The Greatest Mark Of Great Disciple-Makers, They Are Forgotten
Dick Brogden teaches that the greatest mark of effective disciple-makers is their humility in being forgotten as those they disciple grow to surpass them in faith and fruitfulness.
This sermon emphasizes that the greatest disciples are those who are forgotten because those they disciple surpass them in love for Jesus, radiate the Father's love more, and understand the scriptures deeper. True discipleship leads to those following advancing further in the knowledge of God than their mentors. The joy of a disciple is in seeing their followers live and die more graciously, be more fruitful, and ultimately embrace the principle of John 3:30 - Jesus must increase, and we must decrease.
Full Transcript
The biggest mark of the greatest disciples is that they are forgotten. No one remembers them because those that they disciple love Jesus more than they did, radiate the Father's love greater than they did, understand the scriptures deeper than they did. If we are to disciple well, those that follow us will advance further into the knowledge of God than where we stood.
And we will rejoice in that. We will celebrate that. They will live and die more graciously than us.
They'll be more fruitful than we ever would. Nobody remembers little Bilney. We don't even remember the great Latimer.
Both are forgotten as it should be because the great disciples, they revel in the impress of John 3 30. Jesus must increase and all of us must decrease.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The mark of great disciples is being forgotten
- True discipleship leads others to love Jesus more
- Disciple-makers rejoice when followers surpass them
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II
- Fruitfulness is the goal of discipleship
- Historical examples of forgotten great disciples
- The importance of decreasing as Jesus increases
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III
- Celebrating the growth of those we disciple
- Living and dying with grace
- Advancing deeper into the knowledge of God
Key Quotes
“The biggest mark of the greatest disciples is that they are forgotten.” — Dick Brogden
“Those that they disciple love Jesus more than they did, radiate the Father's love greater than they did, understand the scriptures deeper than they did.” — Dick Brogden
“They revel in the impress of John 3:30. Jesus must increase and all of us must decrease.” — Dick Brogden
Application Points
- Focus on helping others grow in their faith rather than seeking personal recognition.
- Embrace humility by allowing Jesus to increase in your life while you decrease.
- Celebrate and rejoice when those you disciple surpass you in spiritual maturity and fruitfulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should disciple-makers be forgotten?
Because effective disciple-makers focus on helping others grow in Christ, allowing those they disciple to surpass them in faith and fruitfulness.
What does John 3:30 teach about discipleship?
It teaches that Jesus must increase while we decrease, highlighting humility and selflessness in disciple-making.
Who are some examples of forgotten disciples mentioned?
Little Bilney and the great Latimer are cited as examples of faithful disciple-makers who are now largely forgotten.
How can we rejoice in the growth of others?
By celebrating their deeper knowledge of God, greater love for Jesus, and increased fruitfulness in their lives.