Three Main Points of Discipleship: A Life that Exemplifies that Knowledge

THIS LESSON IS BY MIKE

Sons.Training Lesson 52 January 21, 2019

Three Main Points of Discipleship: A Life that Exemplifies that Knowledge WHAT ARE THE THREE MAIN POINTS OF DISCIPLESHIP?

COURSE RECAP: In this lesson we will break down one of these points:

1. The Knowledge of God
2. A Life that Exemplifies that Knowledge
3. Being led by the Spirit of God Without these three points true discipleship cannot take place.

But when these three points are in place in the life of a leader, you will see the manifestation of the true sons of God emerge in the congregation of that leader’s fellowship. In this week’s lesson we will be dealing with point number two: A Life that Exemplifies that Knowledge. The world has an old saying “Talk is cheap”. Another saying that the world has is “You can make your mouth say anything”. For far too long now leaders have depended upon preaching ability and teaching ability to raise the people of God to a standard of maturity. But this has proven to be very ineffective. The people of God will be well informed of the Word but will have no virtue or strength to overcome trials that come to every child of God. Even something as simple as living holy will be quite difficult to the congregation without a living example.

Matthew 5:16

16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

The light that Jesus is referring to is a holy life. A holy life cannot be verbally taught alone, but it must be accompanied by a living example of that life that is being proclaimed. A leader’s congregation must witness the life of Christ being lived out before them that they might have the same conviction to also continue in that life. The congregation should be able to attribute the freedom from sin in the life of the leader to the power of God. When a leader’s life is mangled with inconsistent holiness it causes the people to doubt the keeping power of God. It also weakens their conviction toward God. And I must go on record saying God’s judgment of such acts are very severe.

Mark 9:42

42 “And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.”

People who know me as Apostle Mike know that I am somewhat humorous, and I often laugh at the wrong time. I have come to except that it is just a part of the personality that God has given me so if you would humor me for a moment, in this lesson I would like to conduct an interview with the apostle Paul.

Apostle Mike: “Hello, Apostle, how are you doing today? We are so glad to have you grace us with your presence in today’s lesson. I have a few questions concerning discipleship in the church today. Firstly, how did you go about discipleship, Apostle?”

Apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 2:1-2

1 "And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

Apostle Mike: “ Apostle, we know you to be a very intelligent and wise man. One who has traveled the world often and who knows several different languages. But are you saying that all your knowledge and experiences you put aside? And the only knowledge you found any significance in was Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Wow, I hear what you’re saying but this life in Christ gets really hard sometimes. How do you help your congregation to not fail in their faith?”

Apostle Paul:1 Corinthians 2:3-5

“And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”

Apostle Mike: “So essentially, you’re saying you didn’t try to sell the Gospel through enticing words. Your preaching did not originate from man’s wisdom or earthly credentials. Your life gave us a demonstration of living and walking in the Spirit which produced a holy life through the power of God. And our faith in what you taught should be established by the example you set. Good job, Apostle Paul.”

Apostle Paul: Acts 9:10-16

“10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias.

11 And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.”

Before Apostle Paul was ever born-again God had already purposed that Paul would suffer for His name sake. God would use this suffering to establish the testimony of Himself in Paul’s life. As pastors and leaders, we must not forget that we are still establishing the testimony of God in the lives of people based on the record of our own lives; how we respond in trials and unfavorable situations. Do we hold fast to our integrity? Do we walk in humility? Do we try to circumvent suffering? All these things are establishing a testimony. But are we establishing the testimony of God or are we establishing our own testimony in the lives of the people?

Apostle Mike: “Paul, one more question. What was Jesus as man like?”

Apostle Paul: Philippians 2:7-10

“7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”

Apostle Mike: “Paul, If the leaders of my time can achieve this testimony than true discipleship will take place in the lives of the people. But to be honest with you, Paul, the leaders of my time, including myself have often struggled with allowing God complete control over our lives. And this inconsistency has been inherited by our congregations. But when you know better you do better, and we commit ourselves to your teachings that our congregations might finally stand in the fullness of the statue of the man Jesus Christ.”