A New Vision of Discipleship

Scripture Reading:  Mark 1:14-34

Memory Verse:  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Mark 1:17-18

1.  Urgent! Now is the time for God to rule your life!

• The time is full!
  
• The Kingdom is now!
  
• The news is good!

2.  Dependent! You live under the rule of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ!

• Repent! 
  

         1)  Change your mind about your self-willed life!
         2)  Turn away from the current path of life! Turn to Jesus!

• Believe the Good News!
  

         1)  Kingdom is available now!
         2)  Jesus is the way!

3.  Devotion! You demonstrate your belief by actually following Jesus! Verses 18, 20

• Come! In order to come with him, they must leave behind the thing they were already doing!
  
• Follow Me! The invitation involved a command! They were not only to leave and take a new direction. They entered a new relationship! Their direction was now determined by another, not themselves! Jesus was in control!
  
• Devote yourselves to serve others! Their lives become focused on people as a purpose for life! Following Jesus was the same as serving others!

4.  Service! You must recognize the authority of the Master or you will fail!

• Jesus had the authority to gather disciples! Verses 16-20
  
• Jesus had authority to teach in the synagogue! Verses 21-22
  
• Jesus had the authority to cast out impure spirits! Verses 23-27
  
• Jesus had the authority to heal disease! Verses 28-34
  

5.  Community! You are not alone. Jesus keeps calling others to follow Him! 2:2, 4, 13-15

• It’s not just about you!
  
• You are part of something huge!
  
• You have partners for the journey!
  
• Some may hinder your efforts, others will help!
  

Summary

1. Urgent! Now is the time for God to rule your life!
   
2. Dependent! You live under the rule of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ! 
   
3. Devotion! You demonstrate your belief by actually following Jesus! Verses 18, 20
   
4. Service! You must recognize the authority of the Master or you will fail! 
   
5. Community! You are not alone. Jesus keeps calling others to follow Him! 2:2, 4, 13-15