Becoming Like the Teacher

Discipleship Means submission, imitation, and Sacrifice

From Matthew: It is my honor to be speaking at Connect Conference in Nashville this morning. Below is the outline I will present later this morning. For more about Connect Conference, please visit their website at connectcon.org

As Jesus prepares His disciples for mission, He gives a profound truth: if we are truly becoming like our Teacher, we should expect to be treated like Him. Discipleship means submission, imitation, and sacrifice. Christlikeness is the goal—but it comes at a cost.

1. The Call to Imitate the Teacher

   1. Matthew 10:24 – A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his master.

      1. A disciple willingly submits to the teacher; a servant belongs to the master.

   2. Discipleship is not academic—it is transformational (cf. Luke 6:40).

      1. Everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher.

      2. Our calling is to reflect Jesus in all things.

         1. 1 John 2:6 – The one who says he remains in him should walk just as he walked.

         2. 2 Corinthians 3:18 – We… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.

   3. The Great Commission emphasizes full obedience.

      1. Matthew 28:20 – Teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.

   4. We are not in charge—Jesus is. Discipleship is surrender.

2. The Call to Embrace the Cost

   1. Matthew 10:25: It is enough – Christlikeness is our aim, not applause or comfort.

   2. Philippians 3:10 – My goal is to know him… and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death.

   3. Jesus was slandered, accused of working for Beelzebul (cf. Matthew 9:34; 12:24).

      1. Expect opposition for standing with Jesus.

      2. John 15:18–20 – If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you… If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.

   4. Real-world costs may include:

      1. Reputation – for holding to truth.

      2. Relationships – strained or lost for obedience.

      3. Comfort – forfeited for sacrifice.

      4. Cultural favor – surrendered for allegiance to Christ.

   5. We must reject consumer Christianity and count the cost.

      1. Luke 14:27 – Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.

3. As We Close…

   1. Discipleship will repel some—but it will draw others.

   2. People are watching. What they need is not shallow religion, but real transformation:

      1. Joy in trials

      2. Peace in chaos

      3. Integrity in confusion

      4. Hope in despair

   3. What the world needs now:

      1. Disciples conformed to Christ

      2. Fueled by His Word

      3. Anchored in truth

      4. Willing to be misunderstood

   4. Let your life declare: “Jesus is enough.”