Discipleship Begins As We Get To Know Jesus

A Summary of Pastor Dale's Sermon on 11/28/2010

Another name for a believer in Jesus Christ is disciple. When Jesus called his disciples to follow him so that he might make them fishers of men (Matt 4:18-22) it was only 36 months later that he told them to go and make disciples. How did they go from fishermen to fishers of men? By getting to know Jesus.

As we get to know Jesus we will think on these 6 things:

1. The need for Jesus’ work – Why do you or I need Jesus? John 8:34 tells us that everyone is a slave to sin, and James 1:15 says that the result of sin is death. So, our need of Jesus begins with a realization that Scriptures says we are slaves to something that will kill us, and the work of Jesus is to free us from the penalty of sin.

2. The cost of Jesus’ work – When Jesus came to Earth he took the form of a servant, and he humbled himself to the point of dying on a cross (Phil 2:7-8). 1 Peter 1:18-19 tells us that the price Jesus paid as our ransom was his own precious blood. As we get to know Jesus, we see someone who willingly gave everything to free us.

3. The result of Jesus’ work – How did Jesus’ death change our relationship to God? Romans 5:10 says that it brought about reconciliation to God. In other words, because of our sin we were not acceptable to a holy God, but the result of Jesus’ work made us acceptable in His sight. Jesus willingly suffered for this great end of bringing us to God (1 Peter 3:18).

4. The motive of Jesus’ work – What could have motivated God to send His Son to willingly give himself to save us? As we get to know Jesus we see that God’s love and mercy are on display (Rom 5:8; 1 Peter 1:3).

5. The continuation of Jesus’ work – So, now that Jesus has saved us, what does he continue to do for us now? Hebrews 7:25 tells us that he intercedes for us. Another way to describe this is his role of mediator (1 Tim 2:5). Jesus is the one who is pulling for you. He prays for you, and helps you, and comes to the Father on your behalf. He is your defender and your advocate. The continuing work of Jesus is what enables you to grow as his disciple.

6. The application of Jesus’ work - If these truths about Jesus are to be yours then it begins as we acknowledge that we have sinned, and that our sin makes us unacceptable to God. In response to this, we repent and call on Jesus to save us; we ask for forgiveness through his blood; and we thank God for His love and grace. This is where we all must begin as Jesus calls us; and as we get to know him he then tells us to go and tell others about their need for Jesus, and all he has done to bring them to God. Like the first disciples, we are called to follow Jesus, and learn about Jesus, and to then go and make disciples.

As a church we value: being really nice to others; sound, reformed theology; encouraging families and various age groups to be unified in our fellowship; accountability and support that comes in small groups; and being involved both internationally and in our local community. BCC also values the spiritual health and growth of each person, and so discipleship needs to be another emphasis of our church. We want a church full of people who are growing, and healthy. We want you to be like trees; but not just any tree – not a delicate, manicured Bonsai Tree, but instead, to be like Torrey Pines that are able to withstand any storm that blows and threatens you. This is the type of tree described in Psalm 1; planted by streams of water (refreshed by the Holy Spirit working through the Word), and healthy even in times of drought.

One way to help you grow is by encouraging you to be discipled, and then to make disciples. One temptation might be to just grab the workbook we recommend (Fundamentals of the Christian Faith), but this is not discipleship. A disciple gives you direction, accountability, and the support you may need in life.

To get started, Pastor Jim will be organizing the men of our church, and Marla Lance, the women. Contact them, and they will be happy to match you up with someone who has been discipled and is ready to take you through this workbook. Today’s message on Jesus comes from one of its chapters, and as you work through this material it will help you become more familiar with the basics of our faith, and better prepared to then go and make disciples.