JOIN US FOR EASTER SUNDAY THIS SUNDAY AT 7:45AM, 9AM, OR 10:45AM OR WATCH LIVE AT 10:45AM. DOWNLOAD WORSHIP RESOURCES HERE.

X Close Menu

Sermons

Jesus Wants Disciples

March 4, 2018 Speaker: Mike McDonald Series: Core Values of Grace

Topic: Core Values of Grace Passage: 1 Corinthians 4:10–21

A Recap from Sunday’s Sermon

Preaching Text: 1 Cor. 4:10-21 

The making of disciples is something that Jesus commands us to do (Matt. 28:18-20).  He expects it and he empowers it.  A “disciple” is best defined as an apprentice.  Thus, mere information transfer is not enough to make a disciple.  It requires the experiences of walking alongside others who are further down the path of their faith journey.  

Most Christians I know feel inadequate to disciple another person, likely because they presume expertise is needed.  I suspect this to be a lie of the enemy, telling God’s people that they are inadequate and thus, stealing their effectiveness for kingdom work.  Therefore, a simple way to look at discipleship is helpful: “Follow me as I follow Christ.”  If you are sincerely following him, your life will be transformed, thus qualifying you to make disciples.  The Apostle Paul writes that “the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power” (v. 20). 

Jesus gives power to make disciples.

The experience of the gospel’s power to change his life made the Apostle Paul bold to say, “Imitate me” (v. 16).  He went further and charged his co-worker, Timothy, to teach Paul’s “ways in Christ” that he teaches all the churches (v. 17).  Paul was dedicated to following Christ.  He manifested the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  He was still a sinner, but humbled and forgiven.  

Many of our church members have all of these traits and more, but discount their ability to make a disciple.  If that is you, repent, and then pray for God to show you who you can encourage to follow Jesus with you.  Seeing God’s work in your life will help them pursue God in their own life.   

Mealtime discussion:  Flip this around by sharing experiences of how others have discipled you.

 

More in Core Values of Grace

March 25, 2018

"The Cross"

March 18, 2018

God Saves Before He Santifies

March 11, 2018

The Lord Includes Us in His Work