Prompts and Notes - STEP FOUR

Purpose of Step Four: 1) To expand on the importance of Jesus' lordship (Rom 10:9 - Step

One) 2) To consider our life styles and our rights as Jesus' servants or as those living under new management.

Remember: In discipleship it is assumed that each disciple is regularly participating

in a local church where there is Bible study, fellowship, prayer and active participation in ministry. Talk about this participation and the importance of seeking out those whom your disciple(s) can begin to disciple. Suggest that your disciple(s) bring the names of two or three people that they are considering discipling. Pray with them about these prospects. One name is fine, but experience shows that discipling two or three people at a time is the most fruitful approach. Review the "Two Seas Illustration."

1. Why is the phrase "accepting Jesus as personal savior" only partially correct? It is

similar to a person who marries a spouse to be just a cook or a bread winner instead of taking the spouse for all that he/she is. In the New Testament the 24 references to "savior" are always combined with one of these other titles: Lord (8 x's), God (8 x's), Jesus or Christ (4 x's), and prince (1 x). There are three exceptions where "savior" stands alone.

 

There is special importance in the fact that over 600 times in the New Testament Jesus is given the specific title "Lord." This title was reserved only for King Caesar or the owner of slaves.

2. Who or what are some of the "masters" or "Lords" that we serve? Look at the list under

line III. in the outline for additional ideas. Robert Munger's booklet, My Heart - Christ's Home is helpful here.

3. Note: it is best to have your disciple(s) go over this list at home and then look at it

together next week. Notice that the list is open ended and could include such things as racism, self-denial, witnessing, not accepting others, deceitfulness, guilt etc. Here we are bringing God into our real world and not confining him to our religious world. A sample question follows (for line III.N. of the outline):

3.14 What is the relationship between Jesus' lordship and our voluntarily giving Him a tenth

(tithe) of our income? What does God ask his people to do in Mal 3:10? "Test me...."(This is a biblical principle and not a law. When we trust the Lord with our finances we discover the reality of His presence and care in the details of life). See the outline on Stewardship (in the appendix).

Note: These same kinds of questions can be asked for every area on the list.

Remember: You are growing and learning from your disciples(s) as you meet together week

after week. Affirm your disciples(s) and comment on how you enjoy getting together each week. Tell what the Lord is doing in your life or what He is speaking to you about. Being open and vulnerable goes hand in hand with living as a servant under Jesus' lordship. We are learning to die to self and let Him live in us -- Gal 2:20.

Review is very important and assures learning. Be creative as you review the Miniature Plan

of Salvation, the Four Assurances, the importance of aiming at four generations in the discipling process, the Two Seas Illustration, and the Wheel Illustration.

4. Which of the two circles best represents your life? Where do you most see the lordship of

Jesus in your life? What can be a problem with a sacrifice that is alive? (It can crawl off the altar.)

4.1 As servants of the Lord, what should our attitude be when we have done a great job in

fulfilling our responsibilities? See Lk 17:7-10.

4.2 When you give your belongings to God and someone steals something you have, whose

property have they stolen? (They have stolen God's property.) How should we respond? Rom 12:17-20.

4.3 Have you discovered the power of giving thanks to God even when you don't feel like it?

Try it. It is a powerful and satisfying experience. It is God's design for us. (see Step 7, line I.C.)

4.4A Note: When there is a conflict of interests, self denial means that I choose in favor of

Christ and against myself.

"Homework." -- Ask your disciple(s) to read the booklet "Have You Made The Wonderful

Discovery of the Spirit-Filled Life?" Next week you will begin examining the importance of being filled and guided by the Holy Spirit and this little booklet from Campus Crusade for Christ is an excellent place to begin the process.

Pray as you end your time together each week.

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