Commitment to Christ: Reflecting True Discipleship
Summary
The message delivered focuses on the theme of commitment, particularly as it pertains to being a follower of Christ. It begins by highlighting the importance of leadership and being equipped in various areas of life, emphasizing the role of the church community in providing support, growth opportunities, and a sense of belonging. The upcoming church series, "Welcome the Church," is introduced, which will explore the foundational aspects of the early church as described in the book of Acts, with the aim of adopting these principles as modern-day foundations for believers.
The core of the message revolves around the concept of commitment to Christ. It draws a parallel between looking in a mirror and the act of examining oneself through the lens of the Word of God. Just as a mirror reflects reality without altering it, the Word reveals truths that require action on the part of the individual. The analogy extends to the idea that, like children who forget to make adjustments after looking in the mirror, individuals often fail to act on the insights gained from the Word unless they are truly committed to change.
The discussion of commitment is further illustrated by comparing the dedication people show to sports teams, political parties, and brands, regardless of outcomes or underlying values, to the level of commitment shown to God's voice, word, and ways. The message challenges individuals to maintain their commitment to God even when it is uncomfortable or counter to personal desires, highlighting that true discipleship involves prioritizing God above all else, including family, personal interests, and even one's own life.
The message also addresses the cost of discipleship, referencing the words of Jesus about considering the cost before committing to follow Him. It emphasizes that being a disciple is not a path to an easy life but requires a willingness to face difficulties and make sacrifices. The speaker encourages listeners to evaluate their level of commitment to Jesus as they enter the new year, urging them to live lives that reflect a full commitment rather than a partial or convenient one.
The message concludes with a call to action, inviting individuals to make a commitment to Christ, not just as a Sunday routine or emergency solution, but as a Lord over every aspect of their lives. It also highlights the importance of being doers of the Word, not just hearers, and the transformative power of applying the Word to one's life.
Key Takeaways:
- Commitment to Christ is likened to a mirror that reflects our true selves, revealing areas that require our attention and action. Just as a mirror does not change us, the Word of God requires us to actively apply its teachings to experience transformation. This commitment to change is a daily decision that goes beyond mere acknowledgment and into the realm of consistent, actionable faith. [01:21:47]
- The level of commitment seen in sports fans or brand loyalty serves as a stark contrast to the often wavering commitment to spiritual disciplines and following God's Word. This comparison challenges individuals to examine their priorities and to consider whether their dedication to God matches or exceeds their enthusiasm for temporal interests. [01:24:10]
- True discipleship involves a cost, as Jesus taught. It requires a calculated decision to follow Christ, understanding that it may lead to sacrifices and hardships. This level of commitment is not to be taken lightly but embraced with the full knowledge of its implications, mirroring the dedication and resolve of the early church. [01:26:11]
- The message underscores the importance of not just professing faith but living it out, even when it means facing potential loss or hardship. This commitment to Christ is demonstrated through actions, such as prioritizing worship and spiritual growth over personal comfort or societal pressures. [01:12:45]
- The call to be doers of the Word emphasizes that without application, there can be no spiritual growth or transformation. The message encourages individuals to not only listen to the Word but to act upon it, ensuring that their faith is alive and effective in producing change in their lives and the lives of others. [01:18:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV)
> Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it."
2. Luke 14:26-28 (ESV)
> "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
3. James 1:22-25 (ESV)
> But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 16:24-25, what are the requirements Jesus sets for those who want to follow Him?
2. In Luke 14:26-28, what does Jesus say about the cost of discipleship, and how does He illustrate this concept?
3. How does James 1:22-25 describe the difference between merely hearing the word and doing it? What analogy does James use to explain this?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" as described in Matthew 16:24-25? How might this look in a believer's daily life? [01:02:44]
2. Why does Jesus use such strong language in Luke 14:26-28 about hating one's family and even one's own life? What is He trying to convey about the level of commitment required to follow Him? [01:04:12]
3. James 1:22-25 uses the analogy of a mirror to describe the importance of being doers of the word. How does this analogy help us understand the necessity of applying God's word to our lives? [01:18:32]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current level of commitment to Christ. Are there areas in your life where you are holding back from fully following Him? What steps can you take to surrender those areas to God? [01:02:13]
2. Jesus talks about counting the cost of discipleship in Luke 14:28. Have you ever considered the cost of following Jesus in your own life? What sacrifices have you made, or might you need to make, to be a true disciple? [01:26:11]
3. The sermon mentioned the dedication people show to sports teams and brands. How does your commitment to Christ compare to your commitment to other interests or activities? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with God? [01:24:10]
4. James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of being doers of the word. Can you identify a specific teaching or command from the Bible that you have heard but not yet acted upon? What practical steps can you take this week to apply it? [01:18:32]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of not just professing faith but living it out, even when it means facing potential loss or hardship. Can you think of a recent situation where you had to choose between comfort and following God's ways? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:12:45]
6. The message challenged listeners to evaluate their level of commitment to Jesus as they enter the new year. What specific goals or resolutions can you set to deepen your commitment to Christ in 2024? [01:00:20]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting individuals to make a commitment to Christ as Lord over every aspect of their lives. What does it mean for you to make Jesus Lord over every aspect of your life, and how can you start implementing this commitment today? [01:42:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Reflecting True Spiritual Commitment
Commitment to Christ is a daily decision that requires more than acknowledgment; it demands actionable faith. As a mirror reflects our physical appearance, the Word of God reflects our spiritual state, calling us to act on what we see and pursue transformation. This commitment is an ongoing process, not a one-time event, and it shapes every aspect of our lives. [01:21:47]
James 1:23-25 - "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your commitment to Christ, and what specific steps can you take to better align your actions with His Word?
Day 2: Prioritizing God Above All Else
The fervor we show for worldly interests often overshadows our dedication to spiritual growth. By examining our priorities, we can assess whether our commitment to God is as strong as our enthusiasm for temporary pleasures or affiliations. True commitment means placing God's voice, word, and ways above all else in our lives. [01:24:10]
Luke 14:26-27 - "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple."
Reflection: What are some areas where your dedication to God is being challenged by other interests, and how can you begin to prioritize Him more in those areas?
Day 3: Embracing the Cost of Discipleship
Following Jesus is not a path to an easy life; it involves understanding and accepting the cost of discipleship. This commitment may lead to sacrifices and hardships, but it is a calculated decision that reflects the resolve of the early church. Embracing this cost is essential for true discipleship. [01:26:11]
1 Peter 4:12-13 - "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: Are there any costs of following Jesus that you have been reluctant to accept, and what can you do to prepare your heart to embrace these challenges?
Day 4: Living Out Our Faith Authentically
Professing faith in Christ is only the beginning; living it out authentically, especially in the face of loss or hardship, is where true commitment is demonstrated. This means prioritizing worship and spiritual growth over personal comfort or societal pressures. Our actions should reflect our devotion to Christ. [01:12:45]
Matthew 7:24-25 - "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."
Reflection: In what ways can you more authentically live out your faith, even when it's uncomfortable or goes against societal norms?
Day 5: Being Doers of the Word
Hearing the Word of God is not enough; we must also be doers of the Word. Without application, there can be no spiritual growth or transformation. Our faith must be alive and effective, producing change in our lives and impacting those around us. [01:18:32]
James 2:17-18 - "In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith; I have deeds.' Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can act upon the Word of God this week to demonstrate your faith through your deeds?
Quotes
1) "We cannot expect the outcome of our lives to be different if the condition of our heart is still the same." [01:01:43] (Download)
2) "This is what being a Christian is truly about. We have to be fully committed to the cause of Christ. It's a heart condition." [01:02:13] (Download)
3) "A mirror is a call to action. The Word works when we act on it, and we activate it by consistently doing what it says and applying it to our lives." [01:19:42] (Download)
4) "We can be committed to sports teams, political parties, and brands, but can we be committed to the voice of God, to the word of God, and to the ways of God, even when it's not comfortable?" [01:24:10] (Download)
5) "So then, none of you can be my disciple who does not carefully consider the cost. And then, for my sake, give up all his own possessions." [01:26:11] (Download)
6) "I'm committed to the voice of God. I'm committed to the Word of God. And my life is committed to the ways of God. Period." [01:29:19] (Download)
7) "When we make that commitment, when we choose to be committed followers of Jesus... then you will find life. That is life with me for all eternity." [01:30:34] (Download)
8) "Before we commit to anything, we must be committed to Jesus above everything." [01:32:17] (Download)
9) "I'm a committed follower of Jesus. And because I'm a committed follower of Jesus, I know that God will take care of me." [01:12:45] (Download)
10) "Without application, there can be no spiritual transformation. Not until you apply it, nothing's going to work." [01:18:32] (Download)
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