Discipleship: A Command to Engage and Nurture
Summary
In our journey with God, we must recognize that discipleship is not an optional enhancement to our faith, but an integral part of following Jesus. As we delve into the heart of discipleship, we understand that it is about more than just personal growth; it is about extending the transformative power of Christ to others. We are called to be fishers of men, to actively seek out and guide those who are new in their faith or seeking the truth.
Discipleship is a relational endeavor, one that requires us to approach others with the love and initiative that Christ showed. It is not enough to wait for others to come to us; we must be proactive in our efforts to mentor and nurture. This is the model Jesus exemplified when He chose His disciples, not waiting for them to apply to Him, but rather approaching them with intentionality and purpose.
Our church, Graceland, is committed to ensuring that there are no spiritual orphans among us. We strive to be a community where every member is nurtured and equipped to grow in their faith. Whether you are exploring Christianity, have recently committed your life to Christ, or have been a believer for some time, there is a next step for you. We grow through connection with other believers, much like a body thrives when each part is functioning and united.
The process of discipleship is not a solitary one; it is a collective effort that involves both being discipled and discipling others. It is a mark of spiritual maturity to help others find and follow Jesus. This is not a matter of personal preference but a command from Christ Himself. As we follow Him, we are also called to fish for men, to initiate and engage in the lives of others, guiding them towards a deeper relationship with God.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is a command from Jesus, not a personal preference or optional part of our faith. It is a clear directive that as we follow Christ, we are also to engage in the process of making disciples, guiding others to find and follow Jesus. This is a non-negotiable aspect of our Christian walk and a true mark of spiritual maturity. [55:11]
- Jesus modeled an approach to discipleship that was proactive and intentional. He did not wait for His disciples to come to Him; He went to them. This method underscores the importance of taking initiative in our relationships, seeking out those who need guidance and offering them the opportunity to grow in their faith. [01:01:58]
- Our church is dedicated to the vision of a community without spiritual orphans. We are committed to ensuring that every person who comes to faith within our church is discipled, that they are not left to navigate their spiritual journey alone. This commitment reflects the heart of God, who seeks out and nurtures His children. [01:08:54]
- The act of following Jesus includes the responsibility to make disciples. It is not enough to have a personal relationship with God; we must also be involved in helping others to develop their own relationship with Him. This is an essential part of what it means to be a follower of Christ. [55:42]
- Discipleship is a relational process that requires time, effort, and a willingness to invest in the lives of others. It is about more than just imparting knowledge; it is about walking alongside someone, sharing life experiences, and modeling what it means to live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. [01:02:38]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 4:18-22
- John 1:35-42
- Luke 6:12-13
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus say to Simon Peter and Andrew when He first approached them by the Sea of Galilee? (Matthew 4:19)
2. How did Simon Peter and Andrew respond to Jesus' call? (Matthew 4:20)
3. According to the sermon, what was unique about Jesus' approach to selecting His disciples compared to other rabbis of His time? [59:03]
4. What did John the Baptist say when he saw Jesus, and how did his disciples respond? (John 1:36-37)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is discipleship described as a command from Jesus rather than a personal preference? How does this shape our understanding of spiritual maturity? [55:01]
2. How does Jesus' proactive approach to calling His disciples challenge our current methods of discipleship in the church? [59:03]
3. What does it mean to be "fishers of men," and how does this relate to the concept of discipleship? (Matthew 4:19)
4. How does the story of Jesus praying before choosing His disciples (Luke 6:12-13) emphasize the importance of prayer in the process of discipleship?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own journey of faith. Have you ever been discipled by someone? If not, how might this have impacted your spiritual growth? [01:03:29]
2. Jesus took the initiative to approach His disciples. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from discipleship. How can you take the first step to engage them this week? [01:02:00]
3. Our church aims to ensure there are no spiritual orphans. What practical steps can you take to contribute to this vision within our community? [01:08:56]
4. Discipleship involves both being discipled and discipling others. Where do you see yourself in this process, and what is your next step? [01:10:04]
5. Think about a time when you waited for someone to approach you rather than taking the initiative. How can you change this behavior in the context of making disciples? [01:02:00]
6. Jesus modeled a life of intentionality and purpose. What specific actions can you take this week to live more intentionally in your relationships with others? [01:01:05]
7. How can you incorporate prayer into your process of identifying and approaching potential disciples, following Jesus' example in Luke 6:12-13? [01:11:26]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the sermon on discipleship, encouraging both personal reflection and actionable steps towards spiritual growth and community building.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Commanded Discipleship
Discipleship is not a matter of personal preference or an optional add-on to one's faith; it is a direct command from Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are instructed to engage in the process of making disciples, which involves guiding others to find and follow Jesus. This is a clear directive that signifies a true mark of spiritual maturity. It is a commitment that goes beyond our own spiritual growth and extends to the spiritual well-being of others. The act of discipleship is a reflection of our obedience to Christ's command and our dedication to the mission He has entrusted to us. [07:40]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." - Matthew 28:19-20
Reflection: How can you take a step towards obeying Christ's command to make disciples this week? Consider one person you could mentor or encourage in their faith journey.
Day 2: Proactive and Intentional Discipleship
Jesus exemplified a proactive and intentional approach to discipleship, choosing His disciples rather than waiting for them to come to Him. This method teaches us the importance of taking initiative in our relationships, actively seeking out those who need guidance, and offering them the opportunity to grow in their faith. As followers of Jesus, we are called to emulate His example by being intentional in our efforts to mentor and nurture others in their spiritual walk. This means stepping out of our comfort zones and reaching out to those around us with the love and truth of Christ. [01:01:58]
"And Jesus said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.'" - Mark 1:17
Reflection: Who in your life is waiting for you to take the first step towards discipleship? Identify one person you can intentionally reach out to this week.
Day 3: Community Without Spiritual Orphans
Our church is dedicated to the vision of a community without spiritual orphans, ensuring that every person who comes to faith is discipled and not left to navigate their spiritual journey alone. This reflects the heart of God, who seeks out and nurtures His children. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to foster a nurturing environment where every believer is equipped and encouraged to grow in their faith. This commitment to discipleship within the community helps to build a strong, interconnected family of believers who support and edify one another. [01:08:54]
"God sets the lonely in families; he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land." - Psalm 68:6
Reflection: How can you contribute to ensuring there are no spiritual orphans in your church community? Think of a way you can support a fellow believer's growth this week.
Day 4: Discipleship Beyond Personal Faith
Following Jesus includes the responsibility to make disciples, which means our personal relationship with God should naturally overflow into helping others develop their own relationship with Him. Discipleship is not a solitary endeavor but a shared journey where we invest in the spiritual formation of others. It is an essential part of what it means to be a follower of Christ, demonstrating our love for God by actively participating in the Great Commission. [55:42]
"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." - John 15:8
Reflection: In what ways can you help someone else grow in their relationship with God this week? Consider a specific action you can take to mentor or disciple another person.
Day 5: Relational Discipleship as a Life Journey
Discipleship is a relational process that requires time, effort, and a willingness to invest in the lives of others. It is about walking alongside someone, sharing life experiences, and modeling what it means to live out the teachings of Jesus in everyday life. This journey is not about merely imparting knowledge but about forming deep, meaningful connections that foster spiritual growth and maturity. As we disciple others, we too are shaped and molded by the relationships we build and the lives we touch. [01:02:38]
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." - Proverbs 27:17
Reflection: Who can you walk with on their spiritual journey, offering support and guidance? Identify a person with whom you can share life experiences and spiritual insights this week.
Quotes
1) "Following Jesus also means making disciples. Following means fishing, and fishing means initiating." [55:42] (Download)
2) "A mark of spiritual maturity is helping others find and follow Jesus. This is the exact invitation he calls every one of us to." [55:11] (Download)
3) "Every Christian is a disciple of Jesus, and he is preparing you to make disciples. This is the same." [49:22] (Download)
4) "To make another disciple, you and I are going to have to approach them, not wait for them to approach us." [01:02:38] (Download)
5) "We have more people in our church that need to be discipled than we have people who are approaching others to disciple them." [01:04:19] (Download)
6) "Do you think that we could be a church in the years to come where there would be no more spiritual orphans among us?" [01:08:54] (Download)
7) "Making disciples is not an enhancement to following Jesus. It's not a part of the a la carte menu that you say, well, some people really like to do that making disciples thing." [53:42] (Download)
8) "Jesus approached his disciples. He went to them. This has been God's character, part of who God is since the beginning of time." [01:00:43] (Download)
9) "Christianity, making disciples, following Jesus and making disciples. Making disciples is not an enhancement to following Jesus." [53:42] (Download)
10) "Jesus was not calling out to random people to quit your job and follow me, a random guy. They had a relationship already." [45:41] (Download)
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