Discipleship: Stepping Out and Following Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we begin a two-part series that will lead us into our June focus. We will explore what it means to be a disciple and how strong disciples build a strong church. This week, we will focus on who we are following, and next week, we will delve into what we are focused on. Our theme scripture for these two weeks is 1 Peter 2:21, which reminds us that Christ left us an example to follow. Discipleship is not about comfort; it involves stepping out of our comfort zones, just as Jesus did.
Jesus never asked anyone to be a Christian; He called us to be disciples. Being a disciple means being yourself while following Jesus. It’s not about copying Jesus exactly but about bringing your unique self into the journey of following Him. You will face challenges and think you are not good enough, but Jesus wants you to follow Him as you are.
We often let little things become big issues, leading us to complain and lose sight of who we are following. Instead, we should use God's Word as our guide. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. As disciples, we should be Spirit-led, which means listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us in sharing Christ boldly, even in difficult situations.
To be a disciple, we must follow Jesus wherever He goes, even into uncomfortable places. This includes carrying our cross, facing persecution, and living a life that reflects Jesus' resurrection and ascension. Following Jesus means living where He is now—seated at the right hand of God, victorious over sin and death.
We are called to live a life worthy of our calling, as stated in Ephesians 4:1. This means living a resolved, excuse-free life. We often make excuses for not following Jesus fully, but true discipleship requires us to be obedient and faithful, even when it’s uncomfortable. We must change our vocabulary and mindset to reflect our commitment to Jesus.
Being a disciple also means using God's Word in every aspect of our lives. James 1:22 tells us to not merely listen to the Word but to do what it says. This involves applying, inspiring, and revealing God's Word in our daily lives. We must be grateful for what we have and follow Jesus with respect and honor.
Today, as we take communion, we are making a covenant to follow Jesus fully. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a commitment to be in common union with Jesus. By taking the bread and the cup, we are symbolizing that Jesus is in us, pushing out our comfort and concerns, and sealing our commitment to be His disciples.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discipleship Requires Stepping Out of Comfort Zones: Jesus left us an example of stepping out of comfort to follow God's will. Discipleship is not about living a comfortable life but about following Jesus even when it involves suffering and challenges. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zones to truly follow Him. [02:50]
2. Use God's Word as Your Guide: All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. As disciples, we should rely on God's Word to guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we are aligned with His will. [44:08]
3. Be Spirit-Led: Being Spirit-led means listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us in sharing Christ boldly, even in difficult situations. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak about Jesus, gives us strength when we are weak, and fills us with hope. [45:29]
4. Live a Resolved, Excuse-Free Life: To be a disciple, we must live a life worthy of our calling, free from excuses. This involves changing our vocabulary and mindset to reflect our commitment to Jesus, being obedient to His commands, and following Him faithfully. [36:18]
5. Communion as a Covenant: Taking communion is a commitment to be in common union with Jesus. It symbolizes that Jesus is in us, pushing out our comfort and concerns, and sealing our commitment to be His disciples. This covenant requires us to follow Jesus fully and faithfully. [49:21]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [01:09] - Introduction to Discipleship Series
3. [02:50] - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
4. [04:18] - Following Jesus
5. [05:48] - Being Unique in Discipleship
6. [36:18] - Living a Resolved, Excuse-Free Life
7. [44:08] - Using God's Word
8. [45:29] - Being Spirit-Led
9. [49:21] - Communion as a Covenant
10. [50:30] - Commitment to Follow Jesus
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:21 (NIV) - "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps."
2. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV) - "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."
3. James 1:22 (NIV) - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:21, what example did Christ leave for us to follow? How does this relate to the concept of discipleship? [02:50]
2. What does 2 Timothy 3:16-17 say about the purpose of Scripture? How should this influence our daily lives as disciples? [44:08]
3. In James 1:22, what are we instructed to do with the Word of God? How does this align with the sermon’s message about discipleship? [42:39]
4. The sermon mentioned that Jesus never asked anyone to be a Christian but called us to be disciples. What is the significance of this distinction? [05:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does stepping out of our comfort zones, as Jesus did, challenge our understanding of discipleship? What are some practical ways we can step out of our comfort zones in our daily lives? [02:50]
2. The sermon emphasized being Spirit-led. How can we discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in difficult situations? Can you recall a time when you felt led by the Spirit to act boldly? [45:29]
3. What does it mean to live a resolved, excuse-free life as a disciple of Jesus? How can changing our vocabulary and mindset help us achieve this? [36:18]
4. Communion was described as a covenant to follow Jesus fully. How does this understanding of communion deepen your commitment to discipleship? [49:21]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt challenged to step out of your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what might you do differently next time to follow Jesus more closely? [02:50]
2. How can you incorporate the use of Scripture more effectively in your daily decisions and actions? Identify one specific area of your life where you can apply a biblical principle this week. [44:08]
3. Think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to share your faith. How did you respond, and what steps can you take to be more responsive to the Spirit’s guidance in the future? [45:29]
4. What are some common excuses you make that prevent you from fully following Jesus? How can you change your mindset and vocabulary to live a more resolved, excuse-free life? [36:18]
5. During communion, we commit to being in common union with Jesus. How can you remind yourself of this commitment throughout the week? What practical steps can you take to live out this covenant daily? [49:21]
6. Identify one specific way you can use God’s Word to address a current challenge in your life. How can you ensure that you are not just hearing the Word but also doing what it says? [42:39]
7. Reflect on your current level of discipleship. Are there areas where you feel you are not fully following Jesus? What changes can you make to align more closely with His example and teachings? [05:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
Discipleship requires us to step out of our comfort zones, just as Jesus did. Following Jesus is not about living a comfortable life but about embracing challenges and suffering for the sake of God's will. Jesus' life was marked by moments where He stepped into uncomfortable situations to fulfill His mission. As His disciples, we are called to do the same. This means being willing to face persecution, carry our cross, and live a life that reflects Jesus' resurrection and ascension. It is through these challenges that we grow stronger in our faith and become more like Christ. [02:50]
1 Peter 4:12-13 (ESV): "Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out of your comfort zone? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?
Day 2: Using God's Word as Your Guide
God's Word is a powerful tool for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. As disciples, we must rely on scripture to guide our actions and decisions, ensuring that we are aligned with God's will. The Bible is not just a book of stories; it is God-breathed and useful for every aspect of our lives. By immersing ourselves in scripture, we allow God's truth to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This helps us to stay focused on who we are following and prevents us from getting distracted by the little things that can become big issues. [44:08]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to ensure that scripture is guiding your decisions and actions?
Day 3: Being Spirit-Led
Being Spirit-led means listening to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to guide us in sharing Christ boldly, even in difficult situations. The Holy Spirit empowers us to speak about Jesus, gives us strength when we are weak, and fills us with hope. As disciples, we must be attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading and be willing to follow His guidance, even when it takes us out of our comfort zones. This requires a deep relationship with God and a sensitivity to His voice. By being Spirit-led, we can effectively share the message of Christ and live out our faith in a way that impacts others. [45:29]
Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."
Reflection: In what ways can you become more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your life? How can you practice being Spirit-led in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 4: Living a Resolved, Excuse-Free Life
To be a disciple, we must live a life worthy of our calling, free from excuses. This involves changing our vocabulary and mindset to reflect our commitment to Jesus, being obedient to His commands, and following Him faithfully. Often, we make excuses for not fully following Jesus, but true discipleship requires us to be resolved and excuse-free. This means living a life that is fully surrendered to God, where our actions and decisions are aligned with His will. By doing so, we demonstrate our commitment to Jesus and inspire others to do the same. [36:18]
Ephesians 4:1 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."
Reflection: What excuses have you been making that prevent you from fully following Jesus? How can you change your mindset and actions to live a more resolved, excuse-free life?
Day 5: Communion as a Covenant
Taking communion is a commitment to be in common union with Jesus. It symbolizes that Jesus is in us, pushing out our comfort and concerns, and sealing our commitment to be His disciples. Communion is not just a ritual; it is a covenant that requires us to follow Jesus fully and faithfully. By participating in communion, we are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made for us and our responsibility to live a life that honors Him. This covenant calls us to be grateful for what we have and to follow Jesus with respect and honor. [49:21]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: How does taking communion deepen your commitment to Jesus? What steps can you take to ensure that your life reflects the covenant you have made with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Being spirit led is not about what happens in the room. It's about what happens in your heart. You know, when the spirit says something to you that you should listen to it. So listen to it. Listen to him. The Holy Spirit will give you a couple of things. The Holy Spirit gives you the power to share Christ boldly. Yes, even to that family member that you dread speaking about Jesus to. Yes, even that group of friends that when they found out that you became Christian, they laughed. The Holy Spirit will give you the power to speak about Jesus boldly. The Holy Spirit will give you the power when you are feeling weak. The Holy Spirit will give you the power to have hope, even when things are hopeless." [45:29]
2. "We let little things become so big that we end up complaining about them constantly and we lose sight of who we're following. Enough said. Use God's word. Use God's word. Second Timothy chapter three, verse 16 to 17. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching. Is useful for rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." [44:08]
3. "We are called by Jesus. Don't make the call. What am I called Jesus to? What are we focused on? Well, next week we'll have a look at what am I called to? What am I supposed to be called to? Because Ephesians chapter four in verse one says this, therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling. If Jesus is able to call you, that's pretty huge. That he wants to call you. He wants to speak to you. He wants to get you to do something on his behalf. It's pretty huge. And we can be worthy of that call. We can be worthy of that connection." [36:18]
4. "We ought to be known for our love and our compassion and our faithfulness, but we're known by the world by what we're against. Oh, we're against this. We're against that. We're against the next thing. We don't stand for this. We don't allow this. We can't accept that. That is unacceptable. Take that tattoo out of my church. Don't you dare wear a cap when you come to Jesus. And the world doesn't know what we're for. We're for following Jesus. The world just knows what we're against." [13:13]
### Quotes for Members
1. "To be a follower of Jesus, even when Jesus went down into the pit of hell, we have to go with him. Even when Jesus carried his cross, we have to carry our cross. Even when Jesus was beaten for his faith, we have to understand we're going to be beaten for our faith. Even when Jesus was resurrected on the third day, we were resurrected. From our old life. Even when Jesus ascended on ascension day, we were ascending with him to the right hand of God. Where Jesus goes, we go. Even when Jesus goes into the uncomfortable parts of our life, we go." [29:02]
2. "We are called to live a life worthy of our calling, free from excuses. But calling means that we live resolved and excuse-free. I don't live in excuses. But I just can't be there this evening at the volunteers table. The team night tonight, that's just a little bit out of it. Six o'clock is when I normally catch up on my news reading and just do a few things. So that's like, that's me time. And I don't know why these elders would even thought of making a meeting at that time on a Sunday. I'm all for Jesus though, but I just, I can't be there tonight. It's just, you know, it's just too much, too much." [36:18]
3. "We have to give the following of Jesus the respect he deserves. We have to give the following of Jesus the respect he deserves. I think Jesus deserves us to follow him and give that some kind of honor. Philippians chapter 2 verse 12 says it like this so then my beloved obedient sorry so then my beloved obedient as you've always been oh I wish that somebody could walk up to me and say you know what brother you've been obedient as you've always been I wish that was something that we could all say about each other how many of you realize that we haven't always been obedient." [22:42]
4. "We can't have a church. Unless we have a group of disciples. Church then just becomes a club if we're not the disciples of Jesus Christ. This bread and this cup represents that Jesus set himself up as an example for us to follow. He left us a way in which we should go. He said to us, this is what I want you to do. I want you to remain committed to me so deeply that I'll even tell you that I will be in you and you will be in me. That's how deep our commitment's going to be. I will go wherever you go if you go wherever I go." [50:30]
5. "We let little things become so big that we end up complaining about them constantly and we lose sight of who we're following. Enough said. Use God's word. Use God's word. Second Timothy chapter three, verse 16 to 17. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching. Is useful for rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." [44:08]
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