2012 JUNE WEEK FOUR LESSON

Lesson 7: The Cost of Discipleship 3

(Self-Denial)

Main Text: Matthew 16:24-26

Memory Verse: Matthew 16:24

Introduction

Discipleship is a serious business and often a lonely experience. The early disciples have to deny themselves before they could faithfully do the pleasure of their Master. Denying oneself implies that the disciple;

·         Must love Jesus more than self.

·         Must not seek his own happiness at the expense of the will of God.

·         Must be willing to give up his desires for the sake of Christ.

·         Must not chase after worldly comfort, dignity, and glory at the expense of his love for Christ.

·         Must desire things that are in the supreme interest of Christ and His Church.

The saying, “God first”, usually quoted by many who claim to be Christians, must be taken serious in all activities of a true disciple. A true disciple’s love for God must be stronger than self -will.

Points for Discussion

1. Why should Christians deny themselves to become true disciples?

2. What are some of the human desires we must say ‘no’ to?

3. In what ways have you denied yourself as a disciple of Christ?

2012 JUNE WEEK THREE LESSON

Lesson 6: The Cost of Discipleship 2

(Giving Out All Possessions)

Main Text: Luke 14: 28-33

Memory Verse: Luke 14:33

Introduction

Becoming a disciple of Jesus must be thoughtfully considered. As we count the benefits of inheriting the Kingdom of God, we must also know there is a cost. One of the costs is to give out our possessions. This implies that the pursuit of material possessions do not hinder our desire and pursuance of the Master, we do not give excuses in the name of seeking possessions when He calls. We must break every link with worldly values that do not conform to the word of God. This link may be worldly business opportunities, and the glamour of success. The nearer anything is to the heart, the more it hinders one’s relationship with the Lord. For example, the love of money is the root of all evil. (1Tim. 6:10).

·         Being a disciple also prompts us to give in support of discipling others for Christ.

·         Paul considered everything rubbish that he might gain Christ. (Philippians 3:7-8)

·         The early Church gave generously to support the ministry. (Acts. 2:42-43; Acts. 4:32-37)

Points for Discussion

1.     What are some business opportunities that do not conform to the ways of a disciple?

2.    How should the disciple deal with them?

3.    In what way can the disciple support the ministry with his/her possession?

2012 JUNE WEEK TWO LESSON

Lesson 5-The Cost of Discipleship 1

(Loving Christ More Than Our Family)

Main Text: Matthew 10:37-39

Memory Verse: Matthew 10:37

Introduction

Discipleship that is genuine always has a cost. Christians are called to take up their cross daily to follow Christ Jesus. The cross is not a burden imposed on believers. Rather it is symbolic of the extent to which they are willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. God comes first in their lives before self or others, and for that matter, seek to make doing His will their foremost pleasure. This calls for obedience to His word. As disciples our love for Christ must be supreme.

·   Disciples of Christ must love Him more than their family members; even their parents and close relations. This does not mean we must disobey our parents or family members in our everyday life.

·    Any decision from our relations that prevents us from accepting and being committed to the Lord constitutes loving the relative more than the Lord Jesus.

·   Our love for Christ must overshadow our love for anything on earth. Our comfort and satisfaction in our families must be lost and swallowed up in our love for Christ. As true Disciples of Christ we must love Him more than the things that are dear to our heart, and attend to His invitation.

·   Those who love Christ more than their families will be rewarded. Matt. 4:21-22 Mark. 10:28-31

Points for Discussion

1. What should be a disciple’s reaction if under pressure to serve the family gods?

2. In what way will our Love for Christ overshadow that of earthly things?

2012 JUNE WEEK ONE LESSON

LESSON 4: MARKS OF A DISCIPLE 3

                   (Bearing Fruit)

Main Text: John 15:1-8

Memory Verse: John 15:16

Introduction

The third mark of the disciple of Jesus is the mark of bearing much fruit. God expects us to bear much fruit in our lives. Fruit bearing is natural to any healthy fruit tree, they bear fruit is their season. If they don't, it is a sign of ‘diseased’ and they're cut down to make room for trees that will. God, the Father, intends for us to be like healthy fruit trees - bursting with fruit. If  you  expect  to  be  a  disciple  of  Jesus,  then  you  must be producing fruit. The fact is that God called you to it, and He's set you up for it. He has instilled in your spiritual make-up the ability to bear good and lasting fruit. There  are  really  several  ways  that  the  disciple  of  Jesus  bears  fruit. These include;

·         The disciple bears fruit in character development. As the character of Christ begins to form in him, he will begin to demonstrate fruit from his growth. He will demonstrate consistency in love, joy, peace, faithfulness, diligence, faith, patience, self-control and virtue. Gal 5:22, 23, 2 Peter 1:5-8).

·         Winning souls into the kingdom of God. A disciple is to share the good news of the kingdom at ALL time- John 4:35,36   

Points of Discussion

·         To ensure that you bear much fruit, the Father prunes you. In your view what does this pruning involve?

·         A tree/branch that bears no fruit is cut off. What does this mean?

·         To continually bear fruit the disciple must remain in Christ. How can you remain in Christ?