Embracing Jesus call to Discipleship

Bible Study: Embracing God’s Call to Discipleship

Purpose of the Study

To help believers understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how to fully embrace God’s call with faith, commitment, and obedience.

1. What is Discipleship?

Definition:

Discipleship is the process of following Jesus, being transformed by Him, and helping others follow Him.

• Greek word for disciple – mathētēs, meaning “learner” or “follower.”

Key Verse:

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’”
— Matthew 16:24 (NKJV)

1. The Call to Discipleship
2. Jesus Calls Us Personally

• Matthew 4:19 – “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
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• John 15:16 – “You did not choose Me, but I chose you…”

Jesus initiates the call, and it is both personal and purposeful.

2. The Cost of Discipleship

• Luke 14:27-33 – Jesus teaches that discipleship requires sacrifice, even to the point of forsaking all.
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• Matthew 10:38-39 – Taking up your cross is essential to truly follow Him.
• Luke 9:
  

  The Cost of Following Jesus

  ⁵⁷ As they were walking along, someone said to Jesus, “I will follow you wherever you go.”

  ⁵⁸ But Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head.”

  ⁵⁹ He said to another person, “Come, follow me.”

  The man agreed, but he said, “Lord, first let me return home and bury my father.”

  ⁶⁰ But Jesus told him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their own dead!^[c] Your duty is to go and preach about the Kingdom of God.”

  ⁶¹ Another said, “Yes, Lord, I will follow you, but first let me say good-bye to my family.”

  ⁶² But Jesus told him, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Discipleship is not comfortable; it is costly—but eternally rewarding.

III. Characteristics of a True Disciple

1. Love and Obedience

• John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
• John 13:34-35 – Love is the mark of true discipleship.
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2. Abiding in God’s Word

• John 8:31-32 – “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.”
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3. Bearing Fruit

• John 15:8 – “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.”
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4. A Life of Service

• Mark 10:45 – Even the Son of Man came to serve.
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1. The Mission of a Disciple
2. Make Disciples

• Matthew 28:19-20 – The Great Commission calls us not just to follow Jesus, but to make followers.
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2. Be a Witness

• Acts 1:8 – “You shall be witnesses to Me…”
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Being a disciple means sharing your faith and living a life that reflects Christ.

1. How to Embrace the Call Today
2. Surrender Your Will

Romans 12:1 – Present your body as a living sacrifice.

2. Spend Time in God’s Presence

• Prayer, fasting, studying the Word, and worship are essential to growth.

3. Be Teachable and Accountable

Proverbs 27:17 – “Iron sharpens iron…”

Surround yourself with godly counsel and community.

1. Discussion Questions

1. What does being a disciple mean to you personally?
2. Have you counted the cost of following Jesus? What did it cost you?
3. How are you actively helping others become disciples?
4. What areas in your life still need to be surrendered to God?
5. How can your local church better support the call to discipleship?

VII. Life Application

• Daily Commitment: Ask the Lord each day, “How can I follow You more closely today?”
• Mentorship: Find someone to disciple or be discipled by.
• Fruit Inspection: Regularly evaluate your spiritual growth and areas where God wants you to bear more fruit.
• Witnessing: Share your testimony and the gospel regularly.

VIII. Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to be Your disciple. Help me to deny myself, take up my cross, and follow You daily. Empower me through Your Spirit to live a life that glorifies You and draws others to Your love. Give me the courage to respond fully to Your call, no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.