Being with Christ: The Foundation of Discipleship
Summary
In our journey as disciples of Jesus Christ, we often grapple with the tension between our intentions and our actions. We aspire to represent Christ well, yet we sometimes fall short. This gap between intention and follow-through is not a matter of effort but of understanding our calling. We are not merely called to do for Christ but to be with Christ. Our actions must flow from a deep, abiding relationship with Him.
To be faithful followers, we must prioritize the red letters of Jesus—His very words that guide us in life. We've distilled these into five principles: being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going. These are not exhaustive, but they serve as targets to aim for as we strive to embody the discipleship Christ calls us to.
The stakes are high. Jesus has given everything for us—His life, death, and resurrection. In response, we must offer the best representation of Him to the world. This begins not with doing, but with being. Being with Christ is foundational; it shapes our doing and ensures that our actions are not out of obligation but out of a compelling desire shaped by His grace.
We prepare for this journey of discipleship as we would prepare for any significant trip—by gathering the right tools and setting our intentions. We cannot finish strong on our own strength; we need the wisdom and instruction of Jesus. He calls us to be with Him, to spend time in His presence, and from that place of intimacy, our most effective doing emerges.
Our private battles often determine our public victories. If we struggle with doing what Jesus asks, it's likely because we haven't been spending time with Him. The people we spend time with influence us, and if we want to be like Jesus, we must spend time with Him. Our actions often betray our stated priorities. If Jesus is truly our number one, our lives should reflect that by carving out time for Him above all else.
The art of being with Jesus is a spiritual discipline that requires trust. In the stillness of His presence, we find the assurance to trust Him with our purpose. Our doing becomes productive when it is rooted in being. We must learn to prioritize Jesus, to make Him the center around which all other activities revolve.
Key Takeaways:
- Being with Jesus is the starting point for effective discipleship. Our actions must be an overflow of our relationship with Him. When we prioritize being in His presence, our doing becomes a natural extension of our love for Him and His mission. [49:33]
- The principles of being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going are not just checkboxes but targets that guide us toward a life that truly reflects Christ. Each principle is a response to the transformative work Jesus has done in us. [34:45]
- Our representation of Christ to the world hinges on the authenticity of our walk with Him. The more we are with Jesus, the more our lives will naturally exhibit His character and love to those around us. [35:19]
- The discipline of being with Jesus, such as through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship, is not about fulfilling a duty but about nurturing a relationship. As we draw near to Him, we gain the strength and wisdom to carry out His commands. [55:53]
- Our priorities reveal our true values. If we claim Jesus is our number one, our schedules, habits, and choices should align with that declaration. Making time for Jesus amidst our busyness is a testament to His place in our lives. [01:06:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 119:1-16
- "Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord. Blessed are those who keep his statutes and seek him with all their heart—they do no wrong but follow his ways. You have laid down precepts that are to be fully obeyed. Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. I will praise you with an upright heart as I learn your righteous laws. I will obey your decrees; do not utterly forsake me. How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word."
2. Hebrews 12:1-2
- "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."
3. John 15:4-5
- "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 119, what are the benefits of keeping God's statutes and seeking Him with all your heart?
2. In Hebrews 12:1-2, what are believers encouraged to do in order to run the race marked out for them?
3. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you" in John 15:4-5?
4. The sermon mentioned five principles distilled from Jesus' words: being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going. Can you recall any specific examples given for each principle? [34:45]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of "remaining in Jesus" (John 15:4-5) relate to the idea of being with Christ before doing for Christ as discussed in the sermon? [36:00]
2. What might it look like in practical terms to "fix our eyes on Jesus" as described in Hebrews 12:1-2, especially in the context of our daily lives and struggles? [42:56]
3. Psalm 119 emphasizes the importance of God's word in maintaining purity and righteousness. How can this be applied to modern-day challenges and temptations? [29:20]
4. The sermon suggests that our private battles determine our public victories. How does this align with the biblical passages discussed, and what does it imply about the importance of personal spiritual disciplines? [56:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual disciplines. How much time do you spend being with Jesus through prayer, reading Scripture, and worship? What changes can you make to prioritize this time more effectively? [01:06:05]
2. The sermon mentioned that our actions should flow from our relationship with Christ. Identify one area in your life where your actions do not align with your stated priorities. What steps can you take to address this? [49:33]
3. Think about the five principles: being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going. Which one do you find most challenging, and why? What practical steps can you take to grow in this area? [34:45]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of preparing for our journey of discipleship. What are some "tools" you need to gather or habits you need to develop to ensure you finish strong in your faith journey? [38:37]
5. How do the people you spend time with influence your walk with Christ? Are there relationships that you need to reevaluate to ensure they are helping you grow closer to Jesus? [57:32]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of making Jesus the center of our lives. Identify one specific distraction that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. How can you minimize or eliminate this distraction in the coming week? [01:00:15]
7. Reflect on the idea that "good things can become bad things when they become God things." Are there any good things in your life that have taken a higher priority than your relationship with Jesus? How can you re-prioritize to put Jesus first? [01:03:01]
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy Precedes Ministry
Intimacy with Jesus is the bedrock of our discipleship. It is not enough to simply do things for Jesus; one must first be with Him. This relationship is the source from which all actions should flow. When we spend time in His presence, we align our hearts with His, and our intentions become intertwined with His will. This deep connection ensures that our efforts are not born out of a sense of duty but from a genuine love and desire to serve Him. As we cultivate this relationship, we find that our actions naturally reflect His love and mission, becoming a true representation of His character to the world. [49:33]
"Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." - John 15:4 ESV
Reflection: How can you create a daily routine that prioritizes time spent in Jesus' presence?
Day 2: Reflecting Christ Through Action
The principles of being, forgiving, serving, giving, and going are not mere tasks to check off but are the essence of a life transformed by Jesus. Each principle is a manifestation of the change He has wrought within us. As we embody these principles, we become living testimonies of His grace, reflecting His love and compassion to those around us. This transformation is not instantaneous; it is a journey that requires us to continually immerse ourselves in His teachings and allow them to shape our daily lives. [34:45]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." - James 1:22 ESV
Reflection: Which of the five principles (being, forgiving, serving, giving, going) do you feel called to grow in this week, and what practical step can you take to cultivate it?
Day 3: Authenticity in Our Walk with Christ
Our representation of Christ is most powerful when it is authentic, stemming from a genuine walk with Him. The more time we spend with Jesus, the more our lives will naturally exhibit His character. This authenticity is what draws others to Christ, as they see the transformative power of His love in action. It is not enough to profess faith; our lives must be a living testament to the relationship we claim to have with Jesus. [35:19]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the authenticity of your walk with Christ in your interactions with others today?
Day 4: Nurturing Our Relationship with Jesus
The spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading Scripture, and worship are not obligations but opportunities to deepen our relationship with Jesus. As we draw near to Him, we are equipped with the strength and wisdom to fulfill His commands. This nurturing of our relationship is what sustains us and enables us to persevere in our calling. It is in the quiet moments with Jesus that we find the assurance and guidance we need to navigate life's challenges. [55:53]
"But the Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him." - Habakkuk 2:20 ESV
Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day for silent reflection and listening to what God might be speaking to you?
Day 5: Prioritizing Jesus in Our Daily Lives
Our priorities are a reflection of our values. If Jesus is truly our number one, it should be evident in how we allocate our time and resources. Making time for Jesus amidst the busyness of life is a testament to His significance in our lives. It is a conscious choice to place Him above all else, ensuring that our daily habits and decisions are aligned with our commitment to Him. [01:06:05]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" - 1 Chronicles 16:11 ESV
Reflection: What is one activity you can reduce or eliminate from your schedule to make more room for Jesus this week?
Quotes
"Good things can become bad things when they become God things in your heart." [01:03:01](Download | Download)
"We prepare for any significant trip by gathering the right tools and setting our intentions. We cannot finish strong on our own strength; we need the wisdom and instruction of Jesus." [38:37](Download | Download)
"Our doing flows from our being. As we look closely at Jesus's words, we see that he does ask us to do a lot, but before we do anything, it is important for us to understand that Jesus invites us into a relationship with him." [36:00](Download | Download)
"Many of us have a struggle knowing how to be because we want to do. We fall into that category and want to know that we're making progress and moving forward, but we have to learn to be." [51:42](Download | Download)
"If you have a problem doing the things that Jesus asks, my guess is that your problem is more that you haven't been spending time with him like you should." [57:01](Download | Download)
"Jesus said why do you call me Lord and do not do what I tell you to do. Words without action were never acceptable to Jesus; faith without action is dead." [47:27](Download | Download)
"When I spend my time with Christ, I find myself excited and eager to get doing what he's taught me. It's a natural next step." [52:19](Download | Download)
"Our private battles often determine our public victories. If we are having a problem doing things that Jesus asks, we're having a being problem, not a doing problem." [56:26](Download | Download)
"Looking at Jesus is the most productive thing that we can do. Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfector of our faith, is where we begin." [44:14](Download | Download)
"Learning to prioritize Jesus means doing things that purposely and intentionally allow us to get closer to the one that we serve, to the one that we love, to the one that loves us." [01:05:26](Download | Download)
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