In this lesson, the teacher serves as a facilitator and coordinator. This class should reveal student growth. [Remember, Jesus' disciple who teaches seeks to move students in Jesus' direction rather than seeking to coerce students to accept his or her conclusions.] The teacher should do a lot of listening. Few teachers can lead a class to an answer for all the questions in this lesson. The teacher may want to select the questions to be emphasized in class. It is likely that the responses from one question will "bleed over" into another question. The teacher wants the whole class to share insights. Do not allow one person to dominate the class. Expect a diversity of insights and answers. Make it your objective to encourage. The "focus" thoughts are not provided as material to be taught, but as guides to help the teacher in his or her thoughts.

In this study, unless otherwise specified, the words "discipleship" or "disciples" refer to those who follow Jesus. In this lesson, questions concerning being a disciple or adopting discipleship as a way of life specifically refer to a man or woman's choice to follow Jesus.

1. State what it means for a person to become and be Jesus' disciple today?

   Central focus: focus should be on the fact that being a disciple involves more than making claims.

2. How does discipleship express itself in the following areas:

   Central focus: in responses to each question, reinforce the understanding that Jesus is the disciple's teacher, guide, and example. A disciple does not impose his or her views on Jesus. Jesus imposes his views on the disciple.

   1. The way a man or woman thinks?

   2. The way a man or woman determines what is right and wrong?

   3. The way a man or woman determines what is good and evil?

   4. The standards used by a man or woman to measure himself or herself spiritually?

   5. The values used by a man or woman to determine what he or she will and will not do?

   6. The way a man or woman relates to his or her family members (spouse, children, parents)?

   7. The way a man or woman relates to other people?

   8. The way a man or woman determines and accepts responsibility?

   9. The way a man or woman finds pleasure?

   10. The way a man or woman determines what it means to be a spiritual person?

   11. The way a man or woman determines what it means to be an ungodly person?

3. Explain your understanding of why Jesus wants disciples?

   Central focus: a disciple knows he or she needs to learn, and he or she wants to learn. Jesus wants to change people in ways that put God in control of who they are and what they do.

4. Is there a significant difference between converting a person to the church (using today's perspective and concept of church) and converting a person to Jesus Christ? Explain your answer.

   Central focus: a disciple finds his or her security in his or her relationship with a Savior rather than in an organization.

5. Why is it essential for a disciple to understand that the primary requirement of discipleship is to establish and maintain an in-depth relationship with Jesus Christ?

   Central focus: Jesus knows what life is about. He knows the reality of eternity. We, of ourselves, do not.

6. If a man or woman is Jesus' disciple, how will this affect his or her view of other disciples?

   Central focus: he or she will treat such people with the understanding and respect that comes from realizing the other people are followers of Jesus. Respect will not be based on "our agreement on everything" but on the fact that Jesus "did for them what he does for me."

7. If a man or woman is Jesus' disciple, how will this affect his or her view of men and women who are not Jesus' disciples?

   Central focus: he or she will not treat them as enemies, but as people made in God's likeness, loved by their Creator.

8. Why should a man or woman give Jesus the kind of devotion and dedication required to make him or her a disciple?

   Central focus: Jesus should receive that kind of devotion and dedication because of his identify. He is God's son, God's sacrifice, and God's offering of atonement/redemption/justification/ purification. He was raised from the dead. He is currently Lord of lords, King of kings, the Supreme ruler over all things by God's will. He is our Savior, our only intercessor before God, our only mediator before God. He is the way, the truth, and the life who makes access to God possible for us.

9. Why will discipleship always include the willingness to learn and understand concepts and responsibilities not known or understood previously?

   Central focus: Jesus was a human and lives with God. He understands the values that are enduring and the standards that are eternal. We need to learn what we do not understand. He is the guide and teacher. We do not become disciples because "we know it all." We become disciples to learn and understand.

10. Why will a disciple allow Jesus to teach him or her thoughts not known previously?

    Central focus: Jesus knows what we need to realize and understand.

11. Did Jesus look at people and the world as people commonly did [do]? Explain your answer.

    Central focus: no, Jesus did not look at people and the world as people commonly did. People tend to see others, needs, and the world from a "right now" physical perspective. Jesus sees with the "eyes of eternal reality."

12. Why is it essential for disciples to understand discipleship basically reveals itself in the disciple's lifestyle?

    Central focus: when my thoughts and understandings change, those changes are revealed in my manner of life. When Jesus' changes my thoughts and understandings, my life changes.

13. What is the "big test" of discipleship? Explain your answer.

    Central focus: surrender is the "big test" of discipleship. A disciple surrenders to new understandings, purposes, and acts. God's will is supreme in his or her life.

14. What [in your life] did you find to be the most meaningful thought or understanding in this series of lessons?

    The answer to this question will vary from student to student.

Link to Student Guide Lesson 13

Copyright © 2003
David Chadwell & West-Ark Church of Christ

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