Commitment to Christ: Embracing Community and Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a journey to understand the importance of commitment to the church and the community of believers. We begin by acknowledging that there are days when we don't feel like being here, days when following Christ feels like a burden. But it's in those moments that we must remember the commitment we made, just as in marriage, where there are ups and downs, but the commitment remains steadfast ([42:15]).
The essence of our gathering is not just to receive but to contribute. The church is not a place for perfect people but for those who are real and authentic. We come together to encourage one another, to lift each other up, and to be a part of something greater than ourselves ([43:33]). This is true Christianity—when we view the church not as a place to meet our needs but as a community where we can serve and love others.
We then delve into the book of Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 10:19-25, which calls us to draw near to God with a sincere heart and to hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. The scripture emphasizes the importance of not giving up meeting together but encouraging one another, especially as we see the day of Christ's return approaching ([01:06]). This is the foundation of our series titled "Casual Christianity," where we explore the dangers of treating our faith and church attendance casually.
We reflect on the early church in Acts, which met daily in the temple courts and in their homes, sharing meals and praising God together. However, over time, some believers became apathetic, treating their faith and church attendance as optional. This shift from daily commitment to occasional attendance is a problem that needs to be addressed ([13:04]).
We discuss the value system of the New Testament church, where God and the church were central to their lives. In contrast, today's value system often places family, finances, work, and leisure above God and the church. This misalignment leads to a lack of commitment and a casual approach to faith ([22:43]).
The sermon also highlights the importance of community and accountability. We are called to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, to encourage and support each other in our faith journey. This is not about guilt or condemnation but about leading each other to a deeper commitment to Christ and His church ([31:02]).
We are reminded that following Jesus comes with sacrifices. The gift of salvation is free, but the cost of discipleship requires us to lay down our lives, to deny our flesh, and to serve others. This commitment is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth and maturity ([18:07]).
As we conclude, we are called to make a declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This commitment will be tested, but it is through these trials that our faith is strengthened. We are encouraged to stop playing games with God and to give Him our everything, just as the Apostle Paul did, pouring out his life as a drink offering even unto death ([46:24]).
### Key Takeaways
1. Commitment in the Face of Adversity: There are days when following Christ feels like a burden, but it's in those moments that we must remember the commitment we made. Just as in marriage, where there are ups and downs, our commitment to Christ and His church must remain steadfast. This unwavering commitment is what sustains us through the desert moments and questionable times. [42:15]
2. The Essence of True Christianity: True Christianity is not about what we can get from the church but what we can contribute. It's about being real and authentic, encouraging one another, and lifting each other up. When we view the church as a community where we can serve and love others, we embody the essence of true Christianity. [43:33]
3. The Importance of Community and Accountability: We are called to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, to encourage and support each other in our faith journey. This is not about guilt or condemnation but about leading each other to a deeper commitment to Christ and His church. Community and accountability are essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. [31:02]
4. The Cost of Discipleship: The gift of salvation is free, but the cost of discipleship requires us to lay down our lives, deny our flesh, and serve others. This commitment is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. Following Jesus comes with sacrifices, and the more of Jesus we want, the less of ourselves there has to be. [18:07]
5. Making a Declaration of Faith: We are called to make a declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This commitment will be tested, but it is through these trials that our faith is strengthened. We are encouraged to stop playing games with God and to give Him our everything, just as the Apostle Paul did, pouring out his life as a drink offering even unto death. [46:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:06] - Introduction to Hebrews 10:19-25
[02:00] - Prayer and Blessings
[03:16] - Ice Cream Illustration
[08:16] - Church Attendance Statistics
[13:04] - Early Church Commitment
[18:07] - The Cost of Discipleship
[22:43] - Value Systems
[31:02] - Community and Accountability
[42:15] - Commitment in Adversity
[43:33] - True Christianity
[46:24] - Declaration of Faith
[50:25] - Invitation to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 10:19-25: "Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
2. Acts 2:46-47: "Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
3. Joshua 24:15: "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 10:19-25, what are believers encouraged to do as they see the Day approaching?
2. How did the early church in Acts 2:46-47 demonstrate their commitment to the community of believers?
3. What declaration does Joshua make in Joshua 24:15, and how does it reflect a commitment to God?
### Interpretation Questions
1. In Hebrews 10:24-25, why is it important for believers to not give up meeting together? How does this relate to the concept of community and accountability discussed in the sermon?
2. Reflecting on Acts 2:46-47, what can we learn from the early church's daily commitment to gathering and sharing life together? How does this contrast with modern church attendance habits?
3. Joshua 24:15 emphasizes a firm declaration of faith. How does this declaration challenge us to evaluate our own commitments to God and the church?
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that true Christianity is about what we can contribute rather than what we can get. How can you shift your mindset from being a consumer to a contributor in your church community?
2. Reflect on a time when you felt like giving up on church or your faith. What helped you stay committed, and how can you use that experience to encourage others in your small group?
3. The early church met daily and shared their lives together. What practical steps can you take to foster a deeper sense of community and accountability within your small group or church?
4. The sermon highlighted the cost of discipleship, including laying down our lives and serving others. What specific sacrifices might God be calling you to make in order to grow in your faith and commitment to the church?
5. Joshua's declaration, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord," is a powerful statement of commitment. How can you and your household make a similar declaration, and what steps can you take to live it out daily?
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of not treating church attendance casually. How can you prioritize church and community gatherings in your busy schedule? What changes might you need to make?
7. Think about someone in your church or small group who might be struggling with their faith. How can you intentionally encourage and support them this week, spurring them on toward love and good deeds?
Devotional
Day 1: Commitment in the Face of Adversity
There are days when following Christ feels like a burden, but it's in those moments that we must remember the commitment we made. Just as in marriage, where there are ups and downs, our commitment to Christ and His church must remain steadfast. This unwavering commitment is what sustains us through the desert moments and questionable times. When we face challenges, it is easy to feel discouraged and to question our faith. However, it is precisely in these moments of adversity that our commitment to Christ is tested and strengthened. Just as in any relationship, our commitment to Christ requires perseverance and dedication, even when it is difficult.
In these times, we must remind ourselves of the promises we made to follow Christ and to be a part of His church. Our faith is not based on our feelings but on our commitment to Christ and His teachings. By remaining steadfast in our commitment, we can overcome the challenges we face and grow stronger in our faith. [42:15]
Hebrews 10:23-25 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced in your faith journey. How did you respond, and how can you remind yourself of your commitment to Christ during difficult times?
Day 2: The Essence of True Christianity
True Christianity is not about what we can get from the church but what we can contribute. It's about being real and authentic, encouraging one another, and lifting each other up. When we view the church as a community where we can serve and love others, we embody the essence of true Christianity. The church is not a place for perfect people but for those who are real and authentic. We come together to encourage one another, to lift each other up, and to be a part of something greater than ourselves.
This perspective shifts our focus from self-centeredness to selflessness. Instead of asking what the church can do for us, we should ask how we can serve and love others within the church community. By doing so, we fulfill the true purpose of the church and reflect the love of Christ to those around us. [43:33]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Reflect on your current involvement in your church community. How can you contribute more authentically and selflessly to encourage and lift up others?
Day 3: The Importance of Community and Accountability
We are called to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, to encourage and support each other in our faith journey. This is not about guilt or condemnation but about leading each other to a deeper commitment to Christ and His church. Community and accountability are essential for our spiritual growth and maturity. In a world that often promotes individualism, the church stands as a counter-cultural community where believers support and hold each other accountable.
Accountability is not about judgment but about helping each other stay true to our commitments and grow in our faith. By being part of a community, we can encourage one another, share our struggles, and celebrate our victories together. This mutual support helps us stay focused on our spiritual journey and strengthens our relationship with Christ. [31:02]
Galatians 6:1-2 (ESV): "Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who may need encouragement or support. How can you reach out to them this week to offer your help and accountability?
Day 4: The Cost of Discipleship
The gift of salvation is free, but the cost of discipleship requires us to lay down our lives, deny our flesh, and serve others. This commitment is not always easy, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. Following Jesus comes with sacrifices, and the more of Jesus we want, the less of ourselves there has to be. Discipleship involves a daily commitment to follow Christ, even when it means making difficult choices and sacrifices.
Jesus calls us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This means putting aside our own desires and ambitions to serve others and to live according to His teachings. While this path may be challenging, it leads to true fulfillment and spiritual growth. By embracing the cost of discipleship, we become more like Christ and experience the abundant life He promises. [18:07]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you find it difficult to deny yourself and follow Christ. What steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and embrace the cost of discipleship?
Day 5: Making a Declaration of Faith
We are called to make a declaration: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." This commitment will be tested, but it is through these trials that our faith is strengthened. We are encouraged to stop playing games with God and to give Him our everything, just as the Apostle Paul did, pouring out his life as a drink offering even unto death. Making a declaration of faith is a powerful statement of our commitment to Christ and His teachings.
This declaration is not just words but a commitment to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives. It means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else and being willing to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with challenges. By making this declaration, we set a standard for ourselves and our families to follow, leading by example and inspiring others to do the same. [46:24]
Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your personal declaration of faith. How can you live out this commitment more fully in your daily life, and how can you inspire your family to do the same?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I believe that the church has not even seen or completely tapped in to the fullness of its potential because its people have been asleep at best and God is saying, if my church would humble themselves, if they would turn from their wicked ways, then I would hear them and I would heal their land." [20:02]
2. "Many are called, but few are chosen. I want you to know something. All of you are called, and you have an opportunity to pick up the phone or to let it ring. You have an opportunity to pick up the phone or send it to voicemail. God is saying, stop sending it to voicemail. I am calling you. It's time to wake up. It's time to arise from your slumber." [21:13]
3. "If you want to be a Christian, my friend, if you want to be a disciple, if you want to be a follower of Jesus, you will have to make church, the centrality of your faith as well, and the gathering of the brothers and the sisters of the faith, a priority in your life. That does not legalistically mean you don't go on vacation. That doesn't mean that you don't have work to do and different things that you have to do. But you keep treating the church casually, you're never going to go beyond where you're at spiritually." [21:59]
4. "Stop looking to other solutions to be the answer, my friend, when you are the answer because you bring the solution and his name is Jesus. The church needs to shine bright all the more as you see the day approaching. Stop messing, stop playing with God, stop playing games. Let me tell you something, be in or be out, but don't be in the middle. That's called luke warming. What he says is I'm going to spit you out of my mouth. Be in the game or be out of the game. Don't walk the fence, you're either in or you're out." [38:09]
5. "The local church is supposed to be the hope of this world. It's supposed to be the light in the midst of the bright. Or are we taking the light lamp stand and putting it under the table? And so my friend, I am not trying to get you to feel guilt or condemned. I am trying to lead you into something. This isn't about making you feel condemned. This is about a conviction that would lead you to follow and seek him more wholeheartedly." [27:56]
### Quotes for Members
1. "I believe that the church can't function to its full capacity without you, and neither can you. Neither can you function to your full capacity as a Christian without the church. But I want you to understand, this isn't just a problem that is going on today. This was a first century church issue. The author of Hebrews is addressing the first century church. He's not addressing the church 20 years after its conception or 40, 50 years after. He's addressing the church in those times." [13:04]
2. "You can't carry your cross and your nets at the same time. Peter had to drop his nets immediately in order to follow Jesus. You can't carry your will in your old way and your new way and his way. And expect your life to have results. At one point, you're going to have to let something go. Let go of the cross or let go of the nets, but you can't continue to carry both. Jesus calls us into deeper commitment." [19:29]
3. "I want to go to heaven with no regrets. I want to go to heaven without missing everything that Jesus has for me and to step into. If I'm going to live for anything, I'm going to live for the gospel, which means I'm going to die to myself and carry my cross and follow him. But the author says all the more as you see the day approaching, you need to meet together. What day is approaching? Their birthday? No, the coming of Christ." [35:11]
4. "When you come into the house of God and you are glad, you are saying, dang, how can I serve here? How can I give to the people here? How can I love hard? How can I love strong? How can I help move this thing forward? That, my friends, is true Christianity. When you view it through another lens, you are a consumer at best. Stop looking to the church to simply meet your needs. But what needs can you meet?" [45:03]
5. "The church in Acts, the church that experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the church that experienced Peter going to the balcony and preaching a message, and where 3,000 people were saved and 3,000 people were baptized, the church that scattered throughout the nations going and planting churches and preaching the gospel, the early church that used to meet not just on Sundays, but every day in their homes and in the temple courts, the church that met every day, stopped meeting every day." [14:06]
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