Embodying Jesus: Whole Life Discipleship Journey
Summary
Whole life discipleship is rooted in the understanding that Jesus is the ultimate authority over all aspects of life, and we can trust Him and learn from Him in everything we do. This journey involves three interconnected elements. First, we learn to do the things Jesus instructed, as outlined in the Gospels and the Old Testament, including the Ten Commandments. These commandments are not just rules to follow but a pathway to becoming the kind of people who naturally embody these principles. For instance, when Jesus teaches us to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no," it becomes a guiding principle in our personal and professional lives, such as in business, where integrity is crucial.
Second, we learn to handle the ordinary affairs of life, whether running a business or managing daily tasks, in partnership with Jesus. This means integrating His teachings and presence into every decision and action, allowing His wisdom to guide us. Finally, we learn to live and act in the power of God, which is essential because the challenges of the world require more than human effort. This involves embracing prayer and a new way of approaching our responsibilities, relying on God's power to work through us.
These three elements are not separate but interwoven, helping us become the kind of people who naturally do what Jesus said, face tasks not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, and rely on God's power in all we do. Through this process, we develop a deep companionship with Jesus, which aids us in making wise decisions and living a life that reflects His teachings.
Key Takeaways:
1. Whole life discipleship begins with recognizing Jesus as the authority over all aspects of life, allowing us to trust and learn from Him in everything we do. This trust transforms our approach to life, enabling us to embody His teachings naturally. [00:23]
2. The Ten Commandments and Jesus' teachings are not just rules but a guide to becoming people who naturally live out these principles. This transformation is crucial in personal and professional settings, where integrity and honesty are vital. [01:14]
3. Integrating Jesus' teachings into everyday life involves learning to handle ordinary tasks with His guidance, whether in business or personal matters. This integration allows His wisdom to influence our decisions and actions. [01:59]
4. Living and acting in the power of God is essential for facing the world's challenges. This involves embracing prayer and a new approach to responsibilities, relying on God's power to work through us. [02:28]
5. The journey of discipleship is about becoming the kind of person who naturally embodies Jesus' teachings, faces life's tasks with His guidance, and relies on God's power. This transformation leads to a deep companionship with Jesus, aiding in wise decision-making. [03:13]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:23] - Whole Life Discipleship
[00:33] - Learning from Jesus
[00:48] - Doing What Jesus Said
[01:00] - The Ten Commandments
[01:14] - Transformation in Business
[01:29] - Integrity in Action
[01:45] - Ordinary Affairs with Jesus
[01:59] - Jesus in Daily Life
[02:13] - Living in God's Power
[02:28] - Embracing Prayer
[02:39] - Becoming Like Jesus
[02:58] - Facing Life's Tasks
[03:13] - Companionship with Jesus
[03:27] - Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Whole Life Discipleship
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:37 - "Let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."
2. Exodus 20:1-17 - The Ten Commandments
3. Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the role of the Ten Commandments in our lives today? [01:00]
2. How does the sermon describe the integration of Jesus' teachings into our daily tasks, such as running a business? [01:59]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of living and acting in the power of God? [02:28]
4. What examples were given in the sermon about how to handle ordinary affairs with Jesus' guidance? [01:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the principle of letting your "yes" be "yes" and your "no" be "no" apply to personal integrity in professional settings? [01:29]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Ten Commandments are more than just rules to follow? [01:14]
3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between prayer and acting in the power of God? [02:28]
4. What does the sermon imply about the transformation process of becoming the kind of person who naturally embodies Jesus' teachings? [02:58]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you incorporate Jesus' teachings into that decision, and what was the outcome? [01:59]
2. Consider a situation at work where integrity was crucial. How did you ensure your actions aligned with the principle of letting your "yes" be "yes"? [01:29]
3. Identify a daily task where you can invite Jesus' guidance. What steps will you take to integrate His teachings into this task? [01:59]
4. Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can you rely on God's power to address this challenge, and what role does prayer play in this process? [02:28]
5. Describe a time when you felt a deep companionship with Jesus. How did this relationship influence your decision-making? [03:13]
6. Choose one of the Ten Commandments and reflect on how you can embody it more naturally in your life. What changes might you need to make? [01:14]
7. How can you cultivate a habit of seeking Jesus' wisdom in both ordinary and extraordinary situations in your life? [01:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting Jesus as the Ultimate Authority
Whole life discipleship begins with recognizing Jesus as the authority over all aspects of life, allowing us to trust and learn from Him in everything we do. This trust transforms our approach to life, enabling us to embody His teachings naturally. When we acknowledge Jesus as the ultimate authority, we open ourselves to a transformative journey where His teachings guide our actions and decisions. This journey is not about following a set of rules but about becoming the kind of person who naturally lives out the principles Jesus taught. By trusting in His authority, we allow His wisdom to permeate every aspect of our lives, from personal relationships to professional endeavors. This trust is foundational to whole life discipleship, as it enables us to navigate life's complexities with integrity and purpose. [00:23]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to recognize Jesus' authority? How can you begin to trust Him more in that area today?
Day 2: Living Out the Commandments with Integrity
The Ten Commandments and Jesus' teachings are not just rules but a guide to becoming people who naturally live out these principles. This transformation is crucial in personal and professional settings, where integrity and honesty are vital. By internalizing these teachings, we become individuals who naturally embody integrity and honesty in all aspects of life. This transformation is not about mere compliance but about a deep-seated change in character that reflects Jesus' teachings. In professional settings, this means conducting business with honesty and fairness, while in personal relationships, it involves being truthful and trustworthy. As we align our lives with these principles, we become a testament to the transformative power of Jesus' teachings. [01:14]
Psalm 15:1-2 (ESV): "O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate integrity and honesty in your workplace or community this week? How can you ensure your actions align with Jesus' teachings?
Day 3: Integrating Jesus' Teachings into Daily Life
Integrating Jesus' teachings into everyday life involves learning to handle ordinary tasks with His guidance, whether in business or personal matters. This integration allows His wisdom to influence our decisions and actions. By inviting Jesus into our daily routines, we allow His presence to shape our choices and interactions. This means seeking His guidance in both significant decisions and mundane tasks, ensuring that His wisdom permeates every aspect of our lives. As we learn to rely on His teachings, we find that our actions become more aligned with His will, leading to a life that reflects His love and grace. [01:59]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Think of a routine task you do daily. How can you invite Jesus into that task and allow His wisdom to guide you?
Day 4: Embracing God's Power in Challenges
Living and acting in the power of God is essential for facing the world's challenges. This involves embracing prayer and a new approach to responsibilities, relying on God's power to work through us. In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, human effort alone is insufficient. By embracing God's power, we tap into a source of strength and wisdom that transcends our limitations. This involves a commitment to prayer and a willingness to approach our responsibilities with a reliance on God's guidance. As we do so, we find that we are better equipped to navigate life's challenges, drawing on His power to overcome obstacles and fulfill our purpose. [02:28]
Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing? How can you rely on God's power and wisdom to help you overcome it?
Day 5: Developing Companionship with Jesus
The journey of discipleship is about becoming the kind of person who naturally embodies Jesus' teachings, faces life's tasks with His guidance, and relies on God's power. This transformation leads to a deep companionship with Jesus, aiding in wise decision-making. As we grow in our discipleship journey, we develop a profound relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, guidance, and reliance on His power. This companionship is not just about following His teachings but about walking with Him daily, allowing His presence to influence our thoughts and actions. Through this relationship, we gain the wisdom and discernment needed to make decisions that align with His will, leading to a life that reflects His love and purpose. [03:13]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper companionship with Jesus in your daily life? What practices can you incorporate to ensure you are abiding in Him consistently?
Quotes
"Whole life discipleship comes from the recognition that Jesus is the one in charge of everything, and I can trust him and learn from him. And then, in our work, the CEOs that have spoken so eloquently here today and last night, you see, they are simply learning how to learn from Jesus, how to do everything they do as he would do them if he were they." [00:11:00]
"Basically, there are three things you're learning. One is how to do the things he said do. So we have all the lists of things both in the Gospels and in the Old Testament. I mean, even the Ten Commandments. I'll tell you, the Ten Commandments are really good. If you just try to do them, you'll wind up trusting God for sure, because you're sure going to be in trouble with men." [00:48:00]
"And God will come to your aid because, you see, on this point, we're not trying just to do the Ten Commandments or what Jesus said. We're trying to become the kind of people who would routinely and easily do them. See, we're trying to become the kind of person who would look at, for example, Jesus's teaching, let your yes be a yes and your no be a no." [01:19:00]
"And is that ever important in business? And we look at that, we say, well, who would want to do anything else? See, that's the transformation that we're aiming at as disciples of Jesus. And then we're not only learning that, we're learning how to do the ordinary affairs of life, running our Taco Bell or our bank or whatever it is, to do it with Jesus." [01:05:00]
"And the final thing I would just mention here, and these are not three separate things, they actually go together, is we're learning how to live and act in the power of God. That's absolutely crucial because the world being what it is, we can't do our business the way Jesus would do it unless we're acting in the power of God." [01:31:00]
"That involves prayer, that involves a whole different way of embracing, embracing the tasks that are before us. Those three things, we're becoming the kind of person who does what Jesus said, the kind of person who looks at the Ten Commandments and, well, of course, we're becoming the kind of person who is able to face the multitudes of tasks which are not in the Bible." [01:55:00]
"Ain't no Taco Bells in the Bible, but I might be running one and I need to know how Jesus, I'm learning that from him. His companionship helps me make decisions and learn wisdom. And then I learn also that I can act in reliance upon the power of God acting with me. Those are not separable." [02:04:00]
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