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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 27:1-5

DISCIPLES

Intro.
1.  Disciple: “lit., ‘a learner’ (from manthanoo, “to learn,” from a root math--, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor), in contrast to didaskalos, “a teacher”; hence it denotes ‘one who follows one’s teaching’” (Vine, 171).

   -“A ‘disciple’ was not only a pupil, but an adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; cf. John 8:31; 15:8” (Vine).

2.  Disciple is taught (Matt. 28:19) & trained (Lk. 6:40):  Acts 11:26.

3.  Jesus calls us to be disciples, Matt. 11:29 (learn, disciple; from, preposition of origin): Become a learner & an adherent of Jesus!

4.  NT reveals different kinds of disciples; what kind are we?

I.  DOUBTING DISCIPLES, Lk. 24:36-38.

  A.  Doubt Results from Little Faith, Matt. 6:30; 14:31; Jas. 1:6.

  B.  Solution:  Devote yourself to the Word of God, Rom. 10:17.

    1.  Start learning, Matt. 9:13 (go & learn); cf. Hosea 6:3.

    2.  Start serving like our Master served, Matt. 10:24-25 (Jno. 13:12-17).

II.  FEARFUL DISCIPLES, Matt. 25:24-30.

  A.  Disciples of Jesus Find Rest, not Fear, Matt. 11:29.

    1.  Rest from the fear of sin & death, Heb. 2:14-15.

    2.  Rest from the fear of people, Lk. 12:4-5 (Jno. 7:13).

    3.  Rest from the fear of our duties, Matt. 25:25, 29.

    4.  Rest from the fear of asking questions (to learn), Lk. 9:43-45.

  B.  Solution:

    1.  Develop our love for God, 1 Jno. 4:18-19 (Matt. 22:37).

    2.  Practice Christ’s discipline; God of peace will be with you (removes fear), Phil. 4:9.

    3.  Learn contentment, Phil. 4:11.

III.  WEAK DISCIPLES, 1 Ths. 5:14.  (Powerless, feeble)

  A.  Solution:

    1.  Get to learning, 1 Cor. 14:31 (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:7).

    2.  Get to working, Matt. 9:37-38; 2 Tim. 3:14; Titus 3:14.

IV.  SECRET DISCIPLES (Jno. 3:1-2; 12:42; 19:38).

  A.  Solution:

    1.  Come out of the shadows of shame, Mk. 8:38 (2 Tim. 1:8).

    2.  Walk in the light, Jno. 8:12 (Eph. 5:8-17).

V.  FAITHFUL & FRUITFUL DISCIPLES, Jno. 15:4-8.

  A.  By Learning & Living Christ (Jno. 6:44-45), Eph. 4:20-21; Gal. 2:20.

    1.  Obey the doctrine of Christ from the heart (Rom. 6:17-18).

      a.  Abide in the word of Christ (Scriptures), Jno. 8:31.

      b.  Do not go beyond what is written (1 Cor. 4:6; 2 Jno. 9).

    2.  Put off old man of sin & put on new man, Eph. 4:22-24.

    3.  Continue in the things you have learned, 2 Tim. 3:14.

Conclusion

1.  Disciples do the will of the Father and are in fellowship with Jesus, Matt. 12:46-50.

2.  Complete your training & be like the Master!  (Lk. 6:40; Phil. 2:12)