SERMON NOTES (Aug 16, 2015): Discipleship & Missio Dei - Matt 16:21-24

Difference between Mission of God & Missions Projects of Men:

•       Missions Projects are the activities of believers to reach across cultural, economic or linguistic boundaries in order to share the love of Christ. ARE FINITE & CAN BE MISTAKENLY DONE.

•       Missio Dei is the Mission of God. It is His mission throughout history to bring the full measure of His flock into worship. CANNOT BE THWARTED.

Let’s quit “having church” & start “being Disciples”

What is Discipleship? (One of 5 Functions)

·         IS NOT a Weekly One-Hour Program

·         IS NOT an Institutional Canned Presentation

·         IS Healthy, Organic & Reproductive Process

·         IS Normal & Intentional People-Investment

I.                    Call to Discipleship

a.       “Call to Discipleship begins at salvation and continues until we reach heaven.”

                                                               i.      No one has “made it” yet; stop waiting to answer call until you reach perfection.

b.      Discipleship is a call to think differently about everything

                                                               i.      The Way of the World

                                                             ii.      The Way of the Gospel

c.       Luke 5:1-11- “Master, we worked hard all night and caught nothing, but I will do as You say and let down the nets.”

II.                  Barriers to Discipleship

a.       Luke 14:25-35

                                                               i.      When personal relationships are more important than Christ (26)

                                                             ii.      When personal preferences are more important than Christ (27)

                                                            iii.      When you think there is no cost (28-30)

                                                           iv.      When you think there is no loss (31-32)

                                                             v.      When personal property is more important than Christ (33)

III.                Fruits of Discipleship

a.       John 15:8-  My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.

b.      John 13:35- By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

IV.                Process of Discipleship

a.       2 Tim 2:2

b.      4 Part PROCESS:

                                                               i.      Salvation: Knowing God

                                                             ii.      Sanctification: Finding Freedom from the Bondage of Sins

                                                            iii.      Spiritual Purpose: Discovering your Spiritual Gifts

                                                           iv.      Sending: Making a Difference in Others’ lives through ministry & missions

c.       Paul’s Advice to Older Men, Older Women (Titus 2:1-8) Elder encourage younger process.

d.      M.A.W.L. – Model, Assist, Watch, Leave