Intro: Becoming the Real Thing
We all know some who identify as Christians, but the evidence in their life makes us wonder. I know you don’t want to be in that category. Me neither. How do we identify and pursue real discipleship? Good question. The Apostle John recorded a thought-provoking quotation: Then Jesus said to those Judeans who had believed him, “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 (NET)
Three things in these verses challenge some of our assumptions:
- Simply believing does not make you a real disciple of Jesus Christ.
- Real disciples continue in the study and practice of the Lord’s teachings.
- Real discipleship leads to a knowledge of truth that brings freedom.
What, then is “Real Discipleship?” Jesus tells us: Real disciples are three-fold lovers:
- Real disciples love Jesus enough to follow Him, no matter the cost. Luke 14:33-35
- Real disciples love the Word of God. John 8:31 / 1 Peter 2:1-3
- Real disciples love others sacrificially. John 13:34-35
Part of the commission of the Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. That process begins with faith in Him, but must continue in a Bible-guided lifestyle of faith. Every person whom God sends in our door is precious. Therefore, we have identified 8 biblical concepts that we believe are vital to real discipleship. Here is a brief overview of these 8 concepts.
8 Things a Real Disciple Needs to Know
1) Jesus came to rescue you and you needed it. Because of sin, You were hopelessly lost, separated from God. Jesus came to rescue you. This is called “redemption.” John 3:16-19
2) You must be born again. You can’t just try to do better. You must be fundamentally changed. Becoming a Christian is a miraculous death and rebirth of the spirit. John 3:1-8
3) Water baptism is not optional. It doesn’t save us, but it is the required first step in a life of discipleship. It is meaningful and powerful. Matthew 28:18-20
4) You need the Word. The Christian life requires that you read your Bible, the Word of God. Life, faith, and growth come from the Word. Matthew 4:4 / Romans 10:17
5) You need the power of the Holy Spirit. Without supernatural help, religious form sets in. The Holy Spirit Baptism provides power to fulfill the will of God. Acts 1:3,4,8
6) Communion is not a religious ritual. It is a holy ordinance observed with reverence and self-examination. It is a time to remember what Jesus did for you. 1 Corinthians 11:23-32
7) You can’t do it alone. The Christian life is a team activity. You cannot fulfill the will of God alone. Hebrews 10:24-25.
8) Your salvation is not just for you. The world is waiting. Jesus came to reach the world. He left you here to help in that process. Romans 10:13-15
Somebody Said: One can believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ and feel no personal loyalty to Him at all – indeed, pay no attention whatever to His commandments and His will for one’s life. –Catherine Marshall
Here’s the Point: We are here to make real disciples of Jesus Christ. Please accept these simple tools as a token of our esteem, and our desire to be a blessing.
Actions Steps: If you’re a Christian, they offer a simple reminder and measure of where you are in your walk with Jesus. If you are working with new believers, they provide a guided path for intentional growth.
Watch this full teaching: Real Disciples Introduction
For the next teachings on each of the 8 things, follow the links below:
Lesson #1: Jesus Came to Rescue You (and you needed it)
Lesson #2: You Must Be Born Again.
Lesson #3: Baptism is Not a Suggestion.
Lesson #4: You Need the Word.
Lesson #5: You Need the Power of the Holy Spirit
Lesson #6: Communion is Not a Religious Ritual.
Lesson #7: You Can’t Do It Alone.
Lesson #8: Your Salvation is Not Just for You.
If you have questions, please contact us at 520-792-3238 or fcftoffice@fcftucson.org.
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