Discipleship: A Lifelong Journey of Growth and Grace
Summary
Today, we gathered on a beautiful spring morning to honor mothers and launch into a new season of growth as followers of Jesus. As we celebrated the women who have shaped our lives, we also began a 12-week journey exploring the practical behaviors of a disciple. Following Jesus is not just about agreeing with certain beliefs; it’s about living out a calling, a job description that shapes every part of our lives. We reflected on how discipleship is not a straight path or a checklist, but a lifelong adventure—more like tending a garden than climbing a ladder. Sometimes we revisit the same lessons, sometimes we need to be humbled, but always, we are called to follow where Jesus leads.
Discipleship is not a plan of salvation; we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. The practices we’ll explore are not about earning God’s love, but about responding to it and growing in intimacy with Him. These practices overlap with what are often called spiritual disciplines, but we must remember: discipline is not punishment. It is an investment in our future, a way to prepare for the challenges and joys ahead. And as we submit to Jesus’ leadership, we do so trusting that He has our best interests at heart.
The first practice we considered is inhabiting the Scriptures. For the earliest disciples, immersion in God’s Word was not a chore but a way of life—a source of joy, strength, and recreation. Jesus taught that all of Scripture points to Him; it is not enough to read the Bible for information or as a religious duty. We are called to inhabit the story, to make it our habitat, our native environment. This means more than referencing the Bible for answers; it means meditating on it, binding it to our lives, and letting it shape our identity and community. As we do, we find that God’s Word becomes a source of comfort, courage, and transformation, pointing us always to Jesus, the Word made flesh.
Key Takeaways
- Discipleship is a lifelong, non-linear journey that requires humility and perseverance. It is not a straight path from point A to point B, but a dynamic process of growth, setbacks, and returning to foundational practices. Like gardening, it involves ongoing attention and care, revisiting lessons and deepening our roots in Christ over time. This perspective frees us from discouragement when progress seems slow or uneven. [45:27]
- The practices of discipleship are not a means to earn salvation, but a response to God’s grace. We are saved by faith, not by works, and our spiritual disciplines are not about checking boxes or proving our worth. Instead, they are invitations to deeper intimacy with God and preparation for the challenges of life. This distinction guards us from legalism and keeps our focus on Christ’s sufficiency. [43:52]
- True engagement with Scripture means inhabiting it, not just referencing it. The Bible is not merely a resource for answers or a tool for self-improvement; it is the habitat in which we are meant to live and grow. Meditating on God’s Word, binding it to our lives, and letting it shape our thoughts and actions transforms us from the inside out. This kind of immersion leads to spiritual resilience and joy, even in difficult times. [01:03:38]
- All of Scripture ultimately points to Jesus, and our study of the Bible should lead us to encounter Him. It is possible to be diligent in Bible study and still miss the heart of the message if we do not see Christ at the center. Every story, command, and promise is a neon arrow directing us to the person and work of Jesus. Our goal is not just knowledge, but relationship and transformation through Him. [57:26]
- Forming habits of Scripture reading requires intentionality and creativity. Attaching new spiritual practices to existing routines—such as linking Bible reading to daily habits—can help us make God’s Word a natural part of our lives. Regular engagement with Scripture not only deepens our faith but also has tangible benefits for our mental and emotional well-being, offering peace and perspective in a chaotic world. [01:09:01]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Mother’s Day Blessings and Community
[03:30] - Introduction to the New Series: Practices of a Disciple
[05:51] - The World’s Toughest Jobs and the Disciple’s Job Description
[09:19] - Year-Long Journey: Who, What, and How of Discipleship
[12:17] - Four Foundational Notes on Discipleship Practices
[13:52] - Grace, Not Works: The Foundation of Discipleship
[15:27] - Discipleship as a Non-Linear Journey
[17:39] - Spiritual Disciplines: Investment, Not Punishment
[18:48] - Humility and Letting Jesus Set the Agenda
[20:33] - Practice One: Inhabiting the Scriptures
[25:58] - The Jewish Tradition of Immersing in God’s Word
[27:26] - Jesus’ Teaching: All Scripture Points to Him
[32:07] - Inhabiting Scripture: Making the Bible Our Habitat
[35:09] - Practical Steps for Engaging the Bible
[39:01] - The Power of Habit and Mental Health Benefits
[40:45] - The Transforming Authority and Beauty of God’s Word
[43:16] - Closing Prayer and Benediction
[46:04] - Farewell and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Inhabiting the Scriptures
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### Bible Reading
1. John 5:39-40
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
2. Psalm 1:1-2
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.”
3. Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 5:39-40, what does Jesus say is the real purpose of studying the Scriptures?
2. According to the sermon, how did the earliest disciples and Jewish communities treat the Scriptures in their daily lives? ([55:58])
3. What are some of the images or metaphors the pastor used to describe the journey of discipleship? ([45:27])
4. In Psalm 1, what is the result for the person who delights in and meditates on God’s Word?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus warn that it’s possible to study the Bible diligently and still miss the point? What does it mean to “come to Him to have life”? ([57:26])
2. The sermon compared discipleship to gardening rather than climbing a ladder. What does this suggest about how we should approach spiritual growth and setbacks? ([45:27])
3. The pastor said that spiritual disciplines are “an investment in our future, not a punishment for our past.” How does this change the way we think about reading the Bible or other spiritual practices? ([47:39])
4. What does it look like to “inhabit” the Scriptures instead of just referencing them for answers? ([01:03:38])
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor suggested that forming habits of Scripture reading requires intentionality and creativity. What is one daily routine you could attach Bible reading to this week? ([01:09:01])
2. When you read the Bible, do you tend to look for information, answers, or inspiration? How might you shift your approach to “inhabit” the story and let it shape your identity? ([01:03:38])
3. The sermon mentioned that all of Scripture points to Jesus. The next time you read a passage, how could you look for how it connects to Jesus and His work? ([57:26])
4. The pastor shared that regular engagement with Scripture can reduce stress and bring peace. Have you experienced this? If not, what might be holding you back from making the Bible your “habitat”? ([01:09:01])
5. Think about a time when your spiritual growth felt slow or you had to revisit the same lesson. How does the “gardening” metaphor help you see that experience differently? ([45:27])
6. The sermon encouraged prioritizing the Gospels. What would it look like for you to spend the next 50 days reading two chapters a day from Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John? Is there someone you could invite to join you in this? ([01:06:13])
7. The pastor said, “It’s a really important thing to understand the Bible. It’s an even better thing to stand under the Bible.” What’s one way you can let God’s Word be your shelter and guide this week? ([01:02:53])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to give your group a fresh joy and hunger for His Word, and to help you not just read the Bible, but truly inhabit it—letting it shape your hearts, minds, and community.
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship Is a Lifelong Adventure of Following Jesus
Discipleship is not simply about agreeing to a set of beliefs or doctrines; it is a lifelong adventure of pursuing Jesus wherever He leads. This journey involves accepting His call into a new community, discovering your true identity in relationship with Him, reordering your priorities around His plan, and inviting others to experience the wonders of God's kingdom with you. It is not a checklist or a straight path, but a dynamic, ongoing process that shapes every aspect of your life as you grow closer to Christ. [40:55]
Matthew 4:19 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you sense Jesus inviting you to follow Him more closely this week? How can you take a practical step toward that today?
Day 2: We Are Saved by Grace, Not by Works
The practices of discipleship are not a plan of salvation or a way to earn God’s favor; rather, they are a response to the grace we have already received through faith in Jesus Christ. Christianity teaches that salvation is a gift, not a reward for good behavior or spiritual achievement. The disciplines and practices we engage in are not about securing our place in heaven, but about growing in intimacy with God and living out the new life He has given us. [43:52]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Reflection: In what ways do you sometimes slip into thinking you need to earn God’s love or approval? How can you remind yourself today that you are saved by grace alone?
Day 3: The Scriptures Point Us to Jesus
Studying the Bible is not just about gaining knowledge or following religious routines; it is about encountering Jesus Himself. All of Scripture serves as a series of arrows pointing to Christ, and the true purpose of Bible study is to draw near to Him, not just to accumulate facts or check off a spiritual duty. When we read the Bible, we are invited to look beyond the words and stories to see the living Savior at the center of it all. [57:26]
John 5:39-40 (ESV)
You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
Reflection: As you read the Bible this week, how can you intentionally look for Jesus in the passages you encounter? What might it look like to come to Him for life, rather than just information?
Day 4: Inhabit the Scriptures—Make God’s Story Your Home
The Bible is not just a reference book or a tool for finding answers; it is meant to be our spiritual habitat, the environment in which we live and grow. To inhabit the Scriptures means to meditate on them, to let them shape our thoughts and actions, and to make them our dwelling place. As we abide in God’s Word, it becomes our shelter, our guide, and the source of blessing and strength for our journey. [01:03:38]
Psalm 1:1-2 (ESV)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
Reflection: What is one practical way you can make God’s Word more central in your daily routine, so that it becomes your spiritual home?
Day 5: Intentional Habits in Scripture Lead to Flourishing
Habits of engaging with Scripture do not form by accident; they require intentionality and creativity. By linking Bible reading to existing routines and making it a regular part of your life, you open yourself to the transforming power and peace that God’s Word brings. Research even shows that regular engagement with the Bible can reduce stress and increase well-being, reminding us that God’s story is not only true but also life-giving for all who dwell in it. [01:09:01]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Reflection: What is one daily habit you already have that you could pair with reading or reflecting on Scripture, so that God’s Word becomes a natural and life-giving part of your day?
Quotes
Life as a follower of his is not simply about agreeing to a certain set of ideas. It's about carrying out a very specific kind of job. [00:34:05]
Discipleship is the lifelong adventure of pursuing Jesus where he leads. It means accepting Jesus' call into a new community, belonging to a new kind of family. It's about discovering your true identity in relationship with him. It's about reordering your priorities around his plan. And then it's about discipling others, inviting other people to experience the wonders of the kingdom of God with you. [00:41:29]
Most importantly, we have to realize that the practices of pursuit do not represent a plan of salvation. This is so, so critical to understand. It is not a matter of doing these tasks in order to earn your way into heaven. [00:43:42]
Here at Elmbrook, we believe that we are saved by grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. It is not by works, lest anyone could boast about it. We are doing these practices not in order to obtain a ticket for eternity. [00:44:24]
Discipleship instead is a journey involving like a network of different nodes. And sometimes you have to go back and do things over again. Sometimes you have to refresh your memory. You have to go deeper in certain areas. [00:45:35]
A punishment is a penalty for the past. Discipline is an investment in the future. One is paying off your debts. The other is getting ready for something big. [00:48:08]
When Jesus tells his disciples, do this, don't do that, he's not like on a power trip. He's inviting them into submission for the sake of their growth and their futures. It takes humility to let Jesus tell us what to do. But we have to enter this space with our egos checked at the door. [00:51:00]
For Jewish people learning was a kind of worship in and of itself and even their architecture...was engineered to put the text in the place of priority...in a 176 verse long acrostic poem the writer celebrates the wonders of scripture...the bible is like honey on my tongue...it's like silver and it's like gold, it's precious like that. [00:00:00]
For God's people, every time they opened these scrolls and read these words and listened to the stories, it was a kind of recreating experience in them. They got new again every time they read from the Bible. And the communities around Galilee were convinced that they were only as strong. They could only face the world to the extent that they were committed to the scriptural text. [00:56:12]
What Jesus does teach them though, is that they need to be studying the scriptures in a certain kind of way. In John chapter 5, Jesus is having a conversation with some of his adversaries and they're talking about how you know God's truth, how you know God's will. And here's what Jesus says in verse 39. He says to some of the scholars, he says, you study the scriptures diligently. [00:56:53]
Jesus' view of scriptural study is that it actually has a purpose beyond just the discipline of doing it. It's directing you toward him. All the reading is great. All the memorization is great. But if you don't find the Messiah, you're kind of missing the point. [00:59:24]
Here's what the 17th century theologian John Flavel said. He said, the knowledge of Jesus Christ is the very marrow and kernel of all the scriptures. The scope and center of all divine revelations. All the scriptures are Jesus' script. All of this history is his story. [01:00:37]
So the call for disciples then and disciples now is to plunge ourselves into the Bible, not simply as a duty or responsibility or in a way to prove the holiness that you have by reading like 150 chapters every day. Today, the idea is to inhabit the scriptures in order to experience the presence of Jesus. [01:01:36]
A habitat is a place where something lives, right? Where you dwell. And if you take certain animals out of their proper habitat, they can't live. They're done for, right? An aardvark cannot live in the Arctic. A fish will not survive on the floor. That is not the proper habitat. In the same way, Christians must inhabit God's great story. [01:02:21]
It's a really important thing to understand the Bible. It's an even better thing to stand under the Bible. To have it be our shelter and our shield in a time of storm. It's a great thing to live out the scriptures. It's a far better thing to live in them. To make them our spiritual dwelling place. [01:03:01]
Psalm 1 says, blessed is the one who meditates upon God's word all day long. Who meditates on the scripture all through the night. Blessing comes to us when we abide in the scriptures. It's not about proof texting or looking up an item or checking something off a to -do list. It's more than that. It's about a way of being that arises out of our experience with God's precious word. [01:04:20]
Elmbrook Church, as we move our way into an increasingly ambiguous and dark and difficult world, we got to be more like that. We have to stay attached to God's holy word. We have to find our home in it to make God's story our native land and our basis for life in the world. [01:05:20]
Habits in scripture reading do not form by accident. They are the result of intent. I was doing some research this week on how habits get formed in people, and there's more and more research pointing to scientifically proven ways that habits get formed in people. And one of them is called the implementation intention process. [01:07:39]
Some of the cares and anxieties of our world just get smaller and easier to handle when we make our home in this great story. Church, we must inhabit the Scriptures. [01:10:18]
There is awesome authority in this book that isn't just a book. There is matchless beauty contained here. For more than 3,000 years, what you hold in your hand, the recorded acts of God, the beauty of the Psalms, the refining energy of the prophets, the guidance of the epistles has formed our people. It's from and through and because of this book. [01:10:47]
The scriptures are more insightful than any sage, more inspirational than any sonnet, more innovative than any strategist. The Bible is a source of joy. Hold it. It is a spring of encouragement for your thirsty soul. It is a summit of power on the days when you feel like you have no strength left. Generation upon generation has found its purpose through God's Word, and so will we. Because all of this, all of this points us back to Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, and the greatest disciple maker of them all. [01:11:47]
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