Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” Matthew 4:19 (NLT)
The Great Commission prioritizes making disciples. Discipleship is the process whereby the Lord trains and shapes his followers to be like Him in the way we think, speak, and act.
For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:29 (NLT)
God is conforming his people into the image of His beloved Son. He uses the various pressures and challenges of life to teach us about Himself and about love. He is shaping us into bold witnesses He can use to spread the good news of salvation throughout the world. He is preparing us to rule and reign with Him for all eternity, and He is making us into a people who will bring glory to His name.
Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. Revelation 3:21 (NLT)
God is working everywhere to draw men, women, and children to Himself. Some have said that there are many believers but few who are true disciples. If this is true, it is a product of “easy believism” and a watered-down gospel that does not call for our surrender to Jesus’ lordship. Every Christian is supposed to be on a pathway to total commitment to Jesus and the Kingdom of God. Unfortunately, many of us are still trying to decide if we would rather be comfortable or committed.
We cannot straddle the fence with one foot in the world and one in God’s Kingdom. Such a position makes us unfit for both. (Luke 9:62)
God is looking for people whom He can shape into a world conquering force.
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it useful again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. Matthew 5:13 (NLT)
If we will count the cost and make the commitment, Jesus will show us the secrets of His Kingdom and reveal Himself to us as our Everything.
If we give ourselves to Christ as an investment, he will provide a return that far outweighs the sacrifice.
But don't begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first getting estimates and then checking to see if there is enough money to pay the bills? Luke 14:28 (NLT)
As we go through this study, it is important that we apply the principles to our lives. God is after doers, not eternal considerers.
But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 (NLT)
If we are among those who long to grow in our knowledge and obedience to our Lord, we should make it our practice to read, meditate, and obey what the Bible says, relying on God’s Spirit and grace to help. This is not a “works” or performance thing, however.
Whenever we seek to obey God’s Word by depending on His grace and Holy Spirit, He will always do His part. But only real disciples will do theirs.
Questions for Further Study and Discussion
• Why is being conformed to Christ’s image usually not comfortable?
• Have you ever thought much about how our lives here on earth are preparing us for our destiny to rule and reign alongside our Lord?
• Can you think of areas of your life that that need to be more fully under the Lord’s rule?
• Why does the Lord tell us to count the cost? Is he encouraging some to give up the pursuit of discipleship?
