The Disciple's Commission

At first there was to be little instruction but they were to follow Christ

Twice Christ commissioned the disciples to proclaim the gospel. First was to the Jewish people and then to the whole world.

1.Reproduce Christ in your life and service

Submit as a slave to your master – Mat 10:24

Bond slaves were a piece of property. They were solely for the masters use and for his benefit. He was expected to do as he was told. We are to serve in love, adoration and thanksgiving.

Strive to be like your teacher and Lord – Mat 10:25a

2.Proclaim Christ's message clearly and boldly

Expect and endure spiritual opposition – Mat 10:25b-26
Stay true to His Word and true to your calling – Mat 10:27-28
Trust God to uphold you at all times. - Mat 10:29-31
Identify openly with Christ and His cause – Mat 10:32-33

3.Serve Christ above all, regardless of the cost

Expect the sword of conflict and division. - Mat 10:34-36
Put allegiance to Christ above family ties – Mat 10:37
“Lose your life” for Christ's sake – Mat 10:38-39

4.Support those who trust and serve God

Receive other believers as you would Christ. - Mat 10:40
Encourage and support Gods servants – Mat 10:41
Attend the needs of Christ's little ones – Mat 10:42

5.Heed Christ's commands and follow His example – Mat 11:1

6.Fulfil Christ's Great Commission

Go with Christ's authority, His message, and His presence – Mat 28:18-20
Go to everyone everywhere, giving them the Gospel – Mark 16:15
Go proclaiming salvation through the crucified and risen Christ. - Luke 24:46-48
Go with the same dedication and commitment Christ exhibited – John 20:21
Go as Christ's witnesses, in the power of the Holy Spirit – Acts 1:6-9

The Disciple's Calling

Disciple – follower, pupil or learner (tradesman apprentice)

Earnest desire to follow, to learn and do His will

Reproducing Christ's life:
character
purposes
principles
way

Mat 28:20

1.The crux of discipleship

A. Be light in a dark world – Mat 5:14-16

notice the word – city

individually in verse 15

B. Be salt in a decaying world -Mat 5:13/Mark 9:50

Preserving and flavouring foods

As the salt of the earth a believers Christ like life and testimony should serve to hinder moral corruption and decay in his surrounding community. (good judges)

It should also enhance the flavour of his own life and of other believers lives as he encourages them in their walk with the Lord.

We must must maintain our distinctive savour or saltiness to be of any value. Note the warning in verse 13/50

Read Col 4:6

2.The challenge of discipleship

A. Be fishers of men for the Saviour – Matt 4:18

Andrew and Peter were followers in John 1:35-42 but now being called to active service

B. Be reapers in God's harvest – John 4:35-38, Mat 9:37-38 & John 15:16

It is the Lords harvest
We are commissioned to bring it in
Now is the time to work
Team work
We are to pray for more labourers

3.The criteria of discipleship

A. Deny yourself and put Christ first in everything – Luke 14:27, 33
B. Live continually in obedience to God's word – John 8:31-32
C. Demonstrate love for all believers – John 13:34-35
D. Bear fruit for God's glory – John 15:5, 8

All of the above are characteristics that are positive actions that must continue. If we do these we shall be His disciples – John 15:8

Warning Luke 14:33