Principles of Discipleship

John 12:24-36

Scripture Reference

Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honour. Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour. Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him. Jesus answered and said, This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes. Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. Then said the people among themselves, We have heard out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man? Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light. These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.

Introduction

Title: “Principles of Discipleship”

Preacher: Dr. Terry LeQuieu

This message comes from John chapter 12 and focuses on clear, practical principles Jesus taught in the hour leading up to the Passion. Dr. Terry LeQuieu draws out seven interlocking truths about what it looks like to be a disciple. These principles are practical for young adults beginning adult life, for parents raising children in the faith, and for any believer who longs to grow from a casual church-goer into a committed follower of Christ.

Quote from Preacher

I do again want to say thank you to the men that came to the men’s meeting that we had. I want to encourage you men, make it a point and put it on your schedule for next year. It’s going to be the first Friday and Saturday of March next year. Pastor Bob Gray junior Down in Texas Emanuel Baptist Church, he’s going to be preaching themes going to be settled next year, and we’re looking forward to what the Lord is going to do there. It’s going to be a great time in the house of God. You’re going to get some help. You’re going to get some truths you can apply to your life. And last year I didn’t get to be in any of the sessions other than the teens up top. And of course, I learned some stuff while I was there, but it was geared more for teenagers. And I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and we talked about it on the way back yesterday. And the men, the things that they learned, the ones that they enjoyed the most, and it will be a help to you. So if you can make it a point to be there, you are not going to miss what God has for you. You’ll get a blessing and God will do a work in your heart and your life. And now comes the hard part. We got to start putting it into practice. Amen. And we’ve got to put to practice the things that we’ve learned.

Outline

Discipleship is a matter of dying for Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:24 — “Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone.”
2. Meaning: Genuine discipleship requires the willingness to lose self-comfort, social approval, or even status for the sake of Christ. The seed must “die” before it produces fruit. This is a spiritual principle grounded in objective truth: sacrifice precedes multiplication.
3. Practical help: When choices come between your comfort and obedience, choose obedience. If persecution or cost arise for Christ’s sake, remember the seed principle—dying first, fruit later.
Discipleship is a matter of devotion to Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:25 — “He that loveth his life shall lose it: and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.”
2. Meaning: Devotion is the proving ground of love. We do not truly give our life away for someone we do not know or value. Devotion grows by spending time with the Lord, surrendering daily, and offering our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
3. Practical help: Make small daily acts of devotion—Bible reading, prayer, corporate worship, and faithful obedience in ordinary duties. These form the muscle that enables larger acts of sacrificial service.
Discipleship is a matter of direction toward Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:26 — “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be.”
2. Meaning: You cannot serve someone you do not follow. Following means being where Christ is, taking direction from Him, imitating His ways and priorities. There is no true service apart from following.
3. Practical help: Regularly evaluate where your life is headed. Is your calendar, your money, your relationships pointing you toward Jesus? Adjust habits so your daily direction aligns with Christ’s commands.
Discipleship is a matter of deifying Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:27-28 — Jesus says, “Father, glorify thy name,” and God answers from heaven.
2. Meaning: To deify Christ is to elevate Him as Lord and authority in every area. This recognizes Christ’s deity and worth, not as mere example but as sovereign Savior. When Christ is God in our hearts, obedience is no longer optional.
3. Practical help: Test all claims and comforts by Christ’s authority. Make reverence and worship regular parts of life. Center decisions around what glorifies Christ rather than what comforts self.
Discipleship is a matter of deferring to Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:29 — “This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes.”
2. Meaning: Deferring is the humble act of stepping aside so God can work. Christ Himself humbled; we must surrender our will and presume less of our wisdom. Maturity shows when we can say, “Not my will, but Thine.”
3. Practical help: Practice immediate submission in ordinary choices. When tempted to control outcomes, pray, ask counsel, and trust God’s revealed will. Remember Philippians 2:5–8 as our model of humility.
Discipleship is a matter of drawing close to Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:32 — “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”
2. Meaning: The more Christ is exalted, the more people are drawn to Him. Drawing near to God is not only our duty but also awakens God’s drawing toward us (James 4:8). Intimacy with Christ fuels obedience and witness.
3. Practical help: Cultivate closeness through confession, meditation on the Word, and fellowship. Join a Bible study or a discipleship group where accountability helps you draw near and stay near.
Discipleship is a matter of dwelling in Christ
1. Scriptural anchor: John 12:35-36 — “While ye have light, believe in the light, that ye may be the children of light… These things spake Jesus, and departed, and did hide himself from them.”
2. Meaning: To dwell is to remain—remaining in the light, living as the city set on a hill. Jesus often spoke plainly and then left so the disciples would act. Discipleship is lived out, not endlessly debated.
3. Practical help: Be intentional to “walk in the light” daily. Live visibly for Christ in your workplace, home, and friendships. Practice spiritual routines that keep Christ central so His light shows through you.

Summary

Dr. Terry LeQuieu walks us through seven core principles of discipleship taught in John 12. These principles form a chain: deifying Christ produces direction; direction produces devotion; devotion produces readiness to die for Christ; deferring to His will produces the humility necessary for true following; drawing near produces God’s drawing toward us; and dwelling in Christ produces a visible light that the world can see. Discipleship is both costly and simple—costly because living for Christ often requires loss and sacrifice; simple because the basic practices are accessible: Bible reading, prayer, church involvement, confession, and obedience. The Christian life is a practical, daily response to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Quote to Ponder

Discipleship is a matter of dying for Christ. Discipleship is a matter of being devoted to our Savior. Our faith following of Jesus Christ is measured by our willingness to die for him.

Application for the Week

Use the next seven days to put these principles into practical steps. Do not merely read them—act on them. Make a plan and share it with a friend or an accountability partner so you can be encouraged and kept faithful.

Monday – Begin with Deifying Christ
1. Read John 12 slowly and pray: ask God to help you worship Christ as Lord.
2. Write one way you will consciously honor Christ in a decision this week (a purchase, a relationship boundary, a commitment).
Tuesday – Align Your Direction
1. Audit your calendar and social feeds: remove or reduce one activity that pulls you away from following Jesus.
2. Set one clear spiritual goal for the week (e.g., morning Bible time, attend a midweek service, or invite someone to church).
Wednesday – Practice Devotion
1. Choose a short passage (Psalm 1, John 15, or Philippians 3) and memorize three phrases to recall during the day.
2. Spend 10–20 minutes in prayer, offering yourself as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1).
Thursday – Defer Your Will
1. Identify one situation where you usually insist on your own way. Consciously choose to defer and pray for God’s guidance.
2. Share the outcome with a trusted believer to learn and grow.
Friday – Draw Near
1. Join (or start) a discipleship or Bible study group; if one is not available, ask a mature believer to meet for coffee and Scripture.
2. Practice confession and ask someone to pray for you and with you.
Saturday – Dwell and Demonstrate
1. Look for a concrete opportunity to shine God’s light: serve a neighbor, speak a gospel word, or visibly honor Christ in your workplace.
2. Reflect on the day and journal how God used you when you stepped out in obedience.
Sunday – Corporate Response
1. Attend worship with the intent to encourage someone younger or newer in the faith—discipleship happens in community.
2. Pray with your church family and ask the pastor or a leader how you can be involved in ongoing discipleship (leading a small group, mentoring, or serving).

If you have never trusted Christ, the Bible asks a simple question: if you should die tonight, are you certain you would be in heaven? If doubt remains, talk with a pastor or a believer today. If you are a believer, commit to one of the weekly steps and name a partner who will pray for you and hold you accountable as you practice these principles.

May the Lord make you a disciple who dies to self, follows Christ’s direction, defers to His wisdom, draws close, and dwells in the light so that many may be drawn to the Savior whom you exalt.