#218 – CHOOSE TO FOLLOW (21/10/2

God’s will and His choosing us cannot be resisted. However, biblically and experientially, we are, mysteriously, still responsible for our response of faith and obedience. Following Jesus is a once for all-time decision which is accompanied by baptism; however, it is also a daily, hourly, moment-by-moment choice to go Jesus’ way.

Please read Luke 5:1-11, 27-31 and consider:

Is Jesus speaking to you specifically from these verses?

In these texts, what are the various things that people choose to do in response to Jesus? Pray that Jesus would give you a listening ear and soft hear to do what He asks you to do.

What does this call of the first disciples teach us about the radical nature of being a disciple?

What does 5:29-32 teach us about a disciple’s attitude to different kinds of people?

To memorise this week: Matthew 28:19-20

‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - WHAT IS A DISCIPLE?

Notices

It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.

Suggested opener/Ice-breaker

Who was your most memorable teacher at school and why?

Introduction - please share in your group

This week we began a series on discipleship based upon The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Let's begin by reading this (this is also our memory verse for this week).

‘Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

What is a disciple? a good answer is 'A DISCIPLE IS LEARNING TO LIVE LIKE JESUS'. A Christian is to learn from Jesus (principally through His word) and live like Jesus in applying what we learn in everyday life and relationships.

Jesus chose His first disciples and He also chooses us to know Him and learn from Him. This is such a privilege - you have been handpicked to be a pupil of Jesus! However, we are also to choose Jesus - choose to listen and choose to apply what He teaches us.

In application, we were encouraged to be committed to our Community Group where we will seek to grow as disciples together.

IN SMALLER GROUPS

1. To start, ask the group to share what struck them or something that God spoke to them about from Sunday's message.

2. Read this week’s main text (Matthew 4:18-23) and discuss:

i) What does this say about Jesus?

ii) What are the various ways that one could respond to this?

iii) Is there anything, specifically, that Jesus is speaking to you about?

3. Pray for one another