Our name | Mission | Vision | Leaders Ministries | Schedule | Directions | Contact Home   Gateway Church gathers for worship Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Location: 6425 Jefferson Rd. (Hwy. 129) in Athens, Georgia. For directions, click here. Ministry of the Word: Recent sermons Our quarterly e-magazine Gateway Today For the Gateway family Pastor Jerry's Weekly E-Mail A GATEWAY SERMON SUMMARY AUDIO Becoming disciples Jerry Varnado, pastor Gateway Church, Athens GA February 8, 2004 Main Scripture text: Luke 5:1-11. A disciple, in the biblical sense, is one who learns from a teacher and puts that teaching into practice. Thus Jesus said things like: "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do what I say?" (Luke 6:46), "and Blessed... are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28). This "obedience factor" does not undermine the clear biblical teaching that we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. But many people never progress past conversion, which is the "entry-level experience" of following Christ. Many Christians never become "disciples" in the true biblical sense. There are at least four "elements of discipleship" that we should cultivate, encourage, and expect -- in our own lives and the lives of others -- if we are being molded into true disciples of Jesus Christ. a) Relationship. Discipleship requires submission. People will not usually submit to another unless there is a relationship of respect and trust. Are you in relationship with Jesus and trusting Him? We certainly see that in Simon Peter in our text from Luke 5. The relationship is signified by the fact that people calls Jesus, "Master." The trust in shown in that Peter was willing to do what Jesus said, even though it made absolutely no sense to him at all. b) Revelation of power. Generally speaking, we won't submit ourselves to another unless we are convinced that person has special knowledge, ability, or power. With Jesus, blind obedience is often required before He will reveal His power. The large catch of fish in Luke 5 was a miracle that revealed to Peter the supernatural power of Jesus. c) Availability. These fishermen, after fishing all night, were trying to get their boats and nets cleaned so they could go home and get some rest. But Jesus wants to hold church. So Peter made himself and what he had -- his boat -- available to Jesus. If we are available to Jesus, He will use us to accomplish His purposes. d) Commitment. Once these men caught a glimpse of Jesus' true identity and power, even though they did not fully understand, they left everything and followed Jesus. Does discipleship always require that we quit our jobs to follow Jesus? No! God wants his people spread out in every dimension of human society claiming territory and souls for the kingdom, catching men and women. If we are truly disciples, then wherever we go, whatever we do, we are "fishers of men." We must always have our nets in the water. Are we really disciples -- or are we still wading around in shallow-water religion? Jesus says to us what he said to Peter: "Put out into the deep water and let down the nets for a catch." That's what "becoming disciples" is all about. Supporting texts: Matthew 29:19 | Matthew 7:24 | Luke 6:46 | Luke 11:28 | Ephesians 2:8-9 | James 2:14-26 | Matthew 18:15-17 A mp3 audio file of this sermon is here. (Download to a PC by right clicking on the link and choosing "Save Target As." Mac users: click, hold, and choose "Download Link to Disk." Depending on your connection speed, the file may take several minutes to download.) An audio tape of the sermon summarized above is available free of charge (U.S. requests only). Request a tape by calling or writing the Gateway Church office. Please specify tape number 040208a: Becoming Disciples. © 2004 Gerald R. Varnado To the Gateway Church home page How to contact us