Defining Discipleship
April 16 | DNA Guide
Be Real Together:
Take a few minutes to catch up, tell stories, and laugh together. Trust and friendship take time to build. If you’re launching a new DNA, one person should tell their story — what do we need to know about you? Next week, have another person in your DNA share their story.
Read Together: Matthew 4:18-22 ESV
The One Question:
Ask this question at your family meal or DNA.
What experiences or people have had an impact on you growing as a disciple of Jesus?
Grow Together:
Use these questions to go deeper with your DNA or for personal study.
- Let's take a look at the difference between conversion and discipleship. "Conversion is the first step in the discipleship process. A convert is one who turns around. Meaning, a person is moving one direction, becomes convicted of sin, turns the other direction, and comes to Christ. By simple faith, the person receives the gift of salvation. Conversion is the beginning of a journey, whereas discipleship is ongoing...In true conversion, a person must commit to following Jesus. The person becomes a lifelong learner, a disciple," (Robert Coleman, Discipleshift). Many of us would say we have converted to faith in Christ, but have you resolved to be a follower of Jesus? If so, what has it looked like so far, for you to be a lifelong learner, a student / apprentice of Jesus?
- For Peter and Andrew, change began immediately. They left their nets and followed Jesus. They had surrendered their lives to the will of the one they were
following. Jesus wasn’t just reorienting their direction, he would now begin the process of spiritual transformation as well. If you’re surrendered to allowing Jesus to make you into his disciple, then you can expect to become more like Jesus along the way. Are you submitted to his process of transformation? How are you being transformed (or feeling challenged to submit to his transformation) in this current season? - Discipleship is about so much more than securing your spot in heaven. Many people grow apathetic in their faith after awhile because they never attach themselves to the actual adventure of following Jesus on mission. Being on mission with Jesus is not just about serving on a team on Sunday. There is a deeper call and Jesus gives it to all his disciples in Matthew 28:16-20. Are you living on mission? If so, what does that look like for you right now? If not, how could you start this week?
Pray Together:
Take time to pray with and for each other.