The Call to Discipleship

Text: Matthew 16:24-25, Luke 9:23-24, Mark 8:34-35

Bible Study:

The call to discipleship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and it is a theme that is emphasized throughout the Bible. In Matthew 16:24-25, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” This passage highlights the idea that discipleship involves a deep commitment to following Jesus, and a willingness to deny ourselves and take up our cross.

The Bible teaches us that discipleship is not just about attending church or following a set of rules, but about living a life that is fully surrendered to God. In Luke 9:23-24, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.” This passage emphasizes the idea that discipleship is a daily commitment, and that it requires us to deny ourselves and follow Jesus.

In Mark 8:34-35, Jesus says, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.” This passage highlights the idea that discipleship involves a willingness to lose our life for the sake of the gospel, and to follow Jesus no matter the cost.

Key Points:

Deny Yourself: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves” (Matthew 16:24). Discipleship involves denying ourselves and living a life that is fully surrendered to God.
Take Up Your Cross: “Take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Discipleship involves taking up our cross and following Jesus, no matter the cost.
Follow Jesus: “Follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Discipleship involves following Jesus and living a life that is centered on Him.

Application:

Commit to Following Jesus: Commit to following Jesus, and recognize that discipleship involves a deep commitment to living a life that is fully surrendered to God.
Deny Yourself Daily: Deny yourself daily, and recognize that discipleship involves a daily commitment to following Jesus.
Live a Life Centered on Jesus: Live a life that is centered on Jesus, and recognize that He is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength.

Conclusion:

The call to discipleship is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, and it is a theme that is emphasized throughout the Bible. As we commit to following Jesus, deny ourselves daily, and live a life centered on Him, we will experience the blessings of discipleship and live a life that is pleasing to God.

Reflection Questions:

How can you commit to following Jesus, and recognize that discipleship involves a deep commitment to living a life that is fully surrendered to God?
In what ways can you deny yourself daily, and recognize that discipleship involves a daily commitment to following Jesus?
How can you live a life that is centered on Jesus, and recognize that He is the foundation of our faith and the source of our strength?

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the call to discipleship, and for the opportunity to follow Jesus. Help me to commit to following You, and to deny myself daily. May Your presence guide me and strengthen me, and may I live a life that is pleasing to You. Amen.”

Brought To You By: Stanificent Devotionals, A Ministry of Stanley Erimwinorosee Stanificent Foundation