2012 MAY WEEK THREE LESSON

LESSON 3: MARKS OF A DISCIPLE 2

      (Loving One Another)

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-10

Memory Verse: John13:34

Introduction

The second mark of the disciple of Jesus is the mark of love.

 Jesus intimate that what will mark out his disciples for the world to know is LOVE. What will distinguish disciples from non-disciples is the mark of love. The implication is that if the world can know you as a disciple, they must see you exhibiting love to one another and to the world. From the main text, it is observed that Love is placed higher than gifts, without love the operation of spiritual gifts though is good but is fruitless. Love commits a disciple to do the Master’s will and live the Master’s life. The marks of love are great;

·         Love overcomes evil with good. Love covers the multitude of sins. Love forgives.

·         Love yields and shows mercy instead of judgment. Love works no ill will toward any.

·         Love edifies. Love prospers others. Love heals. Love destroys oppression.

·         Love breeds faith. Love breeds obedience. Love breeds peace. Where love prevails strife dies. Love  leads us  into  repentance and change

Points of Discussion

·            What are some of the characteristics of Love?

·            How can you demonstrate love to your fellow Christian?

·            How would you show love to people of other Religious groups?

·            How would you demonstrate love to your Enemies?

2012 MAY WEEK TWO LESSON

LESSON 2: MARKS OF A DISCIPLE 1 

(Knowledge &Obedience to the Word)

Main Text: Matthew 28:16-20
Memory Verse: John8:31
Introduction
Becoming a disciple of Christ is a life of total commitment. God desires that you take the first step i.e. commit yourself to become Jesus’ disciple.  However, there are certain marks that identify a person as a disciple of Jesus Christ. Actually, these marks prove that you are really Jesus' disciple. This study would consider these marks. The FIRST mark of Christ's disciple is that he continues in the Word of God.

• For the disciple, the Word is his life. He loves it. He lives in it. He thinks it, breathes it, speaks it, lives it, and gives up anything that hinders him from getting it.
• He continues in the Word,  because  in  it  he  knows  that  he will  find  the  truth. And when he finds the truth, he knows that the truth will set him free-John 8:31-32
• Jesus told the disciples that in making others his disciples, they should teach them to obey ALL He has commanded them-Matt. 28:20
• The disciple of Jesus Christ is marked by his desire to know the Word of God and live by it.
Points for Discussion
• What is the first mark of a disciple?
• How can the disciple know the Word of God?
• Give some examples of the Word of God you know and how you can obey the Word.
• How is it easy OR difficult for the disciple to obey the Word?

2012 MAY WEEK ONE LESSON

LESSON 1: WHO IS A DISCIPLE?

Main Text: Matthew 28:16-20

Memory Verse: John 8:31

Introduction

This year, the theme of the Church is “Discipled to make others Disciples of Christ” culled from Matthew 28:18-20. In this commission, Jesus wants His disciples to be made in all nations or all ethnic groups. This means the great job of the Church is to make people Disciples of Christ. But the big question is “who is a disciple”. This study would attempt to answer this question.

1. The word disciple comes from the Greek term mathetes, and is found 261 times in the New Testament. It means a Learner, a Pupil, an Apprentice, a Follower. The followers of Jesus were called disciples
2. Generally, a disciple can be considered as a person who believes in the ideas and principles of someone famous and tries to live the way the person did or does.
3. A disciple of Christ is one who has believed on, and accepted Him as his personal savior and has committed himself to learning to be like Christ in character and in service. –Jn. 8:31
4. A disciple of Jesus Christ is one who has made a firm commitment to follow Jesus Christ, with a desire to learn from Him and live according to His example.
5. The disciple of Jesus submits to His Lordship and puts Him first in every aspect of his life-

Points for Discussion

1. What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus Christ?
2. In what ways can you follow Jesus?
3. How can you put Jesus first in all aspects of life?