Bgroup Lesson Jun 01
Big Idea: In this series called The Unstoppable Church we have discussed the effects of real conversion, Spirit baptism, unstoppable love, living in boldness and the power of the unstoppable word of God. In today’s lesson we will discuss what being a true disciple of Jesus looks like. One of the reasons why the early church was unstoppable was because of discipleship.
The disciples in the early church were called “Followers Of The Way.” They were different. The world around them looked for language to describe these radical believers and the best description they could come up with was to identify them as those who followed the ways of Jesus. In fact, the apostle Paul, after his conversion, identified himself similarly in Acts 24:14 ““But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.’” What does being a follower of the Way mean to us today?
Key Scriptures:
Acts 9:1–2 (NLT) — “Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats with every breath and was eager to kill the Lord’s followers. So he went to the high priest. He requested letters addressed to the synagogues in Damascus, asking for their cooperation in the arrest of any followers of the Way he found there. He wanted to bring them—both men and women—back to Jerusalem in chains.”
Acts 24:14 (NLT) — “But I admit that I follow the Way, which they call a cult. I worship the God of our ancestors, and I firmly believe the Jewish law and everything written in the prophets.”
John 14:5–6 (NLT) — “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”
Matthew 4:19–20 (NLT) — “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
Luke 5:27–28 (NLT) — “Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.”
John 21:18–19 (NLT) — “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
John 14:3–4 (NLT) — “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”
To follow the Way is to follow Jesus. Nothing more, nothing less. In Jewish culture, a disciple’s job was to follow their teacher so closely that they would be covered in his dust. The disciples of Jesus walked with Him daily learning His ways. They were close in proximity to Jesus listening to His words, watching Him interact with people, and observing His way of life. They walked in relationship with Him so much so that they would later be known as men who had been with Jesus (Acts 4:13). These early disciples stayed with Jesus. The disciples ate together, traveled and slept together learning from Jesus and being equipped for ministry.
Discussion Questions: As disciples of Christ, we follow Him. The world we live in is filled with numerous voices and personalities vying for our attention. Social media, current events, and daily drama can all take our attention off of Jesus. What is competing for focus in your life? How do you as a disciple of Jesus stay “in His dust”? Why is it important that we learn not just His words but also His ways?
Jesus’ call to “follow me” was not an invitation to aimlessly wander without purpose or direction. Jesus had a very clear objective and destination in mind. There was intention behind the invitation. It is the same with you and me. Jesus has a destination for us.
● Destination 1: Others - Jesus wants to use us to bring others into this wonderful salvation and family of believers. If I focus on myself more and neglect others along the way I am on the wrong path. Matthew 4:19–20 (NLT) “Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him.”
● Destination 2: Dependency - Each step on this journey with Jesus we are learning to depend upon Him. The disciples left everything putting their total trust in Jesus to provide. Luke 5:27–28 (NLT) “Later, as Jesus left the town, he saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at his tax collector’s booth. “Follow me and be my disciple,” Jesus said to him. So Levi got up, left everything, and followed him.”
● Destination 3: Surrender - The surrendered life no longer calls the shots. The surrendered life says “where you lead, I will follow, not my way but your way, no matter the cost”. John 21:18–19 (NLT) “I tell you the truth, when you were young, you were able to do as you liked; you dressed yourself and went wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and others will dress you and take you where you don’t want to go.” Jesus said this to let him know by what kind of death he would glorify God. Then Jesus told him, “Follow me.”
● Destination 4: Glory - Jesus’ greatest destination for His faithful followers is eternity with Him in the glory of heaven. We should often remind ourselves that this world is temporary and eternity with Jesus is eternal! Nothing in this life can compare to the glory that awaits us! The surrendered life, dependency on Him will all be worth it and we will be so thankful that we told others of the reality as well. John 14:3–4 (NLT) “When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.”
Discussion Questions: Sharing the gospel with others, dependency on Jesus alone, surrendering every area of your life, and eternity with Jesus are destinations Christ is bringing us to. Which do you struggle with the most? How can you follow more closely and see that weakness turned into a strength?
The Way is not only a direction, but it is a daily pattern of life. Jesus’ lifestyle was one of complete trust in God the Father. His pursuit was a reflection of His total devotion to Him. We see it also exemplified in the pattern of the early church. In Acts chapter 2 we read that these new believers were devoted to the teaching of the Word. They were devoted to prayer and sought God constantly. They were devoted to fellowship and shared food, burdens, and did life together. They shared the same faith and hope and believed God for miracles! To them it was more than just a religious activity. It was a lifestyle.
Discussion Questions: When we first begin to follow Jesus there are actions that we purpose to do that help us stay in step with the Spirit of Christ such as praying, reading the scriptures, and fellowship with other believers. The more we do those actions they become habits that if we continue, become our new nature. What devotions in your life would you say have moved past the point of a habit to becoming a part of your daily rhythms? What is daily life like if that rhythm is disrupted? How do you get back on track? How are you continuing to grow in your discipleship?
It is a good habit to take time to evaluate your discipleship. We must live in this constant tension of making sure we are following The Way. The Way is a person, it’s a destination, it’s a lifestyle. Are you right on the heels of Christ right now? Are you watching Him? Are you learning from Him? Are you imitating Him? Are you understanding where He’s wanting to lead you right now? He’s wanting to lead you to a place of Others, Dependency, Surrender, and Glory!