Comprehensive Teaching Outline for Lesson 26: Discipleship and Its Cost
I. Introduction
- Congratulate participants for completing the Gospel of Mark study
- Encouragement to reflect on growth in Christ and group community
- Emphasis on transformation into Christ’s image through ongoing discipleship
II. Recap and Transition
- Acknowledgment of the study’s conclusion and leaders’ roles
- Introduction to the final lesson theme: Applying what has been learned
- Focus: Discipleship is not passive; it requires action
III. Observations from the Gospel of Mark
- Jesus’ lifestyle: compassion, obedience, confrontation with the religious
- Disciples’ journey: confusion, growth, failure, and persistence
- Key takeaway: Proximity to Jesus matters
IV. Defining a Disciple
- Not just a learner, but one who adopts the teacher’s values and lifestyle
- Goal: Replicate the life of Jesus in character and mission
- Discipleship = Full surrender, not addition of Jesus to one’s life
V. Misconceptions and Clarifications
- Cannot be a Christian without being a disciple
- Following Jesus implies obedience and surrender, not convenience
- Life of a disciple contrasted with worldly thinking (e.g., social media analogy)
VI. Biblical Affirmation: Identity and Struggles
- Affirmation of Jesus as way, truth, life (John references)
- Common struggles: distraction, laziness, self-centeredness
- Contrast: Holy Trinity (life-giving) vs. unholy trinity (sin-deceiving)
VII. Jeremiah 2:13 – Living Water vs. Broken Cisterns
- Analogy of satisfaction and sustainability in God vs. worldly sources
- Warning against relying on insufficient, self-made sources of life
VIII. 2 Peter 1:3–8 – Growth in Godly Character
- God provides everything needed for life and godliness
- Instruction to build on faith with virtues: knowledge, self-control, love, etc.
- Result: Effective, fruitful life in Christ
IX. Four Daily Practices for Discipleship
- Daily Devotion
- Time with God through Word and prayer
- Consistent spiritual nourishment
- Daily Dedication
- Daily choice to follow Christ as Lord
- Renewal of commitment
- Daily Dependence
- Relying on the Holy Spirit and Christian community
- Discipleship model: mentors above, peers beside, mentees below (tic-tac-toe grid)
- Daily Declaration
- Lifestyle that proclaims the Gospel
- Living with eternal perspective and Kingdom focus
X. Conclusion and Encouragement
- Thankfulness for participant commitment and progress
- Final charge: Stay close to Christ and brothers
- Call to live out the Gospel of Mark practically
