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The 5 D’s Of Discipleship
Introduction.
A. A disciple is one who sits at the feet of another in order
to learn what the other has to teach; hence a learner. We
also look at the word as having the connotation of one who
follows the things learned. John the Immerser had those
who followed what he taught. These were called his dis-
ciples in Matt. 11:2. These were also taught by John to
look for the coming of another whom they should follow
when He was come.
B. There were (and are) also those who refuse to believe that
Jesus is the Savior of the world. They are the disciples
of who knows. Perhaps they are still following Moses or
perhaps Mohammed. There are also those that follow the
teachings (?) of Confucius and Buddha.
C. Discipleship entails a continued following, i.e. a
continued working toward the goal set before the disciples
by the teacher. Paul in 1 Cor. 9:24-27 compares the trying
to obtain salvation to a race which we must “run in such a
way that you may obtain it.” And he tells the Philippian
brethren to “press on” (Phil. 3:12-16).
D. In both of these passages we see the idea of continued
effort. If we are to obtain the prize, then we need to
know the things involved.
I. Dissatisfaction.
A. In Rev. 3:1 we read of the church at Sardis being
condemned by Christ as being dead even though they
thought they were alive. We also see in verse 17 of the
same chapter, the church at Laodicea rebuked because of
their feelings of complacency.
B. Paul, in writing to the Corinthians expressed dissat-
isfaction with the practices they were allowing
(1 Cor. 5:1-2; 11:20-23). All of these conditions
result from complacency and trying to please men.
C. The idea of dissatisfaction is also expressed by Paul in
Phil. 3:12 where he indicates he is not satisfied to
remain as he is, but is still trying to become perfect.
And Peter tells us not to try to please men, but rather
to please God (1 Pet. 2:11-12).
II. Devotion (Dedication).
A. Under the old law, people were required to dedicate
certain things to the service of God.
1. In Ex. 12, we see the establishment of the Passover.
This idea also carried over into other areas.
a. The seventh year was to be a Sabbath to the Lord
(Lev. 25:3-4).
b. When the people gleaned the fields, they were to
leave parts unharvested for the poor among them
(Lev. 19:9-10).
2. Deut. 15:19-23 also shows that they were to dedicate
the first born animals to the service of the Lord.
B. These things were set apart (dedicated) to the Lord as
He directed and for His use.
C. Christians are also set apart to the use of the Lord.
1. We are to be dedicated to working for the Lord
(Titus 2:14).
a. A Christian is the dwelling place of the God
(1 Cor. 6:19).
b. Paul says we are to present our bodies as living
sacrifices (Rom. 12:1) We are to be dedicated to
God for His use.
2. Notice in Phil. 3:13, Paul says “this one thing I do.”
He didn’t say I ought to do” or “I want to do,” but
“I do.” He was going to continue what he had started.
D. Christ was so devoted to God that He gave His life
WILLINGLY (Matt. 26:39-42).
III. The Third “D” Is Direction.
A. How many people do you know that are completely without
direction in their lives?
1. How about the homeless?
2. How about some young people?
3. Drug Addicts?
4. What about the spiritually weak?
B. Most of these people will never figure out which
direction to go and will be lost in this life and in the
next. They wonder aimlessly from job to job and church
to church, never finding what their looking for, because
they have no idea what to look for.
C. But look at what Paul had to say in the last part of
Phil. 3:13. "Forgetting those things which are behind and
reaching forward to those things which are before. He
knew where he had been (Phil. 3:5-6), but didn’t let
that stop him from getting where he wanted to go.
IV. This Brings Us To #4: Determination.
A. Paul says in Phil. 3:14, “I press toward ....” This
indicates he was putting forth considerable effort in the
task at hand. He was not just casually strolling along,
but was running hard.
B. What could have been worth all that effort?
1. We find many things listed in Rev. 2 and 3 for those
willing to put forth the required effort.
a. Get to eat of the tree of life (no death)
(Rev. 2:7, 11).
b. Authority over nations (in a spiritual sense)
(Rev. 2:26).
c. Sit with Jesus on the throne (Rev. 3:21)
d. Others could also be listed.
2. Look at Rev. 21. What a wonderful thought to live
eternally such a place as this (the glorified church).
V. The Fifth and Final D is Discipline.
A. Paul, in order to have the Christian realize the danger
of losing their reward, uses the example of the Grecian
games (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
B. In order to accomplish the win, he gives three
directives.
1. Be temperate; practice rigid self-control.
a. 1 Cor. 9:25 says every one that strives for the
prize is temperate in all things.
(1) The Grecian runners were temperate. They
submitted to the trainer and did what was
necessary (control drink, sleep, exercise,
etc.).
(2) Athletes, today, endure training camps in
order to prepare themselves for the upcoming
season.
b. The Christian must maintain self-control if he
hopes to gain the incorruptible crown (Matt. 16:24;
Col. 3:5ff; Gal. 5:19ff). It is not an “on again;
off again” situation many have while dieting.
B. Be certain: understand and know why you are in the race.
1. In 1 Cor. 9:26 Paul says, “ Therefore I run thus; not
with uncertainty....”
2. A runner who enters the race uncertain of the rules
and direction will never win the race. A Christian
needs to keep his goal (crown of life) always before
his eyes.
3. Unfortunately, many will come to the finish line only
to learn they have been on the wrong track (Prov.
14:12; Matt. 7:13-14, 21-33; 2 Jn. 9). But there is
no excuse for such (Eph. 4:14; Phil. 3:13; 2 Tim.
4:6-8).
C. Be effective: let your life be of value to the Lord
(1 Cor. 9:26-27).
1. Paul, in fighting the good fight of faith, made ever
blow count. He made every effort to keep his body
under control. He fought to bring every thought and
evil inclination under control (1 Tim. 6:12;
2 Cor. 10:3-5).
2. Self is always our worst enemy.
Conclusion.
A. Unless these things are present in our lives, we are never
going to be what God wants of us or experience the lives
that God has planned for us.
B. Are the 5 “D’s” of discipleship present in your life? If
not, why not? Do you not want to spend eternity with God
and Christ?
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