PORTRAITS OF DISCIPLESHIP by Heath Rogers 1. We have a commander.

2. We have an enemy.
I. THE DISCIPLE’S IDENTITY: What is a Disciple?
3. We have weapons.
 discipleship emphasizes the teacher-
4. We must train.
student relationship
5. We must fight.
 a devoted supporter and followers of his 6. The battle is spiritual.
teacher;
 accepts the views of his teacher and adopts IV. THE POTTER AND THE CLAY: The Disciple’s
his teacher’s way of life Transformation
6 DEMANDS OF DISCIPLESHIP  God is the Potter:
1. God is in control of the molding
1. We must deny self. process
2. We must be willing to suffer for Christ. 2. God has the power over the clay
3. We must learn from Christ.  Disciples are the Clay:
4. We must bear fruit. 1. We must make ourselves clay in the
5. We must love our brethren. hand of God, thus requires us:
6. We must be committed to following Christ. a. Faith
b. Humility
II. AN ATHLETE: The Disciple’s Commitment c. Meekness
 athletics in the First Century was deemed d. Obedience
offensive by Jews because: 2. We are molded by the Lord’s
1. the games were a form of idolatry Teachings
2. the contestants trained and a. We are not to be
competed in the nude conformed to this world
 4 Primary Games: b. We are to be
1. Isthmian transformed
2. Nemean c. This transformation is
3. Pythian accomplished by a
4. Olympian renewing of the mind
 consisted different kinds of races, jumping, 3. This Molding is a Process
discus, javelin, wrestling, boxing, and even a. Renewing of the mind
contests between heralds and trumpeters and transformation of life
 contestants were trained under very strict takes time
rules and supervision b. We need God in order to
 30 days before the events begin, they be molded
reside at one place where they exercise c. God is patient with us
regularly, follow a strict diet, avoid and has a personal
luxuries, and get sufficient rest interest in our lives
 failure to follow the rules disqualifies a 4. This Molding has a purpose
contestant from the games a. God desires that we be
 Paul made good use of the games as honorable and useful
illustrations throughout his epistles vessels in His service
 3 Commitments of an Athlete:
1. Must be committed to rigorous V. THE VINE AND THE BRANCHES: The Disciple’s
training. Dependence Upon Christ
2. Must be committed to competing by  dhe emphasis is the disciples continue to
the rules. abide in Christ
3. Must run to win.  Discipleship is not a hit-and-miss vocation as
the branch’s life depends on remaining
III. A SOLDIER: The Disciple’s Battle connected to the vine, so the disciple’s life
 If Disciples are Soldiers…
 depends on maintaining his connection with
Christ
1. We will be like the vine
2. We will bear fruit
3. We will be pruned to bear more
fruit
4. We will remain connected to the
life-giving vine
5. Our prayers will be answered
6. We will glorify God

VI. A CHILD OF GOD: The Disciple’s Security

VII. A MEMBER OF THE BODY: The Disciple’s Place
VIII. MY BROTHER’S KEEPER: The Disciple’s Support
IX. A SERVANT: The Disciple’s Greatness
X. STRANGERS AND PILGRIMS: The Disciple’s
Walk of Faith
XI. SALT AND LIGHT: The Disciple’s Influence
XII. AN APOLOGIST: The Disciple’s Answer
XIII. FISHERS OF MEN: The Disciple’s Task