FROM CONVERTS TO CITIZENS, FROM CITIZENS TO AMBASSADORS
Main Text: Matthew 28:18–20
Supporting Texts: John 8:31–32; Matthew 6:33; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17–20; 2 Timothy 2:2
Introduction: Salvation Is the Beginning
One of the challenges of the Church is that we have sometimes made conversion the finish line when Jesus made it the starting line.
We celebrate when someone gives their life to Christ—and we should. Heaven rejoices over salvation.
But Jesus never told us simply to make converts.Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations…”Jesus did not die merely to change where we go when we die. He came to transform who we are while we live.
There is a progression in the Kingdom:
We come to Christ as converts. We learn to live as citizens. We mature until we function as ambassadors. Then we reproduce by making disciples.
That is Kingdom discipleship. The goal is not simply to get people into church. The goal is to get the Kingdom into people.
1. BEFORE YOU CAN MAKE A DISCIPLE, YOU MUST BECOME ONE
John 8:31–32
Jesus said that if we continue in His Word, then we are truly His disciples.
A disciple is more than somebody who believes that Jesus exists.
A disciple is a learner, follower, and practitioner of the teachings of Jesus.
There is a difference between a church attendee and a disciple.
You can attend church and never change.
You can hear sermons and never change.
You can carry a Bible and never change.
You can know church language and never change.
Because discipleship is not measured merely by what you hear.
Discipleship is revealed by what you become.
The first question is not, “Who are you discipling?”
The first question is:
“Who are you becoming?”
Before I teach somebody else to pray, I must develop a prayer life.
Before I teach somebody else the Word, I must become a student of the Word.
Before I teach somebody else obedience, I must learn obedience.
Before I teach somebody else Kingdom principles, those principles must begin governing my own life.
Paul said: “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 11:1
The discipler is not saying, “Become like me.” The discipler is saying: “Follow me while I follow Him.”
2. A DISCIPLE MUST KNOW THE WORD
John 1:1–14
Jesus is the Word made flesh.
Therefore, we cannot separate following Jesus from learning His Word.
The purpose of Scripture is not simply to give us information.
The Word is supposed to produce transformation.
There is a Kingdom process:
Read the Word, Understand the Word, Apply the Word, Live the Word, Teach the Word.
Many people stop at reading. Some stop at understanding. But discipleship requires application. If I know what God said but refuse to do what God said, knowledge has not yet accomplished its purpose in my life.
The Word must move:
from the page to my mind, from my mind to my heart, from my heart to my decisions, and from my decisions into my lifestyle. The evidence that I have learned the Word is not simply that I can quote it. The evidence is that the Word has changed me.
3. YOU CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE KINGDOM UNTIL YOU KNOW THE KING
Matthew 6:9–10
Jesus taught:
“Our Father in heaven…
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done…”
Notice the order.
Before Jesus teaches us about the Kingdom, He introduces us to the Father.
Before you understand God’s government, you must know God’s character.
God is Creator, God is Father, God is King, God is holy, God is righteous, God is loving, God is faithful, God is merciful, God is sovereign, and God is a Redeemer.
But knowing facts about God is different from knowing God.
You can know theology and still not trust Him.
You can know Scripture and still resist Him.
You can know church and still not surrender to Him.
Kingdom life begins when I can sincerely pray:
“Your will be done.”
That means: Not my will, Not my agenda, Not my preference, Not my feelings, Not my traditions.
Your will be done.
You cannot have a Kingdom without a King, and you cannot call Him King while continually refusing His authority
Study Questions: From Converts to Citizens, From Citizens to Ambassadors
Read Matthew 6:33. What does seeking the Kingdom first look like in everyday life? Identify three areas where God’s priorities need to become first. This reflects the workbook’s Kingdom assignment
According to Matthew 28:18–20, what did Jesus command His followers to make: converts, church members, or disciples? What is the difference?
Read John 8:31–32. What does it mean to continue in Jesus’ Word? How does obedience demonstrate discipleship?
What is the difference between attending church and actually being discipled?
Consider the pattern Learn the Word → Live the Word → Teach the Word → Make Disciples. Where are you currently strongest? Where do you need the most growth?
Why is it impossible to understand the Kingdom of God fully without knowing the King?
Read Matthew 6:9–10. What would it practically mean for you to pray, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done” concerning your family, finances, relationships, ministry, career, and personal decisions?