Make Disciples
This message challenges us to move beyond the comfortable routine of Sunday attendance and step into the radical calling of making disciples. Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, we're confronted with a powerful truth: Jesus' final command wasn't a suggestion but an imperative—as we go through life, we must make disciples. The beauty of exponential multiplication is stunning: if each of us discipled just one person twice a year, within five to six years we could reach over 720,000 people. But here's the heart-piercing question we must answer: if someone imitated our life, would it lead them to Christ or away from Him? The message unpacks three practical foundations for discipleship—imitation, education, and proclamation—followed by three deeply personal commitments: getting our priorities straight, aligning our trajectory with God's kingdom, and allowing Him to set our velocity. We're reminded that discipleship isn't about our worthiness but about God's grace working through surrendered vessels. The harvest is ripe, the world is lost like sheep without a shepherd, and we have the answer they're desperately seeking. This isn't about checking a religious box; it's about reversing our consumer mindset and asking not what the church can do for us, but what we can do for God's kingdom.
**Sermon Notes:**
**Title:** Making Disciples
**Scripture Reference:** Matthew 28:16-20
**Main Themes:**
1. **Context and Importance of Discipleship:**
- The sermon is the final part in a series focusing on the mission statement: Love God, love people, make disciples.
- Emphasizes that making disciples is not a suggestion but a command from Jesus.
2. **Challenge and Opportunity:**
- Acknowledges that many churches lack training for disciple-making.
- Plans to focus on equipping the congregation to make disciples in the coming years, particularly by 2026.
3. **Understanding Discipleship:**
- Discipleship is messy, personal, and requires one-on-one investment.
- It's not just about creating converts but developing mature believers.
4. **Three Practical Steps for Making Disciples:**
- **Imitation:** Lead by example, as others will imitate your lifestyle in both strengths and weaknesses.
- **Education:** Equip through studying the Bible and understanding foundational Christian doctrines.
- **Proclamation:** Be ready to share the Gospel confidently, using personal testimony as a powerful tool.
5. **Personal Commitments in Discipleship:**
- **Priority:** Align your life with Kingdom priorities, not personal desires.
- **Trajectory:** Set a clear direction in life that aligns with God's commands.
- **Velocity:** Trust God to set the pace for your ministry and opportunities.
**Practical Applications:**
1. **Engage in Life Groups:**
- Join, host, or lead a life group to foster deeper relationships and spiritual growth.
2. **Serve Actively:**
- Get involved in church ministries to contribute to the community and nurture disciple-making.
3. **Mission and Ministry Involvement:**
- Participate in local and international missions to live out the calling to make disciples.
4. **Pursue Biblical Education:**
- Attend church classes on foundational Christian teachings and apologetics to deepen your understanding.
**Discussion Questions:**
1. How can you practically imitate Christ in your daily life, especially in the presence of family, friends, and colleagues?
2. What obstacles do you face in sharing your faith, and how can you overcome them with the help of the Holy Spirit?
3. Reflect on your current priorities. What steps can you take to align more closely with Kingdom priorities?
4. How can serving in your local church or community strengthen your walk as a disciple and disciple-maker?
5. Discuss the importance of waiting on the Lord for guidance and opportunities. How can patience in this area change your outlook and actions in ministry?
This set of notes helps encapsulate the core messages of the sermon, offering practical ways to live out the teachings shared and providing a basis for deeper discussion and reflection.