STUDY NOTES
IMPORTANT THINGS // A SERIES AT NEW CITY CHURCH
www.newcityphx.com/sermons

The following content is based on the message “Being a Disciple” spoken on 10/16/16 by Chris Townley at New City Church in Phoenix, AZ. The following is not meant to be a full synopsis of the message but rather a brief look at the main ideas. To use this Study Guide effectively you must listen to the message found at https://newcityphx.com/sermons/.

Leaders using these Study Notes for group study and reflection should read the Biblical text thoroughly before beginning, using this resource as assistance and not relying solely on this material for insight. We encourage all leaders to pray and ask the Spirit for revelation as they lead their respective communities.

PRAYER

Pray and ask God to lead the discussion as everyone gets to share.

THE SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 4:18-22

BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS

Simon, Andrew, John, and James became disciples of Jesus by leaving everything and following him. We too, have to figure out what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Being a disciple of Jesus is learning to become like Jesus.

Jesus is saying the same thing to each of us: “Follow me, you have what it takes to be like Me, to find out who you really are. Let me help you.”

• What is your reaction to seeing Simon, Andrew, John, and James leave everything to follow Jesus?
• Since we have the same call, why are we often hesitant to hold onto our nets, our jobs, our boats, our dads, our comfort?

ARE YOU A DISCIPLE OF JESUS?

Jesus begins to teach his disciples what it means to be like him. Read Matthew 5:1-16. Jesus’s disciples are blessed. They are the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world”. As His disciples this is who we are! At the same time, through His actions, He is saying we are loved, known, accepted. His actions communicate His grace, a grace that renews and transforms.

• Jesus changes WHO we are. What does it mean to you that Jesus changes your identity?
• Jesus doesn’t want us to stay where we are. He also changes who we MUST be. Why do you think Jesus doesn’t want us to stay where we were when we first started following him?

BEING A DISCIPLE IN COMMUNITY

We see that disciples can only be discipled into being like Jesus insofar as they are engaging in authentic relationships with a community of God’s people. All Christians are disciples and disciplers—learners and teachers.

It seems that we need each other to learn to become like Jesus.

• Was there ever a time that you felt completely alone while following Jesus? Is so, talk about your experience.
• How does having different people from different walks of life in our community make us more complete disciples?

THE WAY OF THE CROSS

Jesus says if you want to follow Him, turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and then follow Him. Give up your life, He says. It will cost you everything.

Certainly, undeniably, discipleship is the Way of the Cross.

Jesus also says that the burden he gives to us is easy and light. If we are to be people who learn, the thing is, there is space to learn. We haven’t fully arrived, and that’s OKAY, because Jesus rose from the dead and he promises to be with us.

What is your experience with people who think they are learning to be like Jesus, but don’t act like him? How is acting like Jesus a part of learning to be like him?

Read Matthew 28:18-20. With power and authority (you know, since he rose from the dead) Jesus promises to be with us with that same power and authority. How does the power of Christ in you, lead you to live like Jesus?

How can our group be a community learning to be like Jesus?

Pray that we act like disciples with much grace for each other.