We Are Making, Not Faking Disciples

April 21, 2024

Jesus commissioned His church to “Make disciples of all nations.” But there is a difference between making disciples and faking them. Join us for part 3 of This Is Us to learn how Jesus responded to fake disciples and what it takes to truly make a disciple of Jesus.

Listen to Podcast

Passage

Mark 11:12-17

Principle

Jesus called his followers to ##MAKE## not ##FAKE## disciples.

“Faking” disciples do what they do for ##their## ##glory##.
“Making” disciples involves leading people to become ##fully## ##devoted## ##followers## of ##Jesus##.

Practice

Join us as we aspire to be a church that ##makes## ##disciples## and ##equips## those who do.

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Describe a time when you “faked” your way through something. How did it make you feel? How good are you at knowing when someone is being fake? What do we call a person who is faking it at church? What is the difference between faking it and practicing spiritual imitation?

HEAR

Read Joshua 24:14-16

What choice did Joshua offer the people of Israel? What did they choose?
Read Isaiah 29:13. What is the difference between the people described in this verse and people who chose not to worship God at all? Which group do you think is farther from God?
Based on these passages, describe what God wants from His followers.
What is closer to God, your heart, or your mouth?

Read Matthew 7:1-5 & 12

According to verses 1-5, how does Jesus define a hypocrite? Does this mean believers should never hold one another accountable or call out un-Christlike behavior?
Read Luke 11:46. Have you ever had someone hold you to a standard they were not willing to keep themselves? How did you feel?

Read 1 Corinthians 10:31 – 11:1

When and how should Jesus’ followers glorify God? (see also Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
According to 1 Corinthians 10:32-33, what is at least one reason we should live this way?
Was it arrogant for Paul to tell the Corinthians to “follow me as I follow Christ”? Why or why not?
Who are you following as they follow Christ? Who is following you as you follow Christ?

HUDDLE

What would you need to change about your life so that you feel comfortable telling someone to follow you as you are following Christ? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Mark 11
Day 2: Matthew 23
Day 3: Isaiah 56
Day 4: John 10
Day 5: Joshua 24
Day 6: James 1 & 2
Day 7: Matthew 7

Think Deeper

When was the last time you faked your way through something?
Is there a difference between healthy spiritual imitation and religious hypocrisy?
Do you agree that disciples are hand-crafted and not mass-produced?