Discipleship: A Lifelong Journey of Transformation
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into the essence of discipleship and spiritual formation, emphasizing that it is not a short-term course but a lifelong journey of following Jesus. Discipleship is about falling in love with Jesus and being captivated by His person. This journey is not about ticking boxes or earning God's favor but about orienting our lives around Jesus and allowing His Spirit to transform us. We explored the concept of "disciplined grace," a middle path between legalism and apathy, where we intentionally position ourselves to allow God's transformative work in our lives.
We examined the calling of Matthew from the Gospel of Matthew, highlighting how Jesus sees us, calls us, and transforms us. Jesus' call to Matthew, a tax collector and social outcast, demonstrates that Jesus seeks those who recognize their need for Him. The story underscores the importance of seeing Jesus clearly, being captivated by Him, and responding to His call with immediate obedience.
We also discussed the importance of spiritual disciplines or "holy habits" that have been practiced by the church for centuries. These practices help us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. The goal is to yield to the Spirit of God, allowing Him to reshape us into new kinds of humans, molded into the image of Jesus.
The sermon concluded with practical steps for deepening our discipleship: spending time in the Gospels, practicing silence and solitude, and surrounding ourselves with people who exemplify Christ-like character. We are called to be active participants in God's kingdom, doing the "Jesus stuff"—ministering to the broken and needy with the power and authority of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discipleship as a Lifelong Journey: Discipleship is not a short-term course but a lifelong journey of following Jesus. It involves falling in love with Jesus and being captivated by His person. This journey is about orienting our lives around Jesus and allowing His Spirit to transform us, not about ticking boxes or earning God's favor. [32:35]
2. The Path of Disciplined Grace: We must walk the middle path between legalism and apathy, known as "disciplined grace." This path allows God the space in our lives to create in us a clean heart, out of which flows a new kind of life. It involves yielding, allowing, and surrendering to the Spirit of God. [34:16]
3. Seeing Jesus Clearly: The first step in our journey of discipleship is to behold God and see Him clearly. We need to enthrall our minds with a clear vision of Jesus Christ, falling in love with Him to be transformed into His likeness. Love follows knowledge, and we must consider the object of our love earnestly. [39:46]
4. Immediate Obedience to Jesus' Call: When Jesus calls us, our response should be immediate and without negotiation. Matthew's immediate obedience to Jesus' call to "Follow me" exemplifies the kind of response we should have. This involves leaving our old life and trusting Jesus completely. [52:24]
5. Practicing Spiritual Disciplines: Spiritual disciplines or "holy habits" are essential for our spiritual formation. These practices help us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. They are not magic bullets but exercises that soften us and make us more pliable to the creative movements of the Holy Spirit. [57:04]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[0:30] - Introduction to Discipleship
[2:15] - Falling in Love with Jesus
[4:00] - The Journey from Love to Love
[6:00] - Practice in the Way Series
[8:00] - The Path of Disciplined Grace
[10:30] - The Role of Spiritual Disciplines
[12:00] - The Calling of Matthew
[14:00] - Seeing Jesus Clearly
[16:00] - Immediate Obedience to Jesus
[18:00] - Being with Jesus
[20:00] - Jesus' Authority and Power
[22:00] - Practical Steps for Discipleship
[24:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 9:9-13 (NIV)
> As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
2. Psalm 51:10 (NIV)
> Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
3. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
> And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
### Observation Questions
1. What was Matthew doing when Jesus called him, and how did he respond? (Matthew 9:9)
2. According to Jesus, who needs a doctor, and what does He desire instead of sacrifice? (Matthew 9:12-13)
3. What does Psalm 51:10 ask God to create and renew within us?
4. How does 2 Corinthians 3:18 describe the process of transformation for believers?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to call someone like Matthew, a tax collector, to follow Him? What does this tell us about Jesus' mission? [50:35]
2. How does the concept of "disciplined grace" help us understand the balance between legalism and apathy in our spiritual lives? [34:16]
3. What does it mean to "see Jesus clearly" and how does this vision impact our discipleship journey? [39:46]
4. How do spiritual disciplines or "holy habits" contribute to our transformation into the image of Jesus? [57:04]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel like Matthew, needing Jesus' call to "Follow me"? How can you respond to Jesus' call with immediate obedience? [52:24]
2. How can you practice "disciplined grace" in your daily life? Are there specific habits or routines you can adopt to intentionally position yourself for God's transformative work? [34:16]
3. What steps can you take to see Jesus more clearly in your daily life? Consider practical ways to enthrall your mind with a vision of Jesus Christ. [39:46]
4. Identify one spiritual discipline you are not currently practicing. How can you incorporate this discipline into your routine to help you be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did? [57:04]
5. Think about your current community. Are you surrounding yourself with people who exemplify Christ-like character? How can you seek out and spend more time with such individuals? [01:06:07]
6. How can you actively participate in God's kingdom this week? Identify one specific way you can minister to the broken and needy with the power and authority of God. [01:03:12]
7. Reflect on the distractions in your life that prevent you from focusing on Jesus. What specific steps can you take to minimize these distractions and prioritize your relationship with Him? [01:06:07]
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship as a Lifelong Journey
Discipleship is not a short-term course but a lifelong journey of following Jesus. It involves falling in love with Jesus and being captivated by His person. This journey is about orienting our lives around Jesus and allowing His Spirit to transform us, not about ticking boxes or earning God's favor. Discipleship is a continuous process of growth and transformation, where we learn to live in alignment with Jesus' teachings and example. It is a journey from love to love, where our initial encounter with Jesus deepens into a mature, abiding relationship with Him.
As we embark on this journey, it is essential to understand that discipleship is not about perfection but about progress. It is about being willing to be shaped and molded by the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in us and through us. This lifelong journey requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to be vulnerable and open to God's leading. It is a journey that involves both joy and challenges, but it is ultimately a journey that leads to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Jesus. [32:35]
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.'"
Reflection: What are some specific ways you can orient your daily life around Jesus and allow His Spirit to transform you? How can you make space for this lifelong journey of discipleship in your everyday routine?
Day 2: The Path of Disciplined Grace
We must walk the middle path between legalism and apathy, known as "disciplined grace." This path allows God the space in our lives to create in us a clean heart, out of which flows a new kind of life. It involves yielding, allowing, and surrendering to the Spirit of God. Disciplined grace is about finding a balance between striving to live a holy life and resting in God's grace. It is about being intentional in our spiritual practices while recognizing that it is ultimately God's work in us that brings about transformation.
Disciplined grace requires us to be proactive in our spiritual growth, engaging in practices that draw us closer to God, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and participating in community. At the same time, it calls us to trust in God's grace and not rely on our efforts alone. It is a dynamic interplay between our actions and God's grace, where we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in the process of becoming more like Jesus. [34:16]
Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you tend to lean towards legalism or apathy? How can you practice disciplined grace by being intentional in your spiritual growth while relying on God's grace?
Day 3: Seeing Jesus Clearly
The first step in our journey of discipleship is to behold God and see Him clearly. We need to enthrall our minds with a clear vision of Jesus Christ, falling in love with Him to be transformed into His likeness. Love follows knowledge, and we must consider the object of our love earnestly. Seeing Jesus clearly involves spending time in the Gospels, meditating on His words and actions, and allowing His character to captivate our hearts and minds.
When we see Jesus clearly, we are drawn to His beauty, compassion, and holiness. This clear vision of Jesus inspires us to follow Him more closely and to be transformed by His love. It is through this process of beholding Jesus that we are changed from the inside out, becoming more like Him in our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. [39:46]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily life to behold Jesus and see Him clearly? What specific practices can help you to meditate on His words and actions and be captivated by His person?
Day 4: Immediate Obedience to Jesus' Call
When Jesus calls us, our response should be immediate and without negotiation. Matthew's immediate obedience to Jesus' call to "Follow me" exemplifies the kind of response we should have. This involves leaving our old life and trusting Jesus completely. Immediate obedience is a demonstration of our faith and trust in Jesus, showing that we are willing to follow Him wherever He leads.
Immediate obedience requires us to be attentive to Jesus' voice and ready to respond without hesitation. It means being willing to let go of our plans, desires, and comforts to follow Jesus' leading. This kind of obedience is not always easy, but it is essential for our growth as disciples. It is through immediate obedience that we experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers and become active participants in His kingdom work. [52:24]
Luke 5:27-28 (ESV): "After this he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax booth. And he said to him, 'Follow me.' And leaving everything, he rose and followed him."
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where Jesus is calling you to immediate obedience? What steps can you take today to respond to His call without hesitation?
Day 5: Practicing Spiritual Disciplines
Spiritual disciplines or "holy habits" are essential for our spiritual formation. These practices help us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. They are not magic bullets but exercises that soften us and make us more pliable to the creative movements of the Holy Spirit. Spiritual disciplines include practices such as prayer, fasting, reading Scripture, silence and solitude, and serving others.
These disciplines are tools that help us to cultivate a deeper relationship with Jesus and to grow in our likeness to Him. They create space in our lives for the Holy Spirit to work, transforming us from the inside out. By engaging in these practices regularly, we position ourselves to receive God's grace and to be shaped into the image of Jesus. [57:04]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your daily routine to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus? How can you create a plan to practice these disciplines consistently?
Quotes
1. "We have to be captivated by the person of Jesus Christ and I don't want us to forget this as we come into this series. It's not a box ticking exercise, it's not just doing certain things and ticking the box, it is falling in love with a person." [32:35] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We can't actually change ourselves, only the spirit of God can do that but we can intentionally position ourselves to allow the spirit of God access to do that, that transformative work. Dallas Willard says, grace is not opposed to efforts but it is opposed to earning. Earning is an attitude and grace is an action. Grace, you know, does not just have to do with the forgiveness of sins alone." [34:16] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The first step in our journey of discipleship is to behold God, to see him clearly. We cannot follow or devote our life to kind of a vague notion of a distant God. We need to enthrall our minds with a clear vision of Jesus Christ. We need to fall in love with him and be captivated by who he is in order to be transformed into his likeness." [39:46] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus Christ is the smartest, wisest, most powerful, authoritative, compassionate, magnificent human ever to walk the earth. The God-man Jesus Christ. He is divine wisdom and power and love enfleshed in human form. He is the ultimate teacher and authority on moral knowledge. He knows the human heart and the universe inside out." [41:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus seems to have three criteria for following him and entering the eternal life of the kingdom. Number one, knowing that you need help, that you are sick, that you are not okay. Number two, trusting in Jesus for real things and in your real life. And then crucially, doing what Jesus says to do, obeying the command of the king." [48:55] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We don't get to set the terms. We follow Jesus on his terms or not at all. But we can take encouragement from the fact that the disciples, although they had decided to follow, they were not always very good at it or faithful or consistent, but they were followers." [54:04] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We hear that while Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and Jesus. Here Jesus goes and has dinner with the notorious sinner Matthew. And Matthew seems to gather like his other dodgy pals around and Jesus is hanging out. And it's Jesus showing honour and genuine friendship to the socially excluded of his day. He is showing himself here as our Emmanuel, our God with us." [55:43] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The purpose of the spiritual exercises, as we have talked about, they're not a magic bullet for us, but they are exercises that work to soften us and make us more pliable to the creative movements of the Holy Spirit. Because Jesus is the platform of the thought process within us to allow him to reshape us." [58:28] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus says but go and learn what this means I desire Mercy not sacrifice for I have not come to call the righteous but Sinners I like Luke's version which says I have not come to call those who think they are righteous but those who know that they are sinners and Jesus is concerned about our connection to reality and he combats our illusion that we think we're okay because we're just not as bad as that person that's the sickness that will keep us separated from God." [01:01:38] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Perhaps the greatest challenge facing the church today is how to live the life of Jesus how to be his followers in such a way that people will want to follow him too and when it comes to mission that's actually our primary responsibility is to faithfully follow Jesus and that tends to have a kind of magnetic effect." [01:03:12] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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