SCRIPTURE:
Matthew 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples… teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you…
OBSERVATION:
Being a follower of Jesus means that we learn from the Master and take His word seriously. Being a sent one means that we are not only to speak of God’s love and forgiveness, but to know, follow, and teach the principles of the Kingdom. The direct charge is that in making disciples, we teach them obedience to Christ.
This also carries an indirect charge to not teach people what Jesus has not commanded. This means that we never put our traditions or preferences above the clear teachings of Jesus. If you are teaching anyone anything as having greater importance than what we find in the Sermon on the Mount, for example, you aren’t making a disciple of Jesus. You are making a disciple of religion and of yourself.
APPLICATION:
1. Learn and study the commands of Jesus
2. Practice the commands of Jesus in your context
3. Make disciples
4. Teach them the commands of Jesus and how to obey them in their context
5. In steps 1-4 make sure you are staying away from religion, tradition, arbitrary rules or preferences. The commands of Jesus will suffice.
PRAYER:
Lord, I love You. Thank You for today. Help me to learn Your commands as you mean them, not as the religion and traditions of other people interpret them as. Give me grace to be a practitioner of Your word. Help me to obey in You in what Your word says and Your Spirit reveals. Lord, make me a laborer in Your harvest. Help me to make disciples and teach me how to teach others obedience to Your word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
WORSHIP: