Discipleship: The Core of Christian Life
Summary
In this sermon, I explored the concept of discipleship as the ultimate goal of the Christian life. I began by expressing gratitude for the variety of translations of God's word that can speak to us in fresh and new ways. I then delved into the third part of a three-part series where I discussed three of the most important lessons that have informed my approach to ministry. I emphasized the importance of discipleship to Jesus, arguing that without it, other aspects of Christian life lose their focus, foundation, and center. I also critiqued a secular definition of discipleship that equates Jesus with a philosophy, offering my own definition as the act of following our teacher and Lord Jesus and becoming more and more like him.
In the second part of the sermon, I examined Matthew 28:16-20 in the context of the whole gospel narrative of Matthew. I highlighted the special emphasis on discipleship, teaching, and mission in the gospel of Matthew. I also discussed the Great Commission, noting the repeated use of the word "all" and the importance of mountains as high places where significant events occur. I concluded by reminding the congregation that Jesus' promise of his presence with us as we fulfill his command to make disciples provides motivation and reassurance, even when the task seems daunting.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship to Jesus is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. Without it, other aspects of Christian life lose their focus, foundation, and center ([06:41]).
- The act of discipleship is following our teacher and Lord Jesus and becoming more and more like him ([14:33]).
- The Gospel of Matthew places a special emphasis on discipleship, teaching, and mission ([16:40]).
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20) is a command to make disciples, underpinned by Jesus' promise of his presence with us ([27:09]).
- Discipleship is not just for new believers but is a lifelong journey towards becoming more like Jesus ([28:34]).
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 28:16-20 #!!15:15!!#
2. New Testament #!!06:41!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the passage Matthew 28:16-20 in the context of discipleship?
2. How does the New Testament describe the concept of discipleship?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Matthew 28:16-20 guide us in understanding the ultimate goal of Christian life?
2. How does the New Testament's depiction of discipleship align with the concept of becoming more like Jesus?
Application Questions:
1. How can you apply the concept of discipleship in your daily life to become more like Jesus?
2. Can you identify a person in your life who you see as a mentor in your journey of discipleship? How do they embody the teachings of Jesus?
3. How can you contribute to the discipleship of others in your community? Can you think of specific ways to guide and support them in their journey?
4. Reflecting on Matthew 28:16-20, how can you actively participate in the 'Great Commission' in your current context?
5. How can you ensure that your pursuit of authenticity and truth aligns with the goal of discipleship to Jesus?
Devotional
Day 1: The Complexity of Christian Life
Christian life is not a simple journey. It is a complex, challenging, and difficult path that requires constant navigation and spiritual growth. Just as a coach guides an athlete, we need spiritual guidance to correct and improve ourselves in our Christian journey ([32:45]).
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 - "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever."
Reflection: Reflect on your Christian journey. What are the complexities you have encountered and how have you navigated through them?
Day 2: The Power of God's Word
God's word is powerful and true. It is beyond and outside of ourselves, and it is the ultimate truth that can set us free ([07:27]).
Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Reflection: How has God's word influenced your life? Can you recall a specific instance where His word guided you or set you free?
Day 3: The Ultimate Goal of Christian Life
The ultimate goal of Christian life is discipleship to Jesus. Without it, everything else in Christian life will lose its focus, foundation, and center ([13:06]).
Luke 9:23 - "Then he said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: How are you practicing discipleship in your daily life? What steps can you take to become a better disciple of Jesus?
Day 4: The Act of Following Jesus
Following Jesus is not just about adhering to a philosophy. It is about becoming more and more like Him ([14:33]).
Ephesians 5:1-2 - "Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
Reflection: In what ways are you striving to become more like Jesus? How can you better emulate His love and sacrifice in your daily life?
Day 5: The Importance of Authenticity, Community, and Discipleship
Authenticity, community, and discipleship are crucial in our Christian journey. They help us grow into maturity and become more like Jesus ([40:04]).
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: How are you fostering authenticity, community, and discipleship in your life? How can you encourage and build up others in your Christian community?
Quotes
1. "Today, as we come to your word, we acknowledge that your word is powerful and true and is beyond and outside of ourselves. We are looking to you to speak a word of Truth, a word in power and in Authority, something that takes us Beyond ourselves to the truth about who you are that can truly set free ourselves and this world in which we live." - 07:27
2. "We have a precious message to offer the world and it is our responsibility and even our mandate, our mission to get that message out. We walk this line between obeying Jesus and trying to be sensitive and appropriate in the context in which we live so that we can lift up the positive aspects of the cultures of people around us." - 03:49
3. "How do we grow, how do we become mature? Well, how did Jesus do it? He didn't just stand on a mountain and teach, although he did do that, he walked with his disciples, 12 of them he chose, he selected, and three of them he walked even closer with to show them what life with him was like, to try to help them understand what being a disciple was all about." - 33:33
4. "These brothers and sister, they helped carry my burden during that time, they helped to encourage me during that time, they helped to show Jesus's Mercy for me, his grace for me, his love for me and show me how God wanted to interact with me. They knew God in ways that I didn't know that well during that time." - 35:47
5. "In Matthew, there is a special heightened focus on discipleship and on teaching and on Mission. Discipleship, teaching, and Mission, and this text serves as the very climax of The Gospel, the very end of the Gospel here. This text I've highlighted just a various words that really call out to us and indicate to us what kind of text this is about." - 17:25
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