Download Here - Applewood Heights Gospel Hall

Discipleship Conference
Speakers - David Hierlihy & Gauis Goff
Saturday, September 24
1:00 – 2:30
2:30 – 3:00
3:00 – 4:30
4:30 – 6:00
6:00 - 7:30
Ministry Meeting
break
Ministry Meeting
supper
Ministry Meeting
Sunday, September 25
9:45 – 11:15
11:15 -12:00
12:00 – 1:00
1:00 – 2:30
2:30 – 4:00
4:00 – 6:00
6:00 – 6:30
6:30 – 7:30
Breaking of Bread
break
Open Sunday School
lunch
Ministry Meeting
supper
Prayer Meeting
Gospel Service
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.”
John 8:31
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
John 13:25
“Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.”
John 15:8
DISCIPLESHIP
Saturday September 24th
1:00 – 2:30PM
Part 1 (MSG 1)
Gaius Goff
Characteristics and Costs of Discipleship
A disciple has at least three characteristics; is called to willingly pay three costs; is given three responsibilities.
CHARACTERISTICS OF DISCIPLESHIP:
1. Obedience: (Jn.8:31) “If ye continue in my word then are ye my disciples indeed.”
Committed to and obedient to the Person and teachings of the Master.
a. Submission to His authority
b. Devoted to His Person.
c. Confidence in His word.
d. Trust in His provision.
One becomes a disciple, not when he assents to the truth of what Christ taught, but when he puts himself
under the authority of the Word and lets it control him.3
2. Love: (Jn.13:35) “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love
one to another.”
Love is the most obvious and unique characteristic of a disciple.
a. It’s a basic requirement for anyone who would help others.
b. Not all Christians are committed to being dedicated disciples of the Lord Jesus but
all have, to some degree the characteristic of love.
c. It is a contradiction to think one could be a true follower of Christ and not be loving.
3. Fruitfulness: (Jn.15:8) “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit, so shall ye be my disciples.”
Success-orientation is useless unless a disciple is consistently committed to Christ.
a. Man’s self-centered work will be destroyed.
b. Two things God has promised never to destroy: 1) His Word (Isa.40:8); 2) His people
(Jn.5:28, 29).
c. Other things are eternal but these two we can grab hold of and give our lives to.
COSTS OF DISCIPLESHIP: Discipleship is not cheap and for this reason a person is never recruited to be a disciple
against his own will.
1. Personal relationships: (Lu.14:25,26)
a. We are to respect our parents; love our mates; teach our children.
b. The relationship with Christ must take precedence.
c. The priorities must be right.
2. Personal ambitions: (Lu.9:23)
a. Denying one’s self.
b. Taking up a cross (symbol of low status/ death).
c. Following Christ.
d. God always gives what is best for us when we yield our personal ambitions to Him.
3. Personal possessions: (Lu.14:33)
a. Riches
b. Health
c. Fame
d. Material goods
Saturday September 24th
1:00 – 2:30PM
Part 2 (MSG 2)
David Hierlihy
To Be or Not To Be A Disciple
Rdg: Luke 14: 25 – 35
“Whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. v. 27
Am I a Disciple? – An Evaluation to perform
Did Christ call me to be a Disciple? – An Invitation to consider
Do I Want to be a Disciple? – An Inclination to follow
What Hindrances do I Have as a Disciple? – An Incision to make – cut off and put off the flesh/self with its
members and its deeds.
Am I an Example for Others? – An Impression that matters
To Be A Disciple
1. The Seeds of the Disciple
a. Planted at new birth
b. Called to service
c. Fitted to serve
d. Moulded by the Word/truth
2. The Greeds of the Disciple
a. Dethroning self
b. Enthroning Christ
3. The Needs of the Disciple
a. Faith or sight (“We walk by faith, not by sight” 2 Cor.5:7)
b. Never forgotten – (“The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth
in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him
with his hand. ...yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.”)
4. The Pleads of the Disciple - For successful prayer:
a. Draw near in sincerity Heb.10:22 (“...draw near with a true heart...”)
b. Draw near in purity (“hearts sprinkled from and evil conscience... bodies washed...”)
c. Draw near in necessity/extremity (We should not shield ourselves – here we learn God)
5. The Deeds of the Disciple – cheerfully ‘as to the Lord’, aided by the Spirit
a. Recorded
b. Reported (of good report/testimony among men)
c. Rewarded in Heaven
Saturday September 24th
3:00 – 4:30PM
Part 1 (MSG 3)
David Hierlihy
Hindrances and Helps to Discipleship
1. Wrong Priority Luke 9:57-62
a. The Love of Earthly Comforts
b. The Love of Earthly Occupation (secular work)
c. The Love Earthly ties
The Help:
- Look at Christ - “...The Son of Man hath not where to lay His Head.” (Luke 9:58)
- Listen - “...go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” (v. 60)
- Look ahead - “...put his hand to the plough... is fit for the kingdom of God.” (v.62)
2. Wrong Status - “The disciple is not above his master nor the servant above his lord.”
Matthew 10:24 (This appears to be a proverb and the Lord quotes it 4 times – in each case we
learn from the context it appears in.) George Müller said “It ill becomes the servant to seek to be
rich, great and honoured in this world where his Lord was poor, and mean (obscure), and
despised.”
a. Matt. 10:24-25 Unwillingness to react appropriately to reproachful thoughts as the
Master did.
The Help - Put it in perspective - Whose opinions really matter? So what if others think I’m weird,
off-balance, way out there...? C. H. Mackintosh said, “The faith that enables one to walk with God
enables him also to attach the proper values to the thoughts of men.”
b. Luke 6:40 Unwillingness to Realize the need for change/ growth to maturity.
The Help - The Lord adds, “shall be perfected as his master” (marginal rdg).
c. John 13:16 Unwillingness to Replace self with others in true humility as my Lord
and Master did when He washed the disciples’ feet. The example with the exhortation
(v. 15 “that ye should do as I have done to you”) from the Christ in the upper room teaches
me about discipleship in the assembly.
The Help – v. 17 “If ye KNOW these things, HAPPY are ye IF YE DO them.”
d. John 15:8-9, 20 Unwillingness to Remain loving and fruitful in light of my LORD’S
rejection.
The Help – v. 20 “The servant is not greater than his Lord. If they have persecuted me, they will
also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.’ Fruitfulness often
increases under persecution. Remember the status and example of the Master.
3. Wrong Focus - “Upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they
believed not...”.Mark 16:14
a. Hardness of heart – They were so afraid for their own safety, they missed the purpose
Christ had for them despite His Word and His example. Do I care about the people God
brings me in contact with?
b. Unbelief – It didn’t depend on their power and ability, only their availability.
The Help - All power is given unto ME in Heaven and in earth. Matt. 28:18
Saturday September 24th
3:00 – 4:30PM
Part 2 (MSG 4)
Gaius Goff
Responsibilities of Discipleship
RESPONSIBILITIES OF DISCIPLESHIP:
1. Witnessing for Christ: No life has found its true meaning, which does not take account of two worlds: The life
that now is and that which is to come What I have done today means something for me through all eternity. I have
not begun to face the problem of life until I have seen that.
2. Bringing others to maturity: Picture in your mind a friend or relative who is younger in the faith than you.
Perhaps is still wrestling with some of the basics of belief in Christ. Picture this individual experiencing a sudden
tragedy or crushing disappointment -- or perhaps an encounter with a deceptive false teacher. Your friend, really
struggling, looks to you for help.
3. Making disciples: A disciple is a Christian who is growing in conformity to Christ, is achieving fruit in evangelism,
and is working in follow-up to conserve the fruit. Discipleship training is the spiritual work of developing spiritual
maturity and spiritual productiveness in the life of a Christian.
a. Qualifications for making disciples.
1. An exemplary life (1Pet.5:3).
2. Commitment to Christ’s Lordship (Lu.9:23-27).
3. Dependence on the Holy Spirit (Jn.16:13; 1Cor,2:12,13).
4. Priorities and value system biblically based (Ezra 7:10; 1Tim.4:16).
b. The role of example in discipling:
1. Example causes change: habits, models.
2. Example makes the Christian life seem possible.
3. We learn to follow the Lord by following His people.
4. The right example gives you credibility.
5. Example encourages us to do what we were afraid to do.
c. The building process: teaching, training, transforming.
1. Teaching: communicating knowledge (Matt.28:20; Jn.6:59; 7:14; 8:2; Acts 20:27- 31; 18:11; 28:31;
Col.1:28).
a) Principle of Repetition: (Phil.3:11; 2 Pet.1:12-13). Over and over as often as necessary.
b) Principle of Authority: (Matt.7:29). Not apologetic; convinced.
c) Principle of Simplicity: (Mk.12:37; 4:33). Aware of the level of understanding.
d) Principle of Variety: (Matt.5 -7). Formal approach - the “sermon on the mount”; Informal approach - (Lu.21:14; Mk.8:14-21; 9:33-37; Lu.8:22-25).
e) Principle of self-discovery: (Mk.6:25-34). Let God speak to him.
f) Principle of the use of scripture. Use the Bible.
2. Training: the discipler does it.
a) Discipling begins with you. Learn how to evangelize, teach and counsel.
b) The discipler does something and the disciple is with him.
c) The disciple does something and the discipler is with him.
d) The disciple does it and the discipler is in the background.
3. Transforming: How to help a Christian develop convictions.
Saturday September 24th
6:00 – 7:30PM
Part 1 (MSG 5)
Gaius Goff
What is involved in being a disciple?
A disciple is a learner, a trainee; one personally related to Christ who is to follow Him.
WHAT IS INVOLVED IN BEING A DISCIPLE:
1. Desire: (Mk.8:34) “Whosoever will (desires) to come after Me.....”
2. Time: (1Cor.2:15) “Spiritual man tries all things...”
3. Work: (1Tim.4:7) “Refuse profane and old wives fables and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
4. Submission to Christ’s terms: (Lu.17:27) “Whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after Me, cannot be My
disciple.”
RESULTS OF DISCIPLESHIP:
1. Christ-likeness: Many scriptures itemize qualities which demonstrate His character.
(Rom.5:3-5; 1 Tim.6:11; 2 Tim.3:10-11; 2 Pet.1:5-7; Gal.5:22- 23).
From God comes the Desire and Ability which coupled with Obedience result in Christ-likeness.
2. Service: The disciples were with Christ first; then He sent them out to serve. The use of our gift or combination
of gifts is to be used for others.
3. Saving-your-life: (Matt.16:24-26) “If anyone desires to be My disciple, let him deny himself - that is disregard,
lose sight of and forget himself and his own interests - and take up his cross and follow Me [cleave steadily to Me,
conform wholly to My example in living and if need be, in dying also]. For whosoever is bent on saving his [temporal]
life [his comfort and security here], shall lose [eternal life]; and whosoever loses his life [his comfort and security here]
for My sake, shall find [everlasting life].” Amplified Bible
TRUE DISCIPLESHIP:
1. New start: (Ps.5:8) “Lead me in thy righteousness...”
2. New understanding: (Ps.25:5) “Lead me in thy truth and teach me.”
3. New course: (Ps.27:11) “Lead me in a plain path...”
4. New authority: (Ps.31:3) “Lead me for thy name’s sake...”
5. New security: (Ps.61:2) “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.”
6. New character: (Ps.139:24) “Lead me in the way everlasting.”
7. New destiny: (Ps.143:10) “Lead me into the land of uprightness.
PROFILE OF A DISCIPLE: (Phil.4:9) “The things which ye have both learned and received and heard and seen in
me, do...”; (1Thes.1:6,7) “...And ye became followers of us and of the Lord...” (1Cor.11:1) “Be ye followers of me
even as I also am of Christ.”
1. A disciple is a learner: (Prov.9:8-10; Matt.4:19; Jn.6:60-66). Learn by teaching, experience and rebuke.
2. A disciple owns the Lordship of Christ: (Matt.6:9-13 & 33; Lu.9:23; Jn.13:13; 2 Cor.5:15). He has the right of
ownership. Christ comes first.
3. A disciple is committed to purity: (1Cor.6:19-20; Eph.4:22-5:5; Col.3:5-10; 1Thes.4:3-7; Titus 2:12-14). Purity is
not an option but a necessity. It means to separate from sin. “Mortify your members...”
4. Maintains contact with God: (Ps.27:4; 42:1-2; Mk.1:35; Lu.11:1-4; Thes.5:17,18; Jas.1:5-7; 5:16). Through
devotion and prayer. This develops because effectiveness takes time.
5. Realizes the importance of the word of God: (Jn.8:31; Acts 2:42; Col.3:16; 2Tim.2:15). Not just listening to the
word but digging into the word.
6. Realizes the responsibility to evangelize: (Matt.28:18-20; Acts 18; 5:42; 14:21-23; 22:14-15; Rom.1:16; 1
Cor.15:3,4; 1Thes.2:4). Concern, learning, testifying; proclamation, follow-up, assembly planting.
7. Values assembly fellowship: (Ps.122:1; Acts 16:5; 1Cor.12:12; Col.1:15-18; Heb.10:25). The disciple enjoys the
unity of the Spirit and brotherliness.
8. Values fellowship with believers: (Jn.17:22-26; Acts 2:44-47; Acts 4:33-37; Eph.4:1-3; Heb.10:24; 1 Jn.1:1-3).
The disciple is not a loner.
9. Has a servant heart: (Mk.10:42-45; Acts 6:1-4; 2 Cor.12:15; Phil.2:25-30; 1Thes.2:8-9). [See note on “the
disciple as a servant.”]
10. Demonstrates the fruit of the Spirit: (Acts 16:1-2; 1 Cor.13:4-7; Gal.5:22-23; 1 Pet.2:18-23; 2 Pet.1:5-8).
Attractive for Christ.
Saturday September 24th
6:00 – 7:30PM
Part 2 (MSG 6)
David Hierlihy
Discipleship and Stewardship – Wisely Using Earthly Possessions
Rdg: Luke 16:1-13 The Unjust Steward (oikonomos – manager) – The opening verse of the chapter puts
this in the context of discipleship. “And He said also unto His disciples...”
1. Defining the Future
a. Is it ‘now to the grave’ or ‘now to eternity’?
b. Is this life as long as it looks?
c. Could this short life really have a large bearing on eternity?
2. Dispensing/Dispersing/Depositing the Funds (material possessions - unrighteous mammon)
a. Purpose - to win souls for Christ.
b. Power – when given to God it increases exponentially. (i.e. the lad’s small lunch)
c. Pleasure – To the Lord, to the debtors and last of all, to the steward himself.
3. Developing Friendships – Relationships in view of eternity
a. Waste or Work – v. 1 To live a life of ease and comfort was a waste. His better days for
work were behind him but he started to move.
b. Wisdom –V.8 “Commended... because he had done wisely.” Used present opportunities
for future gain.
c. Winning souls for eternity. Heaven calls those won by properly using our material goods
on earth ‘friends’ that will welcome us to our eternal destiny. Imagine assessing
expenditures in Heaven with those we won. Will we count it worth it? In light of how this
chapter ends, what about those in Hell that we didn’t go after because of the cost!
4. Discerning the True Fortune
a. V.10 ‘least’ or ‘much’
b. V.11 ‘unrighteous mammon’ or ‘true riches’
c. V.12 ‘that which is another man’s’ or ‘that which is your own’
5. Depending on the Faithful
a. Riches – v.11 ‘commit to your trust the true (spiritual) riches’
b. Rewards – v. 8 ‘commended the unjust steward (manager) because he had done wisely.’
6. Deciding the Favourite v. 13 – Who will I serve?
a. “God” or “Mammon”
b. “Hate the one, and love the other”
c. “He will hold to the one, and despise the other”
Sunday September 25th
2:30 – 4:00PM
Part 1 (MSG 7)
David Hierlihy
Crucial Moments in the Lives of Real Disciples
1. Manifestation - A Secret Disciple – Joseph of Arimathaea (John 19:38) and Nicodemus (John
7:50, 19:39)
a. “being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews... He came therefore, and took
the body of Jesus.”
b. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought
a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pound weight.
2. Compaction – A Female Disciple - Tabitha or Dorcas (means - female gazelle or doe) Act 9:36-43
a. “full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.” v. 36
b. “widows... weeping and showing the coats and garments...” v. 39
c. “while she was with them.” v.39
3. Consecration - A Fearful/Cynical/Doubting Disciple – Thomas (John 20:28 “My Lord and My
God.”)
a. His Calling
b. His Comments
c. His Consecration
4. Restoration - A Vocal Disciple – Peter (failed in his strong point but was restored to Christ in John
21.
a. “Lovest thou me” v. 15-17 in relation to Peter’s failing ‘fondness’- Christ still had a work
for him
b. “Follow me” v. 19 in relation to a martyr’s death
c. “Follow thou me” v.22 in relation to others
5. Realization – Eleven Failing disciples stood on a hill one day
a. Scolded - “for their unbelief and hardness of heart” (Mark 16:14).
b. Strengthened - He said, “All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18)
c. Sent - “Go ye therefore, and (preach and) teach all nations...” (Matt. 28:19).
What a moment to realize, THIS IS WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT...
Sunday September 25th
2:30 – 4:00PM
Part 2 (MSG 8)
Gaius Goff
A disciple is a follower who wants to learn. A disciple is a servant
A DISCIPLE IS A FOLLOWER WHO WANTS TO LEARN: He is open and teachable. (1Cor.11:1; Phil.4:9;
1Thes.1:6-7).
1. A disciple wants to build into life ---a. CHARACTER: This forms the inner man out of which flows the person who is visible to the world. A disciple is
a marked person by his/her character. People should be able to see our love, joy, peace etc. We must take
responsibility for our character development; for being an instrument for God to use. A little sin in our life outweighs all
that is wise and honourable in our character. [Example: “70% off of slightly soiled goods.
b. PROFICIENCY: Mature character leads to effective ministry. The key to proficiency is a commitment to
excellence. Commitment to excellence demands time. Time leads to quality. Quality produces quantity.
c. CONVICTIONS: These must be our own if they are to become useful. [Example: soldiers in training learning to
make beds]. If they are not our own they are useless. If they are not biblical they are useless. If they are right and
are my own, I will find the necessary methods to apply them. Moses had to make his convictions his own or abandon
them.
d. PERSPECTIVE: Ability to see the probable end as well as the beginning. How will it pay off in five years?
Ability to see things from God’s point of view. A positive view of present position and circumstances. This is a real
commodity among Christians.
2. Ways to build convictions and perspective:
a. Major on principles rather than methods: Principles are universal and work anywhere at any time. Methods
vary from place to place and time to time.
b. Focus on the “why” of an action: The purpose is more important than the skill. When we know “why” we do
something, it is easier to do what we are supposed to do.
c.
Concentrate on trusting God rather than learning theories about Him.
Being a learner (apprentice) involves perceiving concepts, building principles in our lives and acquiring
knowledge. We learn skills. As followers, what we learn is more often caught then taught. A disciple is both
a learner of biblical truth and a visible follower of Christ.
A DISCIPLE IS A SERVANT: (Mk.10:45; Lu.22:27; 2Cor.4:5; 1 Cor.9:19)
A servant is a person who submits his own will to please his Master. He demonstrates the importance of serving
another without any assurance of reward.
1. Characteristics of a servant:
a. A servant is humble (Matt.10:24; 2Tim.2:25). Doesn’t attract attention to himself.
b. A servant is diligent (Matt.24:45-47). Active in doing his work. Not lazy.
c. A servant is busy serving (Lu.17:7-8). Serving is his business; not other things.
d. A servant should be able to teach (2Tim.2:24). Teaches others to be servants.
e. A servant is patient (2Tim.2:24). Not discouraged when things don’t go his way.
f. A servant is gentle (2Tim.2:25). Rowdiness and roughness do not serve God’s people well.
g. A servant is obedient (Eph.6:5-6). Does the will of God.
h. A servant is dedicated (2Sam.15:21). Totally committed from the heart.
i. A servant is watchful (Lu.12:35-36). Alert to the needs of his Master.
j. A servant is faithful (1Sam.22:14). No matter what happens.
k. A servant does not talk back to his Master (Titus 2:9). Respectful under any circumstances.
l. The power for service is being Spirit-filled.
2. How we can be servants:
a. Be willing to do menial tasks (Acts 28:1-3). Paul gathered firewood.
b. Be available (Lu.9: 59-62). When the Master calls.
c. Be observant(Ps.123:2).Take the initiative. Don’t always have to be told what jobs need to be done.
d. Do more than you are asked to.
3. Results:
a. Recognized by the Master (Matt.25:21).
b. Given wisdom by God (1Ki.3:8-9).
c. Honour from God. (Jn.12:26).