express our "Devotion" unto God 1 Corinthians 15: 58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.

Devotion To God 4. We should live for Jesus who died for us; 2 Corinthians 5: 14, 15 “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again”.

Devotion To God [Devotion to Christ then is more than the giving of ourselves once or every now and then to the cause of Christ, it is the continual sacrificing of ourselves that displays our faithful service to Christ. ]

discipleship Part Five Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord Devotion To God Determination To Do Right

Determination to do right: • (Firmness of purpose; resolve) • A. The ability to make up one's mind and carry out one's intentions. • Joshua 24: 15 "…, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. "

Determination to do right: • Acts 11: 22 -23 Then news of these things came • • to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Psalms 119: 112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end. Psalms 119: 106 I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments.

Determination to do right: • B. Determination doesn't look for excuses, but for • opportunities!! 1. We ought to be determined to : – – – – a. Attend every service we can b. To study our Bibles as much as we can c. Be instant in prayer d. To be doers of the word e. To develop the mind of Christ f. To talk to others about Christ g. Submit to the authority of Christ h. To encourage, and influence the weak -

Determination to do right: • [When we really commit ourselves to doing that which is right in the sight of God, we then must search out that which is right so we can do it. Jesus said - "The truth shall make you free, " (John 8: 32), therefore is of utmost importance that we find the truth. . ]

discipleship Part Six Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord Devotion To God Determination To Do Right Discernment of good and evil

Discernment of good and evil • A. Discernment must be guided by knowledge!! • Are you a daily Bible reader? • Do you attend every bible class you can? • Do you examine what you are taught? • Can you give an answer. . . . ? (1 Peter 3: 15) • B. Perhaps a better word for our usage would be "FOCUS"

Discernment of good and evil • Acts 17: 11 These were more fair-minded than • those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Hebrews 5: 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Discernment of good and evil • B. we must have the correct attitude about discernment: • 1. It should not be "Where does the Bible say that I • • • can't? " Prov. 14: 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. a. God has revealed to us that which is right 2 Timothy 3: 16 -17 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Discernment of good and evil • 2. Those who really want to please God ask - "Where • • • does the Bible teach that God approves? " 1 Thessalonians 5: 21, 22. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. Ephesians 5: 10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. 10 trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (NASV) 10 proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; (1901 ASV) Romans 12: 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

Discernment of good and evil • [Many times, we determine for ourselves what the standard of right or wrong actually is. Out of selfishness, we sometimes determine that some things are right. And there lies the danger. We must seek to do things in God's ways, or we will not be found acceptable to Him and our efforts would be in vain. ]

discipleship Part Seven Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord Devotion To God Determination To Do Right Discernment of good and evil Diligence in living the Christian life

Diligence in living the Christian life • A. diligently seek after God • Hebrews 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to • • please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. b. give all dilligence To grow and bear fruit Proverbs 4: 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Diligence in living the Christian life • 2 Peter 1: 5 -10 But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble;

Diligence in living the Christian life • c. to persevere; • Hebrews 6: 11 -12 And we desire that each one of you show the • • same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Hebrews 12: 14 -15 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; Hebrews 10: 38, 39 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him. " But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Diligence in living the Christian life • d. To be found without spot • 2 Peter 3: 14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to • • these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; e. Who can say "I have done enough; I can sit down and rest, I can stop: Studying, Encouraging, Teaching, Helping, Working, Growing? "

Diligence in living the Christian life • • • f. Would not the same be true in collective efforts? f. We ought to be unsatisfied with staying where we are: 1) We must be content with what God has done for us, 2) But we must never be satisfied with what we are doing for God. h. Everything that we do in serving Christ must be done with diligence Ecclesiastes 9: 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.

Part Eight Desire Spiritual Things Discipline of Self Dedication To The Lord Devotion To God Determination To Do Right Discernment of good and evil Diligence in living the Christian life Doing the will of God

Doing the will of God • A. Putting into actual application those things • • that are right and necessary in each of our lives. 1) Proving yourselves DOERS James 1: 21 -22 "Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. "

Doing the will of God • 2)Lip service not good enough • Matthew 7: 21 "Not everyone who says to me Lord, • • will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. " 3) Proving our allegiance Matthew 12: 50 "For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother. " 4) Finding out what MUST be done Acts 16: 30 "and after he brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved? ""

Doing the will of God • 5)Understanding why it MUST be done • 1 Corinthians 9: 23 "And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, • • • that I may become a fellow partaker of it". We must recognize the opportunities before us on a yearly, monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly basis. Galatians 6: 10 "So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. " B. Making this a lifelong effort and taking good advise. 2 Timothy 4: 5 "But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. " John 2: 5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it"

Doing the will of God • 1) Joining Deity in fulfilling the greatest purpose of all • 1 Peter 4: 1 -2 "Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the • • • flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. " 2) Consequences of failing to do what must be done James 4: 17 "Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin. " The greatest purpose of all time is found in the words of Jesus.

Doing the will of God • The greatest purpose of all time is found in the words of Jesus. • "Not my will, but Thy will“ • Do you have the same purpose in life?

Doing the will of God • [Now is the time to put what we have learned into action. It is one thing to know what to do, it is another to actually do it. We must step up to the next level of service. It is up to us individually. • And in some ways it is up to us as a congregation. ]

Conclusion of Discipleship • 1. Our ultimate goal • a. To be ready for the Lord. . . • 1) To be found by Him in peace - 2 Pe 3: 14 a • 2) To be without spot and blameless - 2 Pe 3: 14 b - • Whenever the Lord returns, we certainly want to be ready for His coming!

Conclusion of discipleship • b. To remain steadfast. . . • 1) Lest we fall - 2 Pe 3: 17 a; cf. He 3: 12 -14 • 2) Lest we be led astray - 2 Pe 3: 17 b; cf. 2 Pe • • 2: 1 -3 -To be ready for His coming, we must make sure we do not fall away through negligence, 2. True success, strength and growth depends upon it's members, just as the failure, weakness, and luke-warmness, depends upon it's members.

Conclusion of discipleship • a. Let us develop the same attitude as the • • apostle Paul Philippians 3: 13 -14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 3. Are you pressing forward to your goal of reaching heaven?

Discipleship