This last week, we read the first chapter of Multiply and it was an introduction and clarification of the definition of Disciple. Not just a dictionary citing, but a real life explanation. We had some great insights and the following information is our dialog for the week.

A pupil is not above his teacher; but everyone, after he has been fully trained, will be like his teacher. – Luke 6:40 NASB

Up to this point in your life, would you call yourself a follower of Jesus Christ? Why do you say that? Do you see evidence of your faith as described in Luke 6:40?

Let’s read Ephesians chapter 2 together

By Grace Through Faith

¹And you were dead in the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— ³ among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. ⁴ But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, ⁵ even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 

One in Christ

¹¹ Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— ¹² remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility ¹⁵ by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, ¹⁶ and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. ¹⁷ And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. ¹⁸ For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. ¹⁹ So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, ²⁰ built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, ²¹ in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. ²² In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. – Ephesians 2:1-22 ESV

Let’s consider the truths we just read. Do you trust in the death of Christ for your salvation? Do you ever struggle with believing you need to do something to save yourself?

LORD

A vital part of our well-being is have clear definition of who God is and who we are. As we are exposed to the church, to the bible and world, we hear the term “lord” thrown around. We see it punctuated in a variety of ways and it might just all blend together after a while. But the use of the word, and recognition of the title, and role of a lord is significant for our life.

When looking up or inquiring about the use of lord as the bible references it, we get some other words, such as Adonai, Yahweh, Elohim, Jehovah, which can be a whole study on the names of God. For the purpose of this session will go with the summary provided.

LORD, Jesus as our master? As our owner, that we actually belong to Him.

Evaluate your approach to following Jesus. Would you say that you view Jesus as your LORD, Master, and Owner? Or more just as a friend, buddy or inspiration? Why or why not?

As you look at your life, how would you say that your love for God is shown in your actions? (maybe think through some changes you may need to make in your lifestyle)

The Cost of Discipleship

²⁵ Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, ²⁶ “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷ Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. ²⁸ For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? ²⁹ Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, ³⁰ saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ ³¹ Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? ³² And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. ³³ So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:25-33 ESV

If you choose to obey Jesus’ call to follow, what might it cost you? (Avoid being vague. If following Jesus would cost you specific possessions, comforts, or relationships, share them)

What might hold you back from following Jesus at this point? Are you willing to let go of these things if necessary?

As we close this week, let’s ask God to work in our heart and prepare us for what is ahead. We don’t need to have all the answers or know specifically how God will use us. He simply calls us to follow wherever He might lead. We need to be honest with our doubts, hesitations, and fears. We need to ask God for strength to proceed and follow Him no matter what the cost. Essentially, placing our faith in Him.

YouVersion / Bible Readings

If you are following the plan, our bible readings this week have taken us through Matthew 1-9. The daily readings can provide some great devotional time. This week, we will be reading Matthew 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16. If you need assistance getting the plan loaded on your device, just ask, or follow along this week in what ever fashion you desire, it provides good foundational readings and in the future sessions, great bible references.

Multiply Video of the Week

Part I: Living as a Disciple Maker – 1: What Is a Disciple? from Multiply on Vimeo.

Nuggets

This following is an older clip of Rob Bell describing about a vision of following a rabbi. Following Jesus will get dirty. When it is all said and done, who’s dust will be on you? Jesus’ or the multitudes of others?

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Chan, F., & Beuving, M. (2012). Multiply: Disciples making disciples. Colorado Springs, CO: David C Cook.

 New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

 The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2016). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.