Discipleship: Then and Now
January 12, 2008

Key Thought : Jesus expected much from His disciples and confirmed His word among them; He has no less expectation of His disciples today. He requires the same commitment from us.

I. Introduction: Why this lesson is important to me?

II. Lesson interpretation and Application:


1. Have a volunteer read Mark 16:20.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why don’t we go out and preach to our neighbors, relatives, and friends more, let alone everywhere?
C. Personal Application : Have you ever gone and preached the Word and the Lord confirmed it by signs? Share what happened.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t believe we need signs of God being with us anymore. Nor do we need to leave our “nets” – jobs and homes to preach. We live in a more accepting culture where we can live our lives, share our faith, and be secure in our lives.” How would you respond?

2. Have a volunteer read Matthew 18:18..
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What does it mean to bind or to loose? How is it confirmed in heaven if it is done on earth?
C. Personal Application : Have you ever been asked to forgive someone and didn’t want to or didn’t?
D. Case Study : One of your friends states, “If you don’t forgive, if the church doesn’t forgive, will God forgive outside church dictates? Is that binding and loosing? Is church discipline accepted by God as binding?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 4:18-20.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why did Peter and Andrew immediately walk away from their nets when Jesus called them?
C. Personal Application : If God calls, would you expect to leave everything you own or have behind immediately? Are things different today?
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “What is a total commitment to Christ? Can I continue to work a secular job, live a secular life, and go through daily secular activities and still be totally committed to Jesus?” How would you respond with your neighbor?

4.Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:6-12.
A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How loud a voice do we have as the forerunner of Christ like Elijah giving the everlasting gospel and preparing people for what will be an overwhelming surprise?
C. Personal Application : How important has it been by your actions and words with your friends, family, coworkers to warn against the mark of the beast and the falling of Babylon?
D. Think of someone who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell that class what you plan to do this week to share with them.
(Note: “Truth that is not imparted, that is not lived, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)