Active Discipleship: Living Out Our Faith in Action
Summary
In our journey with Christ, we must recognize that our spiritual growth is not a passive experience but an active pursuit of maturity in faith. The church model we often see, with a pastor at the top dispensing spiritual nourishment, is not the biblical model intended for us. Instead, we are called to be like sheep led by a shepherd from pasture to pasture, learning to feed ourselves in the richness of God's Word. This is the essence of discipleship, where we are equipped for ministry, not merely consumers of religious services.
We have been exploring the fivefold ministry outlined in Ephesians 4 – apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers – which are gifts from Christ to prepare God's people for works of service. These roles are not about hierarchy but about grace, equipping the saints for the work of ministry. The goal is not to create dependency but to foster a community where each member is actively participating in their faith journey.
Belief and action are inseparable. Our faith is demonstrated through our actions, and our actions are fueled by our belief. Grace empowers us to act, and through these actions, we mature in our faith. We must move beyond the milk of basic teachings and embrace the solid food of deeper truths, growing from spiritual infancy into full maturity as sons and daughters of God.
The concept of 'sons of God' is profound, extending beyond mere familial terms to a role within God's kingdom. We are not only children of God but also called to participate in the governance of His universe. This is not a future promise but a present reality, as we are to act as agents of God's kingdom here on earth, displacing the enemy and bringing His rule and reign to every corner of creation.
Our works are an expression of our faith. As James reminds us, faith without works is dead. We are justified by faith, but that faith must be accompanied by action. We are to live out our beliefs, impacting the world around us. This is not about earning salvation but about responding to the grace we have received with lives that reflect the transformative power of the gospel.
In communion, we partake in the life of Christ, the bread of life. It is not merely a symbol but a supernatural act of receiving the sustenance that only Jesus can provide. As we share in His body and blood, we are reminded that our lives are to be lived in response to His sacrifice, working for the food that endures to eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
- The church is not a place for passive consumption but active discipleship. We are called to be equipped and to equip others, fostering a community where every believer is engaged in their spiritual growth and ministry. This is the heart of the fivefold ministry, which is not about titles but about serving and building up the body of Christ. [01:32:37]
- Our faith must be evidenced by our actions. Belief is not a mere mental assent but a transformative force that propels us into action. As we practice our faith, we grow in maturity, moving from spiritual infancy to the full stature of sons and daughters of God, empowered by His Spirit to impact the world. [01:28:58]
- We are called to be 'sons of God,' a term that signifies our role in the governance of God's kingdom. This is not a distant future promise but a present reality. We are to live as redeemed humans, exercising the authority given to us to bring about God's will on earth as it is in heaven. [01:40:07]
- Faith without works is dead. Our works do not save us, but they are the natural outflow of a genuine faith. We are to live lives that demonstrate the reality of our faith, engaging in good works that glorify God and advance His kingdom. [01:26:01]
- Communion is a central act of worship, not just a ritual. In it, we receive the life of Christ, the bread of life. It sustains us and reminds us of the eternal provision we have in Him. Our response to this gift is to live lives worthy of the calling we have received, working for the food that endures to eternal life. [01:22:44]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)
> "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."
2. James 2:14-17 (NIV)
> "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
3. John 6:35 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 4:11-13, what is the purpose of the fivefold ministry? How does it contribute to the maturity of the body of Christ?
2. In James 2:14-17, what examples does James give to illustrate the relationship between faith and works?
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "I am the bread of life" in John 6:35? How does this statement relate to the concept of spiritual sustenance mentioned in the sermon? [01:22:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fivefold ministry model in Ephesians 4 challenge the traditional church model where the pastor is the sole provider of spiritual nourishment? [01:30:18]
2. James 2:14-17 emphasizes that faith without works is dead. How does this align with the sermon’s message that belief and action are inseparable? [01:24:15]
3. Jesus’ declaration in John 6:35 about being the bread of life suggests a deeper spiritual truth. How does this concept of Jesus as our sustenance impact our daily walk with Him? [01:22:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are you more of a passive consumer or an active participant in your faith? What steps can you take to become more engaged in your spiritual growth and ministry? [01:32:37]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of moving from spiritual infancy to maturity. What are some practical ways you can embrace the "solid food" of deeper truths in your daily life? [01:34:19]
3. How can you actively participate in the fivefold ministry within your church community? Identify one area where you can serve and contribute to the equipping of others. [01:32:37]
4. Considering James’ teaching on faith and works, think of a recent situation where you had the opportunity to demonstrate your faith through action. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time? [01:26:01]
5. The sermon mentioned that we are called to be 'sons of God' and participate in the governance of God's kingdom. How does this understanding change the way you view your role in God’s plan here on earth? [01:40:07]
6. Communion is described as a central act of worship and a supernatural act of receiving Christ’s sustenance. How can you approach communion with a deeper sense of reverence and understanding of its significance? [01:22:44]
7. Reflect on the idea that our works are an expression of our faith. What specific actions can you take this week to live out your beliefs and impact the world around you? [01:24:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Active Discipleship in the Body of Christ
Spiritual growth requires active engagement and personal responsibility. As believers, one is not to be a passive consumer within the church but an active participant in the discipleship process. This involves a shift from relying solely on church leaders for spiritual nourishment to taking initiative in one's own faith journey. The biblical model of the church encourages each member to be equipped for ministry, contributing to the edification of the body of Christ. This equipping is not about establishing a hierarchy but about preparing every believer to serve and build up the community in love and good works.
The fivefold ministry, as described in Ephesians 4, is a framework for understanding how different gifts and roles within the church work together to achieve this goal. Apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers are all given by Christ to prepare God's people for works of service. The ultimate aim is to foster a mature, functioning body where every member is actively involved in ministry, thereby promoting collective spiritual growth and a robust expression of faith.
Ephesians 4:11-13 (ESV)
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
Reflection:
Consider the ways in which you have been a passive participant in your faith community. What is one step you can take this week to become more actively involved in the discipleship and ministry of your church? [01:32:37]
Day 2: Faith Manifested Through Action
True faith is not merely an intellectual agreement but a dynamic force that compels one to action. Belief and action are deeply intertwined; one's faith is authenticated and matured through the practice of it. Grace is not only the foundation of salvation but also the empowerment for righteous living. As believers grow in understanding and applying the deeper truths of Scripture, they move from spiritual infancy to maturity, embodying the full stature of sons and daughters of God.
This maturity is marked by a life that reflects the transformative power of the gospel. It is not enough to know the right doctrines; one must also live them out. This involves a commitment to practicing the teachings of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to shape one's character and actions. As one's faith is put into practice, it becomes a testimony to the reality of God's work in their life.
Hebrews 5:13-14 (ESV)
"For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where your actions do not yet align with your professed beliefs? How can you begin to bring that area into obedience to Christ this week? [01:28:58]
Day 3: Sons and Daughters Governing with God
The identity of 'sons of God' carries with it profound implications for how believers live and interact with the world. It is not merely a title denoting relationship but also a position of authority and responsibility within God's kingdom. As sons and daughters of God, believers are called to participate in the governance of His universe, starting here on earth. This involves displacing the works of the enemy and establishing God's rule and reign in every aspect of life.
This present reality of kingdom authority calls for a life lived in the awareness of one's redeemed humanity. It is about exercising the authority given by God to bring about His will on earth as it is in heaven. This is a high calling that requires a deep understanding of one's identity in Christ and a commitment to act as agents of His kingdom.
Romans 8:19 (ESV)
"For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God."
Reflection:
In what ways can you exercise your God-given authority to bring about positive change in your community this week? How does understanding your identity as a son or daughter of God change the way you approach this task? [01:40:07]
Day 4: Genuine Faith Produces Good Works
The relationship between faith and works is integral to the Christian life. Faith is the root, and works are the fruit; one's actions are a natural outflow of a genuine faith. While works do not save, they are evidence of a faith that is alive and active. Living a life that demonstrates the reality of one's faith involves engaging in good works that glorify God and advance His kingdom. These works are a response to the grace received through faith, a way to reflect the transformative power of the gospel in the world.
The call to good works is a call to live out the implications of the gospel in every area of life. It is about being a light in the darkness, a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. Believers are justified by faith, but that faith is made visible through the love and service they show to others.
Titus 3:8 (ESV)
"The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people."
Reflection:
Identify one specific good work you can do this week that will demonstrate your faith to those around you. How can this act of service reflect the love of Christ to others? [01:26:01]
Day 5: Communion as Sustenance for the Journey
Communion is more than a ritual; it is a sacred act of worship that connects believers to the life of Christ, the bread of life. In partaking of the bread and the cup, one is reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus and the sustenance He provides for the spiritual journey. This supernatural act nourishes the soul and empowers believers to live lives worthy of the calling they have received. It is a call to work for the food that endures to eternal life, to live in response to the grace and provision found in Christ.
The act of communion is a tangible reminder of the eternal life that believers have in Jesus. It is a moment to reflect on the depth of His love and the cost of His sacrifice. As one shares in His body and blood, they are called to embody the values of the kingdom, to live as those who have been transformed by the gospel and who are sustained by the very life of Christ.
John 6:27 (ESV)
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal."
Reflection:
How does participating in communion shape your understanding of living a life that honors Christ's sacrifice? What can you do this week to 'work for the food that endures to eternal life'? [01:22:44]
Quotes
1) "Belief fuels action and vice versa; action fuels belief. If we believe, then it should show up in action. Amen?" [01:28:58] (Download)
2) "Grace is empowerment by the Holy Spirit... We don't just sit around; there's too much to do. We also mature by receiving Grace." [01:29:38] (Download)
3) "The common Church model is like one pastor at the top who does everything... It's just not a good model." [01:30:18] (Download)
4) "The model should look a lot more like a shepherd takes his flock from pasture to pasture... equips them, takes them to the place they need to be to eat." [01:32:05] (Download)
5) "The five Graces... Apostle, Prophet, Pastor, Evangelist, and Teacher... are to equip the Saints for ministry, not just be dependent and show up week after week." [01:33:07] (Download)
6) "The day comes when we must be able to feed ourselves... doesn't mean you have to eat alone though, or cook for yourself either." [01:33:46] (Download)
7) "Our work is to believe. Our work is to believe... we are called to come into maturity, what is being mature? It's being complete." [01:24:15] (Download)
8) "Faith without works is dead... genuine Faith produces good works." [01:26:01] (Download)
9) "We are maturing to be sons of God; we are sons of God, we are becoming Sons of God. Amen." [01:45:15] (Download)
10) "Why are we not to be acting like mere men? Because we're not supposed to be mere men, we're supposed to act like redeemed humans." [01:34:19] (Download)
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