What Does It Really Mean to Be a Disciple of Jesus? | Biblical Discipleship Explained

What does it really mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Is it just about believing — or is there a deeper call to transformation, surrender, and obedience? In this powerful and convicting Bible teaching, Mark Greathouse walks through 6 biblical stages of discipleship based on the life and ministry of Jesus. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Christ for years, this session challenges you to ask: Am I truly a disciple — or just a believer? 📖 In This Teaching, You’ll Learn: The 6 stages of discipleship: Call, Hear, Respond, Invest, Submit, Teach What Jesus actually meant when He said “Follow Me” The difference between being saved and being submitted Why true discipleship demands surrender, sacrifice, and transformation How to move from spiritual passivity into purpose-driven discipleship 💡 This Message Answers Questions Like: What is a disciple in the Bible? Can I be saved without being a disciple? Why does Jesus say, “Take up your cross and follow Me”? How do I disciple others once I’m trained? What are the costs of following Jesus? 📚 Key Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 28:18–20 – The Great Commission Luke 9:23–26 – Take up your cross and follow Matthew 4:18–22 – Jesus calls the first disciples James 4:6–8 – Submit to God, resist the devil Romans 10 – Confess Jesus as Lord, not just Savior 🙏 Need Prayer or Want to Connect? Let us pray for you and walk with you in your discipleship journey: https://lakewoodchurch.com/prayer 📲 Stay Connected: Facebook:   / lakewoodchurch   Instagram:   / lakewoodchurch   Twitter:   / lakewoodchurch   LinkedIn:   / lakewood-church   #Discipleship #JesusIsLord #BibleStudy #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianLiving #LakewoodChurch #ChristianDiscipline #MarkGreathouse 00:00 - Welcome & Opening Prayer: Inviting God Into Our Study 02:02 - Series Introduction: What Is Discipleship, Really? 03:17 - Why Jesus Came & What He Came to Do 05:19 - From the Garden to the Great Commission: God’s Multiplication Plan 06:41 - What Jesus Commanded: Go and Make Disciples 08:42 - What Is a Disciple? (Greek Word: *Mathetes*) 10:46 - Head, Heart, and Hands: The 3-Part Life of a True Disciple 13:20 - Discipleship Is More Than Learning — It Requires Transformation 15:22 - Stage 1: The Call to Follow Jesus 17:31 - Stage 2: Hearing the Voice of God 19:33 - Stage 3: The Right Response to the Call 22:01 - What Is Repentance? Metanoia Explained 24:27 - When Discipleship Costs You Everything (Rich Young Ruler) 29:13 - Stage 4: Investing Your Whole Life Into Jesus 30:52 - Take My Yoke: Jesus’ Invitation to Learn and Live His Way 32:29 - Peter’s Testimony: We Left Everything to Follow You 34:03 - Stage 5: Submitting to the Lordship of Christ 35:38 - Denying Yourself & Taking Up Your Cross Daily 36:50 - Jesus Must Be First — Above Family, Career, and Comfort 38:46 - Stage 6: Teaching and Training Others as Disciples 40:16 - Are You in the C.H.R.I.S.T. Process? Self-Assessment 42:43 - The Final Call: Confess Jesus as Lord, Not Just Savior