Discipleship with Guest Speaker Pastor J. Magpantay

 
 
 
 

Call to Come, Call to Follow, Call to Be

Pastor J. Magpantay

 Call to Come, Call to Follow, Call to Be

I. Introduction:

• We are familiar with the miracles and teachings of Jesus that drew the multitudes.

o But Jesus did more than attract crowds… He made disciples.

o Furthermore, He commanded His disciples to make disciples, not just in Israel, but in all the earth.

II. Text:

Mt 4:18-22 ESV

Matthew 16:24 ESV

III. Connect:

o We might not be able to fly like Mike…but we’re destined for something that’s much greater than that…

​…something that will impact people's lives for God…

…in this life and for the rest of eternity!

o In essence…

…The first call on my life is to be with Jesus and to be sent by Him to bring freedom and life to others.

​…and that’s the essence of discipleship!

 

• Jesus is calling us to take this trip with Him because the truth is…

…each one of us need to heed to the call of Jesus…

…”to come to Him…

… follow him…

…and to be fishers of men”

 

But why is discipleship important? 

Is it really necessary to make disciples?

• Discipleship is important because we want people to become fully committed followers of Christ.

 

o Discipleship helps believers…

… to grow in their faith,

…to grow in maturity and wisdom,

…and build their faith on a strong foundation

… so that they can then disciple and lead others towards Christ.

 

Discipleship, according to Jesus is a call…

1. Call to “Come”

o The first step in being a disciple is to “come to Jesus”!

A. Jesus deserves it:  

Col 1:15-20.

o Jesus’ confidence to call the first disciples is based on who He is and not who the disciples are!

▪ Jesus knows his divinity…and the disciples humanity!

o We respond to the call of God not because of what we can promise that we’ll do for Him…

…but simply because Jesus is worthy!

o Jesus has the ultimate claim over our lives

  

B. Jesus demands it

1 Peter 3:15 ESV 

o First, we should set aside our hearts as the place where Christ is fully honored as the Lord 

o When we set apart Christ as Lord, it will change us.

1 Peter 3:15 MSG

Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master.

• Peter Forsyth: “The duty of every soul is to find not its freedom but its master.”

 

C. Jesus delivers us:

Matthew 11:28-30 The Message

28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

 

2. Call to Follow  (Come follow me)

Mark 8:34-37 English Standard Version

​“…let him deny himself” 

o Follow Jesus before self

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 English Standard Version

“…take up his cross”

o Follow Jesus before comfort

 

3. Call to Be (“Be Fishers of Men”)

o Discipleship is the willingness to embrace what God purposed you to be.

John 15:16a

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit- fruit that will last”

 

IV. Conclusion:

Matthew 28:18-20 ESV

• Discipleship is relationship 

• And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

o In essence…

…The first call on my life is to be with Jesus and to be sent by Him to bring freedom and life to others.

​…and that’s the essence of discipleship

 

Second City Church