Discipleship: The Heartbeat of a Healthy Church
Summary
In our journey through the series on the marks of a healthy church, we have come to understand that a church's vitality is not measured by its longevity, its social influence, or its size, but by its commitment to the biblical principles that define its existence. Today, we delve into the essence of discipleship and conversion, which are central to the life of a healthy church.
Discipleship is the heartbeat of our Christian walk. It is the process of learning to follow Jesus, and in turn, helping others to do the same. It is not merely about adhering to a set of teachings or emulating a moral example; it is about being united with Christ through faith. This union means that our sins are transferred to Him, and His righteousness is imputed to us. We celebrate this truth every Sunday, recognizing that Jesus lived the perfect life we could not and died the death we deserved.
The importance of discipleship cannot be overstated. It is through discipleship that we grow in our knowledge of God and become more Christ-like. This growth is not optional; it is essential for every believer. As we come to know God more, we understand His character, His trustworthiness, and His sovereign work throughout history. We learn to face life's challenges with a God-centered perspective.
Discipleship also transforms us to reflect Christ's character. We become people who live such good lives that even those who do not believe may come to glorify God. This transformation is not a solitary endeavor; it is done in community, where we hold each other accountable, encourage one another, and correct each other in love.
Practically, discipleship involves intentional actions. We must choose someone to disciple, commit to meeting regularly, and be deliberate in our approach. We can incorporate discipleship into the margins of our lives, using everyday activities as opportunities to mentor and guide others. Encouragement plays a significant role in discipleship, as does correction when necessary. All of this must be done with humility, recognizing our own weaknesses and the grace that covers us.
My personal experience with a colleague who became a committed Christian and is now discipling others is a testament to the ripple effect of discipleship. We may not always see the immediate fruits of our labor, but God works through our obedience to produce a harvest beyond our imagination.
As we continue to explore the marks of a healthy church, let us remember that discipleship is not just a program or a ministry; it is the very lifeblood of our church. It is through discipleship that we grow deeper in our relationship with Christ and help others to do the same.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is the process of becoming united with Christ and helping others to follow Him. It is not about what we do, but about what Christ has done for us. Through discipleship, we grow in our knowledge of God and become more like Christ, reflecting His character in our lives. [41:08]
- A healthy church is characterized by a serious concern for discipleship. This means that the church prioritizes the spiritual growth of its members, understanding that this growth is not optional but essential for every believer. Discipleship is the means by which we grow in our love and knowledge of God. [27:06]
- Discipleship requires intentionality and commitment. It involves choosing someone to disciple, being deliberate in our approach, and fitting discipleship into the margins of our lives. This can be as simple as sharing a meal, running errands together, or praying with someone. [47:50]
- Encouragement is a vital aspect of discipleship. Every person needs encouragement, and by building each other up, we fulfill one of the key functions of discipleship. This encouragement is more effective than correction, though correction is also necessary when done in love. [53:15]
- Humility is essential in discipleship. We must lead by example, showing our weaknesses and being quick to repent and confess our sins. This demonstrates that our justification comes not from ourselves but from Christ, and it teaches others the importance of humility in their walk with God. [55:01]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. John 10:11 (NIV)
> "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
3. 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
> "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples?
2. In John 10:11, how does Jesus describe His role as the Good Shepherd, and what does this imply about His relationship with His followers?
3. What does 2 Peter 3:18 encourage believers to do, and why is this important for discipleship?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 shape our understanding of the church's mission in terms of discipleship? [37:35]
2. What does it mean to be united with Christ by faith, as described in the sermon, and how does this union impact our daily lives? [29:39]
3. How can the knowledge of God, as mentioned in 2 Peter 3:18, help believers face life's challenges with a God-centered perspective? [41:08]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the Great Commission, how can you personally contribute to making disciples in your community? What practical steps can you take this week? [37:35]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of intentionality in discipleship. Identify one person you can start discipling. How will you approach them, and what will your first meeting look like? [47:50]
3. Encouragement is a vital aspect of discipleship. Think of someone in your church or community who needs encouragement. How can you intentionally build them up this week? [53:15]
4. Humility is essential in discipleship. Reflect on a recent situation where you needed to show humility. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from that experience to apply in future discipleship efforts? [55:01]
5. The sermon mentioned using everyday activities as opportunities for discipleship. Identify one routine activity in your life where you can incorporate discipleship. How will you make this change? [47:50]
6. How can you ensure that your discipleship efforts are grounded in the knowledge of God and not just in activities or programs? What resources or practices can help you grow in your understanding of God? [41:08]
7. Reflect on the story shared in the sermon about the colleague who became a committed Christian. How does this story inspire you to be more proactive in your discipleship efforts? What specific action will you take this week? [38:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Union with Christ in Discipleship
Discipleship is the journey of becoming one with Christ and extending that relationship to others. It is not a mere adherence to doctrine or moral example, but a profound union with Jesus through faith. This union is transformative, transferring our sins to Christ and clothing us in His righteousness. It is a cause for celebration, as it acknowledges the perfect life Jesus lived on our behalf and the sacrificial death He endured for our redemption. As disciples, we are called to grow in our knowledge of God, which in turn shapes us to be more like Christ. This transformation is evident in our character and actions, influencing others to glorify God through our example.
[41:08]
Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
Reflection: How does understanding your union with Christ through faith change the way you approach your personal discipleship and the discipleship of others?
Day 2: The Priority of Spiritual Growth
A healthy church is marked by its dedication to the spiritual growth of its members. This growth is not a mere option but a necessity for every believer. Through discipleship, individuals deepen their love and knowledge of God, learning to trust in His character and sovereignty. The church must prioritize discipleship, recognizing it as the means to cultivate a deeper relationship with God and to foster a community that reflects Christ's character.
[27:06]
Ephesians 4:15-16 - "Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love."
Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the spiritual growth of your church community, and how can you make discipleship a priority in your own life?
Day 3: Intentionality in Discipleship
Discipleship requires a deliberate and committed approach. It involves choosing individuals to disciple and investing time and effort into these relationships. Discipleship can be woven into the fabric of daily life, using ordinary activities as opportunities to mentor and guide. This intentional living ensures that discipleship is not confined to structured programs but is a natural outflow of one's life.
[47:50]
1 Thessalonians 2:8 - "So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."
Reflection: Who has God placed in your life that you can intentionally disciple, and what are some practical ways you can start incorporating discipleship into your daily routine?
Day 4: Encouragement in the Discipleship Journey
Encouragement is a cornerstone of discipleship. It is through building each other up that we fulfill a key function of discipleship. Encouragement often has a more profound impact than correction, though both are necessary. By encouraging one another, we help to foster a positive environment where growth can occur, and where individuals are motivated to live out their faith authentically.
[53:15]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you be a source of encouragement to someone in your faith community this week, and what specific actions will you take to do so?
Day 5: Humility as the Foundation of Discipleship
Humility is essential in the life of a disciple. It is through acknowledging our weaknesses and our need for Christ's grace that we can lead others effectively. Demonstrating humility in our walk with God teaches others the importance of repentance and reliance on Christ for our righteousness. This humble approach to discipleship allows us to connect with others authentically, fostering a community of grace and growth.
[55:01]
Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you need to practice humility, and how can you model this humility in your discipleship relationships?
Quotes
1) "A true disciple of Christ is spiritually united to Christ by faith. This means that all of our sin has now become His, and all of His righteousness in the gospel has now become ours." [30:21] (Download | )
2) "Discipleship is the process of learning how to follow. To be a disciple of Christ means much more than just following Jesus's example and teaching; it means to be united to Him by faith." [29:39] (Download | )
3) "Discipleship helps us grow in two main ways: it helps us grow in knowledge of God and it helps us become more Christ-like." [41:08] (Download | Download cropped video)
4) "In discipleship, we not only grow in knowledge but we also grow in our character, in our Christ-likeness, in our Holiness." [45:23] (Download | )
5) "We have to fit discipleship sometimes in the margins of our life, and those margins of time can be important and actually you can get to know someone." [52:38] (Download | )
6) "Encouraging one another is a great way of discipling someone else. It's also way better than correcting someone, though we do need correction too." [53:15] (Download | )
7) "As believers, we should be open to correction because we know the deceitfulness of sin and the wickedness of our own heart." [54:25] (Download | )
8) "In discipleship, we lead the way in displaying our weakness among gospel believers and where appropriate, we should be humble to admit when we're wrong." [55:01] (Download | )
9) "The source of true discipleship is not better programs, better preaching, or better community... but the source of discipleship is God Himself." [43:01] (Download | )
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