Discipleship. Discipleship Joshua 1:7-8 Joshua 1:7-8 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant

DiscipleshipDiscipleship

DiscipleshipDiscipleship• Joshua 1:7-8Joshua 1:7-8

Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not

turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go. This book of the law shall not depart

from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful

to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way

prosperous, and then you will have success.


• Success: The achievement of Success: The achievement of something desired, planned or something desired, planned or attempted.attempted.

• Without goals, there can be no Without goals, there can be no success.success.

• What kind of goals do you have What kind of goals do you have individually or collectivelyindividually or collectively


• How to succeed in growing spirituallyHow to succeed in growing spiritually• These principles apply to much of life These principles apply to much of life

as well as in spiritual matters.as well as in spiritual matters.• 2 Corinthians 13:5 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Test yourselves to “Test yourselves to

see if you are in the faith; examine see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you fail the Christ is in you, unless you fail the test”.test”.


• “…“…we are to grow up in all aspects into we are to grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, from Him, who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by that which every joint held together by that which every joint supplies, according to the proper supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”up of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:15,16 Ephesians 4:15,16


Part OnePart One

Desire Spiritual ThingsDesire Spiritual Things

Desire Spiritual Things Desire Spiritual Things

A.A. Our spiritual life must take Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life precedence over our physical life

1. Our goals, ambitions and affections 1. Our goals, ambitions and affections ought to be spiritual - not carnal –ought to be spiritual - not carnal –


Colossians 3:1,2 Colossians 3:1,2 “If then you were “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”things on the earth.”


Mark 12:30 Mark 12:30 "And you shall love the Lord "And you shall love the Lord your God with ALL your heart, and with your God with ALL your heart, and with ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind, ALL your soul, and with ALL your mind, and with ALL your strength.“and with ALL your strength.“

(CAN WE CHANGE THE WORD ‘ALL’ WITH: (CAN WE CHANGE THE WORD ‘ALL’ WITH: SOME, PART,MOST?????)SOME, PART,MOST?????)

HONESTLY, MOST OF US DO.HONESTLY, MOST OF US DO.


Romans 8:6 Romans 8:6 “For to be carnally minded “For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace”.minded [is] life and peace”.


A. Our spiritual life must take A. Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life precedence over our physical life

1. Our goals, ambitions and affections 1. Our goals, ambitions and affections ought to be spiritual - not carnal –ought to be spiritual - not carnal –

2. 2. We must have our priorities right:We must have our priorities right:

Desire Spiritual Things Desire Spiritual Things

Matthew 6:33 Matthew 6:33 "But seek first the "But seek first the kingdom of God and His kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you”.shall be added to you”.


Luke 12:15 Luke 12:15 “And He said to them, “And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the consist in the abundance of the things he possesses."things he possesses."


a. It begins in our heart or mind!!!! a. It begins in our heart or mind!!!! Matthew 6:19-21 Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not lay up for "Do not lay up for

yourselves treasures on earth, where moth yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves in and steal; "but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.treasure is, there your heart will be also”.


A. Our spiritual life must take A. Our spiritual life must take precedence over our physical life precedence over our physical life

B. B. We should desire to partake in We should desire to partake in spiritual activities -spiritual activities -


1.1. We should desire to assemble.We should desire to assemble.

Heb. 10:24,25 Heb. 10:24,25 “And let us consider one “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the day much the more as you see the day approaching”.approaching”.


a.a. We should desire to worship God – We should desire to worship God –

Psalm 122:1 Psalm 122:1 “I was glad when they “I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go into the said to me, "Let us go into the house of the Lord."house of the Lord."


a. We should desire to worship God - a. We should desire to worship God -

Psalm 63:1,2 Psalm 63:1,2 “O God, you are my God; “O God, you are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You; In a for You; My flesh longs for You; In a dry and thirsty land Where there is dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. So I have looked for You in no water. So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory”.and Your glory”.


• We should desire the company of our We should desire the company of our brethren - brethren -

• Romans 12:10 Romans 12:10 “Be kindly “Be kindly affectionate to one another with affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another”;preference to one another”;

• Are you here ONLY because you are Are you here ONLY because you are commanded to be here? commanded to be here?


2. We should desire to study God's 2. We should desire to study God's word?word?

Psalm 119:36,37 Psalm 119:36,37 “Incline my heart “Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, . . . . Turn away unto thy testimonies, . . . . Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless my eyes from looking at worthless things, And revive me in Your way”.things, And revive me in Your way”.


2. We should desire to study God's 2. We should desire to study God's word? word?

Psalm 119:97 Psalm 119:97 “Oh, how I love Your “Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the law! It is my meditation all the day…”day…”


2. We should desire to study God's 2. We should desire to study God's word?word?

Psalm 119:103 Psalm 119:103 “How sweet are Your “How sweet are Your words to my taste, Sweeter than words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth!” .honey to my mouth!” .


2. We should desire to study God's 2. We should desire to study God's word? word?

2Timothy 2:15 2Timothy 2:15 “Be diligent to present “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”.rightly dividing the word of truth”.


a. Assembling to study God's word, ought to a. Assembling to study God's word, ought to be attractive to us. be attractive to us.

b. Do we hunger and thirst after God's word b. Do we hunger and thirst after God's word as much as as much as

1) Our news-paper? 1) Our news-paper? 2) Our Monthly Magazine - (Sports Ill., 2) Our Monthly Magazine - (Sports Ill.,

Readers Digest, Playboy?...) Readers Digest, Playboy?...) 3) Our Favorite TV show - (Morning news, 3) Our Favorite TV show - (Morning news,

Sitcoms, Talk Shows . . . . . ) Sitcoms, Talk Shows . . . . . )


c. Many have not received a LOVE for the truth . . c. Many have not received a LOVE for the truth . .

2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 “and with all unrighteous “and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this reason God they might be saved. And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, that they all may be condemned believe the lie, that they all may be condemned who did not believewho did not believe the truth but had the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness”.pleasure in unrighteousness”.


3. We should desire to keep the Lord's 3. We should desire to keep the Lord's commandments - commandments -

Psalm 119:129-131 Psalm 119:129-131 “Your testimonies are “Your testimonies are wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps wonderful; Therefore my soul keeps them. The entrance of Your words gives them. The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the light; It gives understanding to the simple. I opened my mouth and panted, simple. I opened my mouth and panted, For I longed for Your commandments”.For I longed for Your commandments”.


[WE decide that which is valuable to us - We [WE decide that which is valuable to us - We have placed our priorities in the order that have placed our priorities in the order that they are in based upon our desires! That they are in based upon our desires! That which we desire most is that which: . . . . which we desire most is that which: . . . . We long for - . . . . We work for - . . . . and We long for - . . . . We work for - . . . . and excites us the most - Do we desire spiritual excites us the most - Do we desire spiritual things as we should? If we have developed things as we should? If we have developed this spiritual desire within our hearts, then this spiritual desire within our hearts, then we will seek to take the next step . . . . ] we will seek to take the next step . . . . ]


Part TwoPart Two


Discipline Of SelfDiscipline Of Self

Discipline of SelfDiscipline of Self

A. This discipline involves the whole person -A. This discipline involves the whole person -1 Corinthians 9:24-27 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 “Do you not know that those “Do you not know that those

who run in a race all run, but one receives the who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified”. should become disqualified”.


1. Every thought:1. Every thought:

Be careful of your thoughts - they may break Be careful of your thoughts - they may break into words at any time. into words at any time.

2 Corinthians 10:5 2 Corinthians 10:5 “casting down arguments “casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ”,obedience of Christ”,

a. Who you are and who you will become a. Who you are and who you will become begins with your thoughts - begins with your thoughts -


Proverbs 23:7 Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”heart, so is he.”

"Beware of what you set your mind on "Beware of what you set your mind on for that you will surely become". for that you will surely become".

-Ralph Waldo Emerson-Ralph Waldo Emerson


b. This however is not just a duty to be b. This however is not just a duty to be viewed negatively - viewed negatively -

No man who thinks in terms of catching No man who thinks in terms of catching mice will ever catch lions. mice will ever catch lions.

1) If you do not think in terms of Spiritual 1) If you do not think in terms of Spiritual growth and Spiritual service; growth and Spiritual service;

you will NOT achieve eternal life . .you will NOT achieve eternal life . .

i.e. We will succeed spiritually i.e. We will succeed spiritually only only ifif spiritual things preoccupy our thinking! spiritual things preoccupy our thinking!


2. Every motive: 2. Every motive:

Hebrews 6:10 Hebrews 6:10 “For God is not unjust to “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister”.the saints, and do minister”.


a. Do you LOVE the Lord your God with ALL a. Do you LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your heart? (Mark 12:29-31) your heart? (Mark 12:29-31)

““Jesus answered him,Jesus answered him, ‘The first of all the ‘The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you LORD our God, the LORD is one. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment. And the second, the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."commandment greater than these."


John 14:23 “John 14:23 “Jesus answered and said Jesus answered and said to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will to him, ‘If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him”.and make Our home with him”.

b. Do you love your neighbor as b. Do you love your neighbor as yourself? yourself?

The Good Samaritan - (Luke 10:30-37) The Good Samaritan - (Luke 10:30-37)


3. Every act: 3. Every act:

Colossians 3:23 Colossians 3:23 “And whatsoever ye “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;”not unto men;”



2 Timothy 2:5 2 Timothy 2:5 “And if a man also strive “And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully”.except he strive lawfully”.



1 John 3:18 1 John 3:18 “My little children, let us “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”.but in deed and in truth”.


4. We must control our attitudes!! 4. We must control our attitudes!!

Ephesians 4:2,3 Ephesians 4:2,3 “. . . walk . . . . with all “. . . walk . . . . with all lowliness and gentleness, with lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”peace.”


4. We must control our attitudes!! 4. We must control our attitudes!! Philippians 2:2-5 Philippians 2:2-5 “fulfill my joy by being like-“fulfill my joy by being like-

minded, having the same love, being of one minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Let this mind be in the interests of others. Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,”you which was also in Christ Jesus,”


[It has been said that repentance is the [It has been said that repentance is the hardest command - why is that? hardest command - why is that? Because it takes a great deal of self Because it takes a great deal of self discipline! Before we can take the next discipline! Before we can take the next step toward success - the step of self step toward success - the step of self discipline MUST BE made! Once we discipline MUST BE made! Once we gain control of ourselves, then we can gain control of ourselves, then we can move on to the next step. . . . ] move on to the next step. . . . ]


Part ThreePart Three



Dedication To The LordDedication To The Lord


A. The act of being set apart for a A. The act of being set apart for a purpose purpose

1. A synonym for sanctification and/or 1. A synonym for sanctification and/or consecration. consecration.


Expresses the idea of being made NEW Expresses the idea of being made NEW ––

2 Corinthians 5:17 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have away; behold, all things have become new.” become new.”


b. Christians are separated from the world and b. Christians are separated from the world and ought to stay ought to stay that way - that way -

2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 “Do not be unequally yoked together “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk living God. As God has said: "I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people." Therefore "Come out from among them And be people." Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be will receive you." "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty." Therefore, My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty." Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God”.in the fear of God”.


2. Christians HAVE BEEN SANCTIFIED or 2. Christians HAVE BEEN SANCTIFIED or set apart by the Lord to serve Him! set apart by the Lord to serve Him!

1 Corinthians 1:2 1 Corinthians 1:2 “To the church of God “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:”both theirs and ours:”


a. This is done and recognized by God a. This is done and recognized by God when we willingly yield to Him -when we willingly yield to Him -

Romans 6:17-18 Romans 6:17-18 “But God be thanked “But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine to which you were delivered. doctrine to which you were delivered. 18And having been set free from sin, 18And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness”.you became slaves of righteousness”.


[If we make less than 100-percent [If we make less than 100-percent surrender to God, - we can be sure surrender to God, - we can be sure that the devil will take advantage of that the devil will take advantage of any inroad to reach that any inroad to reach that uncommitted area of our lives.]uncommitted area of our lives.]

discipleshipdiscipleship

Part FourPart Four




Devotion To GodDevotion To God


A. Indicating continued action - A. Indicating continued action - 1. Difference between dedication and devotion 1. Difference between dedication and devotion

- - Joshua 24:15 "And if it seems evil to you to Joshua 24:15 "And if it seems evil to you to

serve serve the Lord, the Lord, choose for yourselves this choose for yourselves this day, (dedicate),day, (dedicate), whom you will serve, (be whom you will serve, (be devoted to),devoted to), whether the gods which your whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, house, we will serve the Lord."we will serve the Lord."


2. Devotion is made of: 2. Devotion is made of: a. A deep steady affection; a. A deep steady affection; Matthew 22:36-40 Matthew 22:36-40 "Teacher, which is the "Teacher, which is the

great commandment in the law?" Jesus said great commandment in the law?" Jesus said to him, " to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'soul, and with all your mind.' "This is the "This is the first and great commandment. "And the first and great commandment. "And the second is like it: 'You shall love your second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' "On these two neighbor as yourself.' "On these two commandments hang all the Law and the commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."Prophets."


2. Devotion is made of: 2. Devotion is made of:

a. A deep steady affection; a. A deep steady affection;

John 14:23,24 John 14:23,24 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him. come to him and make Our home with him. "He who does not love Me does not keep My "He who does not love Me does not keep My words; and the word which you hear is not words; and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father's who sent Me.” Mine but the Father's who sent Me.”


2. Devotion is made of:2. Devotion is made of:

b. Loyalty, b. Loyalty,

Colossians 1:13 Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love”,Son of His love”,


Devotion is made of:Devotion is made of:b. Loyalty, b. Loyalty,

Romans 12:1,2 Romans 12:1,2 “I beseech you therefore, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of that good and acceptable and perfect will of God”.God”.


2. Devotion is made of:2. Devotion is made of:c. Faithfulness, c. Faithfulness, Rev. 12:10 (the church in Smyrna) Rev. 12:10 (the church in Smyrna) "Do not "Do not

fear any of those things which you are fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life”.and I will give you the crown of life”.

A husband with just one ongoing affair A husband with just one ongoing affair cannot be considered faithful - devoted! cannot be considered faithful - devoted!


2. Devotion is made of:2. Devotion is made of:

d. Earnestness in religion; d. Earnestness in religion;

Titus 2:14 Titus 2:14 “who gave Himself for us, “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for His own special people, zealous for good works”.good works”.

Devotion to GodDevotion to God

3. By these things - we express our 3. By these things - we express our "Devotion" unto God - "Devotion" unto God -

Colossians 1:23 Colossians 1:23 “if indeed you continue in “if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister”.minister”.


3. By these things - we express our 3. By these things - we express our "Devotion" unto God - "Devotion" unto God -

1 Corinthians 15:58 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord”.labor is not in vain in the Lord”.


4. We should live for Jesus who died for 4. We should live for Jesus who died for us; us;

2 Corinthians 5:14,15 2 Corinthians 5:14,15 “For the love of “For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again”.them and rose again”.


[Devotion to Christ then is more than [Devotion to Christ then is more than the giving of ourselves once or every the giving of ourselves once or every now and then to the cause of Christ, now and then to the cause of Christ, it is the it is the continual sacrificingcontinual sacrificing of of ourselves that displays our faithful ourselves that displays our faithful service to Christ.]service to Christ.]


Part FivePart Five





Determination To Do RightDetermination To Do Right

Determination to do right: Determination to do right:

• (Firmness of purpose; resolve) (Firmness of purpose; resolve)

• A. The ability to make up one's mind A. The ability to make up one's mind and carry out one's intentions. and carry out one's intentions.

• Joshua 24:15 "…, choose for Joshua 24:15 "…, choose for yourselves this day whom you will yourselves this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." we will serve the Lord."


• Acts 11:22-23 Then news of these things came to Acts 11:22-23 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. heart they should continue with the Lord.

• Psalms 119:112 I have inclined mine heart to Psalms 119:112 I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end. perform thy statutes alway, [even unto] the end.

• Psalms 119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform Psalms 119:106 I have sworn, and I will perform [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments. [it], that I will keep thy righteous judgments.


• B. Determination doesn't look for excuses, but for B. Determination doesn't look for excuses, but for opportunities!! opportunities!!

• 1. We ought to be determined to :1. We ought to be determined to :– a. Attend every service we can -a. Attend every service we can -– b. To study our Bibles as much as we can - b. To study our Bibles as much as we can - – c. Be instant in prayer - c. Be instant in prayer - – d. To be doers of the word - d. To be doers of the word - – e. To develop the mind of Christ - e. To develop the mind of Christ - – f. To talk to others about Christ - f. To talk to others about Christ - – g. Submit to the authority of Christ - g. Submit to the authority of Christ - – h. To encourage, and influence the weak - h. To encourage, and influence the weak -


• [When we really commit ourselves to [When we really commit ourselves to doing that which is right in the sight doing that which is right in the sight of God, we then must search out that of God, we then must search out that which is right so we can do it. Jesus which is right so we can do it. Jesus said - "The truth shall make you said - "The truth shall make you free," (John 8:32), therefore is of free," (John 8:32), therefore is of utmost importance that we find the utmost importance that we find the truth . . ] truth . . ]


Part SixPart Six





Determination To Do RightDetermination To Do Right

Discernment of good and evilDiscernment of good and evil


• A. Discernment must be guided by A. Discernment must be guided by knowledge!! knowledge!!

• Are you a daily Bible reader? Are you a daily Bible reader?

• Do you attend every bible class you can? Do you attend every bible class you can?

• Do you examine what you are taught? Do you examine what you are taught?

• Can you give an answer ........ ? (1 Peter Can you give an answer ........ ? (1 Peter 3:15) 3:15)

• B. Perhaps a better word for our usage B. Perhaps a better word for our usage would be "FOCUS" would be "FOCUS"


• Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. whether these things were so.

• Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to Hebrews 5:14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. exercised to discern both good and evil.


• B. we must have the correct attitude about B. we must have the correct attitude about discernment: discernment:

• 1. It should not be "Where does the Bible say that I 1. It should not be "Where does the Bible say that I can't?" can't?"

• Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a Prov. 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death. man, But its end is the way of death.

• a. God has revealed to us that which is right -a. God has revealed to us that which is right -• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is given by

inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.


• 2. Those who really want to please God ask - 2. Those who really want to please God ask - "Where does the Bible teach that God approves?" "Where does the Bible teach that God approves?"

• 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22. Test all things; hold fast 1 Thessalonians 5:21,22. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.

• Ephesians 5:10 finding out what is acceptable to Ephesians 5:10 finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. the Lord.

• 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (NASV) (NASV)

• 10proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; 10proving what is well-pleasing unto the Lord; (1901 ASV) (1901 ASV)

• Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor Romans 12:9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.


• [Many times, we determine for [Many times, we determine for ourselves what the standard of right or ourselves what the standard of right or wrong actually is. Out of selfishness, wrong actually is. Out of selfishness, we sometimes determine that some we sometimes determine that some things are right. And there lies the things are right. And there lies the danger. We must seek to do things in danger. We must seek to do things in God's ways, or we will not be found God's ways, or we will not be found acceptable to Him and our efforts acceptable to Him and our efforts would be in vain.] would be in vain.]


Part SevenPart Seven

Desire Spiritual ThingsDesire Spiritual ThingsDiscipline of SelfDiscipline of Self

Dedication To The LordDedication To The LordDevotion To GodDevotion To God

Determination To Do RightDetermination To Do RightDiscernment of good and evilDiscernment of good and evil

Diligence in living the Christian lifeDiligence in living the Christian life

Diligence in living the Christian Diligence in living the Christian life life

• Diligence in living the Christian life Diligence in living the Christian life • A. diligently seek after God - A. diligently seek after God - • Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible

to please Him, for he who comes to God must to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. of those who diligently seek Him.

• b. give all dilligence To grow and bear fruit - b. give all dilligence To grow and bear fruit - • Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all Proverbs 4:23 Keep your heart with all

diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.

Diligence in living the Christian Diligence in living the Christian life life • 2 Peter 1:5-10 But also for this very reason, giving all 2 Peter 1:5-10 But also for this very reason, giving all

diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to sins. Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; things you will never stumble;

Diligence in living the Christian Diligence in living the Christian life life • c. to persevere; c. to persevere; • Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show Hebrews 6:11-12 And we desire that each one of you show

the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

• Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all people, and Hebrews 12:14-15 Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled; many become defiled;

• Hebrews 10:38,39 Now the just shall live by faith; But if Hebrews 10:38,39 Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." But anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him." But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Diligence in living the Christian Diligence in living the Christian life life • d. To be found without spot - d. To be found without spot - • 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward 2 Peter 3:14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward

to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; peace, without spot and blameless;

• e. Who can say "I have done enough; I can sit e. Who can say "I have done enough; I can sit down and rest, I can stop: down and rest, I can stop:

• Studying, Studying, • Encouraging, Encouraging, • Teaching, Teaching, • Helping, Helping, • Working, Working, • Growing?"Growing?"

Diligence in living the Christian Diligence in living the Christian life life • f. Would not the same be true in collective efforts? f. Would not the same be true in collective efforts? • f. We ought to be unsatisfied with staying where we f. We ought to be unsatisfied with staying where we

are: are: • 1) We must be content with what God has done for us, 1) We must be content with what God has done for us, • 2) But we must never be satisfied with what we are 2) But we must never be satisfied with what we are

doing for God.doing for God.• h. Everything that we do in serving Christ must be h. Everything that we do in serving Christ must be

done with diligence -done with diligence -• Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do

it with your might; for there is no work or device or it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. going.

Part EightPart Eight

Desire Spiritual ThingsDesire Spiritual ThingsDiscipline of SelfDiscipline of Self

Dedication To The LordDedication To The LordDevotion To GodDevotion To God

Determination To Do RightDetermination To Do RightDiscernment of good and evilDiscernment of good and evil

Diligence in living the Christian lifeDiligence in living the Christian lifeDoing the will of GodDoing the will of God

Doing the will of GodDoing the will of God

• A. Putting into actual application those things A. Putting into actual application those things that are right and necessary in each of our that are right and necessary in each of our lives.lives.

• 1) Proving yourselves DOERS1) Proving yourselves DOERS

• James 1:21-22 "Therefore putting aside all James 1:21-22 "Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the worddoers of the word, and not merely hearers who , and not merely hearers who delude themselves." delude themselves."


• 2)Lip service not good enough 2)Lip service not good enough • Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me Lord, Matthew 7:21 "Not everyone who says to me Lord,

Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." who does the will of My Father who is in heaven."

• 3) Proving our allegiance 3) Proving our allegiance • Matthew 12:50 "For whoever does the will of My Matthew 12:50 "For whoever does the will of My

Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and mother." sister and mother."

• 4) Finding out what MUST be done 4) Finding out what MUST be done • Acts 16:30 "and after he brought them out, he Acts 16:30 "and after he brought them out, he

said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"" said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?""


• 5)Understanding why it MUST be done 5)Understanding why it MUST be done • 1 Corinthians 9:23 "And I do all things for the sake of the 1 Corinthians 9:23 "And I do all things for the sake of the

gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it". gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it". • We must recognize the opportunities before us on a yearly, We must recognize the opportunities before us on a yearly,

monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly basis. monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly basis. • Galatians 6:10 "So then, while we have opportunity, let us Galatians 6:10 "So then, while we have opportunity, let us

do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." household of faith."

• B. Making this a lifelong effort and taking good advise.B. Making this a lifelong effort and taking good advise.• 2 Timothy 4:5 "But you, be sober in all things, endure 2 Timothy 4:5 "But you, be sober in all things, endure

hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." • John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He John 2:5 "His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He

says to you, do it" says to you, do it"


• 1) Joining Deity in fulfilling the greatest purpose of all 1) Joining Deity in fulfilling the greatest purpose of all • 1 Peter 4:1-2 "Therefore, since Christ has suffered in 1 Peter 4:1-2 "Therefore, since Christ has suffered in

the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time has ceased from sin, so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for but for the will of God.the will of God." "

• 2) Consequences of failing to do what must be done 2) Consequences of failing to do what must be done • James 4:17 "Therefore, to one who knows the right James 4:17 "Therefore, to one who knows the right

thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin."thing to do, and does not do it, to him it is sin."• The greatest purpose of all time is found in the words The greatest purpose of all time is found in the words

of Jesus.of Jesus.


• The greatest purpose of all time is The greatest purpose of all time is found in the words of Jesus.found in the words of Jesus.

•"Not my will, but Thy will“"Not my will, but Thy will“• Do you have the same purpose in Do you have the same purpose in

life?life?


• [Now is the time to put what we have [Now is the time to put what we have learned into action. It is one thing to learned into action. It is one thing to know what to do, it is another to know what to do, it is another to actually do it. We must step up to the actually do it. We must step up to the next level of service. It is up to us next level of service. It is up to us individually.individually.

• And in some ways it is up to us as a And in some ways it is up to us as a congregation.]congregation.]

Conclusion of DiscipleshipConclusion of Discipleship

• 1. Our ultimate goal 1. Our ultimate goal • a. To be ready for the Lord... a. To be ready for the Lord... • 1) To be found by Him in peace - 2 Pe 1) To be found by Him in peace - 2 Pe

3:14a 3:14a • 2) To be without spot and blameless - 2) To be without spot and blameless -

2 Pe 3:14b -- 2 Pe 3:14b -- • Whenever the Lord returns, we Whenever the Lord returns, we

certainly want to be ready for His certainly want to be ready for His coming! coming!

Conclusion of discipleshipConclusion of discipleship

• b. To remain steadfast... b. To remain steadfast... • 1) Lest we fall - 2 Pe 3:17a; cf. He 3:12-14 1) Lest we fall - 2 Pe 3:17a; cf. He 3:12-14 • 2) Lest we be led astray - 2 Pe 3:17b; cf. 2 2) Lest we be led astray - 2 Pe 3:17b; cf. 2

Pe 2:1-3 -- Pe 2:1-3 -- • To be ready for His coming, we must make To be ready for His coming, we must make

sure we do not fall away through sure we do not fall away through negligence, negligence,

• 2. True success, strength and growth 2. True success, strength and growth depends upon it's members, just as the depends upon it's members, just as the failure, weakness, and luke-warmness, failure, weakness, and luke-warmness, depends upon it's members. depends upon it's members.

Conclusion of discipleshipConclusion of discipleship

• a. Let us develop the same attitude as the a. Let us develop the same attitude as the apostle Paul - apostle Paul -

• Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count Philippians 3:13-14 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus.

• 3.Are you pressing forward to your goal of 3.Are you pressing forward to your goal of reaching heaven? reaching heaven?


Documents

Discipleship. Discipleship Joshua 1:7-8 Joshua 1:7-8 Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant