Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Authority and Discipleship

Bryan Schneider · June 29, 2024

Matthew 28:18-20

sharonrpc.org/sermons/authority-and-discipleship

Summary

The church's mission is not self-invented: the Great Commission gives the church its purpose and rests on Jesus' claim to all authority in heaven and on earth.
Calling Jesus Lord means recognizing him as Master with rightful authority over the whole person, desires, body, relationships, work, money, and daily conduct.
Contrition alone is not discipleship; a disciple is committed to Christ, learns his teaching, follows his life, and puts his commands into practice.
Jesus trained the disciples through his words, actions, and example, including humble service, and expected them to imitate what he showed them.
Disciples make disciples: the New Testament pattern passes Christ's teaching from apostles to faithful believers who teach others in turn.
Christians need not be perfect before teaching others, but their lives should honestly imitate Christ and direct people to him rather than to themselves.

When I call Jesus Lord, do I actually submit to his authority or mainly want the benefits of salvation?
What area of my desires, body, marriage, family, work, money, or habits am I withholding from Christ's rule?
Have I confused feeling sorry about sin with turning to follow and obey Jesus?
Am I learning Scripture with an eye toward practice, or only accumulating knowledge?
What aspects of Jesus' humility and service should become more visible in my conduct?
Who am I intentionally teaching and encouraging to follow Christ?
Could someone safely imitate my life insofar as I claim to imitate Jesus?

Lord: A master and rightful ruler; confessing Jesus as Lord acknowledges his authority and ownership rather than treating him merely as a source of benefits.
Authority: The rightful power to rule and command, which the risen Christ possesses universally in heaven and on earth.
Disciple: One committed to a master who learns the master's teaching, follows his way of life, and acts on what has been learned.
Discipleship: Learning from Jesus with the purpose of obeying and imitating him, not merely collecting religious information.
Imitation: Following the pattern of Christ's righteous and humble conduct, and following faithful teachers only insofar as they follow him.
Disciple-maker: A follower of Christ who intentionally passes his Word and way of life to others so that they also follow Jesus.