Complete Renewal: The Call to True Discipleship

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound nature of true gospel transformation, emphasizing that it is not merely about adding Jesus to our lives but about a complete renewal from the inside out. This transformation is akin to a total rebuild, much like a house being stripped down to its studs and rebuilt anew. We delved into the beginning of Jesus' ministry as presented in the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on how it reflects the past, impacts the present, and points to the future. Jesus' ministry began with the fulfillment of prophecies, highlighting that His journey was divinely orchestrated from the beginning of time. By starting His ministry in Capernaum, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, bringing light to a land shrouded in darkness, symbolizing the broader mission of bringing the gospel to all, not just the Jewish people.

We also examined the call to discipleship, noting that Jesus seeks us out, inviting us to follow Him. This invitation is not based on our merits but on His authority and grace. Jesus knows us intimately and calls us in ways that resonate with our unique circumstances, just as He did with Simon and Andrew by speaking to them in the language of fishing. However, following Jesus comes with a cost. It requires us to prioritize Him above all else, to reorder our lives, and to be willing to leave behind what is familiar and secure. This call to discipleship is not just a personal journey but a communal one, urging us to engage actively with the body of Christ and support one another in our spiritual growth.

Finally, we are reminded that the call to follow Jesus demands immediate action. It is not enough to merely contemplate the cost; we must act decisively, stepping out in faith to live out the gospel in our daily lives. This involves not only personal transformation but also contributing to the community and supporting the mission of the church. As we strive to be present in the present, let us put Jesus first, love Him most, and commit to the work He has called us to do.

Key Takeaways:

1. True Gospel Transformation: True transformation in Christ is not about adding Jesus to our existing lives but involves a complete renewal from the inside out. This transformation requires a total rebuild, akin to a house being stripped down to its studs and rebuilt anew. It is a profound change that affects every aspect of our being. [35:07]

2. Fulfillment of Prophecy: Jesus' ministry began with the fulfillment of prophecies, emphasizing that His journey was divinely orchestrated from the beginning of time. By starting His ministry in Capernaum, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, bringing light to a land shrouded in darkness, symbolizing the broader mission of bringing the gospel to all, not just the Jewish people. [42:56]

3. The Call to Discipleship: Jesus seeks us out, inviting us to follow Him. This invitation is not based on our merits but on His authority and grace. Jesus knows us intimately and calls us in ways that resonate with our unique circumstances, just as He did with Simon and Andrew by speaking to them in the language of fishing. [54:15]

4. Counting the Cost: Following Jesus comes with a cost. It requires us to prioritize Him above all else, to reorder our lives, and to be willing to leave behind what is familiar and secure. This call to discipleship is not just a personal journey but a communal one, urging us to engage actively with the body of Christ and support one another in our spiritual growth. [01:04:43]

5. Immediate Action Required: The call to follow Jesus demands immediate action. It is not enough to merely contemplate the cost; we must act decisively, stepping out in faith to live out the gospel in our daily lives. This involves not only personal transformation but also contributing to the community and supporting the mission of the church. [01:07:38]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Call to Worship
- [01:45] - Opening Prayer
- [03:00] - Personal Reflection
- [05:00] - Introduction to Matthew's Gospel
- [08:30] - Jesus' Ministry Begins
- [12:00] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
- [15:00] - The Call to Discipleship
- [20:00] - Counting the Cost
- [25:00] - Immediate Action Required
- [30:00] - Community and Discipleship
- [35:00] - Closing Prayer
- [37:00] - Benediction
- [38:00] - Fellowship Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 4:12-25
2. Isaiah 9:1-2
3. Mark 1:16-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What significant event prompted Jesus to begin His ministry in Capernaum, and how does this fulfill prophecy? [38:35]

2. How did Jesus' approach to calling His disciples differ from the traditional method of discipleship at the time? [54:15]

3. What immediate actions did Simon and Andrew take when Jesus called them, and what does this suggest about their response to His invitation? [50:34]

4. How does the sermon describe the transformation Jesus desires in our lives, and what analogy is used to illustrate this change? [35:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Why is it significant that Jesus began His ministry in a place like Capernaum, and what does this reveal about His mission to bring light to all people, not just the Jewish community? [42:56]

2. In what ways does the call to discipleship challenge individuals to prioritize Jesus above all else, and how might this look in a modern context? [01:04:43]

3. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of "true gospel transformation," and why is it important to understand this as a complete renewal rather than merely adding Jesus to one's life? [35:07]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the communal aspect of discipleship, and how does this impact the way believers should engage with the church community? [01:10:21]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you have simply "added" Jesus rather than allowing Him to transform you completely? What steps can you take to invite a deeper transformation? [35:07]

2. Jesus' call to His disciples required them to leave behind what was familiar and secure. Is there something in your life that you feel called to leave behind to follow Jesus more closely? [01:04:43]

3. The sermon emphasizes the need for immediate action in response to Jesus' call. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out your faith more boldly? [01:07:38]

4. How can you actively engage with your church community to support others in their spiritual growth, and what role do you see yourself playing in this communal journey? [01:10:21]

5. Consider the cost of discipleship in your own life. What sacrifices might you need to make to prioritize Jesus, and how can you prepare yourself for these changes? [01:04:43]

6. The sermon highlights the importance of being present in the present. How can you be more mindful of Jesus' presence in your daily life, and what practices can help you stay focused on Him? [50:34]

7. Identify one person in your life who might be seeking or curious about faith. How can you reach out to them this week and share the message of Jesus' transformative power? [54:15]

Devotional

Day 1: Total Renewal in Christ
True transformation in Christ is not about adding Jesus to our existing lives but involves a complete renewal from the inside out. This transformation requires a total rebuild, akin to a house being stripped down to its studs and rebuilt anew. It is a profound change that affects every aspect of our being. The journey of transformation begins with recognizing the need for a new foundation, one that is built on the teachings and love of Jesus. This renewal is not a superficial change but a deep, internal shift that redefines our identity and purpose. As we embrace this transformation, we are called to let go of old patterns and embrace the new life that Jesus offers. [35:07]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What old patterns or habits in your life need to be stripped away to allow for a complete renewal in Christ? How can you begin this process today?


Day 2: Divine Fulfillment of Prophecy
Jesus' ministry began with the fulfillment of prophecies, emphasizing that His journey was divinely orchestrated from the beginning of time. By starting His ministry in Capernaum, Jesus fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, bringing light to a land shrouded in darkness, symbolizing the broader mission of bringing the gospel to all, not just the Jewish people. This fulfillment of prophecy serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the intentionality behind Jesus' mission. It highlights the interconnectedness of the Old and New Testaments and the continuity of God's plan for salvation. As we reflect on this, we are encouraged to trust in God's promises and His perfect timing in our own lives. [42:56]

Isaiah 9:1-2 (ESV): "But there will be no gloom for her who was in anguish. In the former time he brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the latter time he has made glorious the way of the sea, the land beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations. The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone."

Reflection: How does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus' life encourage you to trust in God's promises for your own life? What specific promise from God are you holding onto today?


Day 3: The Personal Call to Discipleship
Jesus seeks us out, inviting us to follow Him. This invitation is not based on our merits but on His authority and grace. Jesus knows us intimately and calls us in ways that resonate with our unique circumstances, just as He did with Simon and Andrew by speaking to them in the language of fishing. This personal call to discipleship is a reminder that Jesus meets us where we are, understanding our individual journeys and challenges. It is an invitation to a relationship that is both personal and transformative, calling us to step out in faith and follow Him wholeheartedly. [54:15]

John 15:16 (ESV): "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you."

Reflection: In what ways has Jesus uniquely called you to follow Him? How can you respond to His invitation in your current circumstances?


Day 4: The Cost of Following Jesus
Following Jesus comes with a cost. It requires us to prioritize Him above all else, to reorder our lives, and to be willing to leave behind what is familiar and secure. This call to discipleship is not just a personal journey but a communal one, urging us to engage actively with the body of Christ and support one another in our spiritual growth. The cost of discipleship challenges us to examine our priorities and make intentional choices that reflect our commitment to Jesus. It is a call to live counter-culturally, placing our trust in Him and His provision. [01:04:43]

Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "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?"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to reorder your priorities to follow Jesus more closely? What steps can you take this week to make that change?


Day 5: Acting on the Call
The call to follow Jesus demands immediate action. It is not enough to merely contemplate the cost; we must act decisively, stepping out in faith to live out the gospel in our daily lives. This involves not only personal transformation but also contributing to the community and supporting the mission of the church. As we strive to be present in the present, let us put Jesus first, love Him most, and commit to the work He has called us to do. This call to action is a reminder that faith is active and requires us to be doers of the Word, not just hearers. [01:07:38]

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."

Reflection: What immediate action can you take today to live out your faith more fully? How can you contribute to your community and support the mission of the church this week?

Quotes

True gospel transformation is more than simply adding Jesus to your existing reality. True gospel transformation is replacing our existing from the inside out with Christ, with Jesus. [00:37:04] (15 seconds)


Christ continues to preach the exact same message. In verse 17, from that time, Jesus began to preach saying, repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. He is saying the same thing. With this, Jesus validates. Jesus continues John's message. And Matthew wants every reader who is reading this passage of scripture to understand that this message of repentance and salvation is intended for not just the Jewish people. [00:46:57] (35 seconds)


There is a cost to becoming a disciple that we need to consider. Verse 21 and 22. Let me read it really quickly. He says, and going on from there, he saw two brothers. James. James, the son of Zebedee and John, his brother. In the boat with Zebedee at their father, mending their nets. And he called them. [01:01:08] (18 seconds)


Counting the cost of becoming a disciple of Christ. It means starting by asking the question. Will you prioritize Jesus? If and when you say yes. I have no idea what that would look like for you. Choosing to honor and put God first. That might mean there's absolutely no changes at all to how you live today. [01:05:26] (23 seconds)


Jesus' ministry started so that we might become gospel transformed disciples who are present in the present. So come. Come follow Jesus. Come follow Jesus by putting Jesus first. By putting Jesus first. By loving Jesus most. And by doing. By doing the work that he has called you and me to do. [01:10:21] (32 seconds)


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Transcript
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