Embracing Discipleship: A Call to Follow Christ

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound role of discipleship within the Christian faith. We began by lifting up those in need of healing and comfort, acknowledging God's unwavering goodness and His promise to never let us down. We prayed for individuals like Romano, Margaret, Kevin, William, and Andrew, asking for God's healing touch and peace to envelop them. This act of prayer underscores the importance of community and the power of faith in times of struggle.

We then transitioned into discussing the significance of discipleship, emphasizing that it is not merely about being a church member but about becoming a fully committed follower of Jesus. Discipleship involves a personal decision to follow Christ, and it is a journey that requires endurance and strength in the grace of Jesus. We explored the Great Commission, which calls us to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This mission is not limited to pastors or evangelists but is a call for every believer to engage in.

The process of discipleship involves repentance, baptism, and teaching. It is about nurturing new believers and helping them grow in their faith. We highlighted the importance of being a disciple-maker, someone who not only follows Jesus but also leads others to Him. This involves sharing the gospel through personal relationships, telling our stories, and being open and transparent about our struggles and victories.

We also touched on the marks of true discipleship, which include love, fruitfulness, and obedience to God's Word. Jesus calls us to love one another as He loved us, to bear fruit that lasts, and to be obedient to His teachings. These are the characteristics that define a disciple and set us apart as followers of Christ.

Finally, we celebrated the dedication of a child, reminding us of the responsibility to train up the next generation in the ways of the Lord. This dedication is a commitment to nurture and guide children in faith, ensuring that they grow up knowing and loving Jesus.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Prayer and Community: In times of need, we are reminded of the strength found in community and prayer. Bringing our concerns before God and supporting one another in faith is a vital aspect of our Christian journey. [00:30]

- Discipleship as a Personal Commitment: Discipleship is a personal decision to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. It involves enduring hardships and being strong in the grace of Christ, as we grow in our faith and lead others to Him. [54:50]

- The Great Commission: Every believer is called to participate in the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations. This mission involves repentance, baptism, and teaching, as we guide others in their faith journey. [01:04:51]

- Marks of True Discipleship: True discipleship is characterized by love, fruitfulness, and obedience to God's Word. We are called to love one another as Jesus loved us, bear lasting fruit, and live in obedience to His teachings. [01:27:39]

- Raising the Next Generation in Faith: The dedication of children is a reminder of our responsibility to train up the next generation in the ways of the Lord. It is a commitment to nurture and guide them in faith, ensuring they grow up knowing and loving Jesus. [01:48:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Prayer and Community Support
- [05:00] - Introduction to Discipleship
- [10:00] - The Great Commission
- [15:00] - The Role of Repentance and Baptism
- [20:00] - Teaching and Nurturing New Believers
- [25:00] - Becoming a Disciple-Maker
- [30:00] - Marks of True Discipleship
- [35:00] - Love and Fruitfulness
- [40:00] - Obedience to God's Word
- [45:00] - Sharing the Gospel Through Relationships
- [50:00] - The Importance of Personal Testimonies
- [55:00] - Dedication of Children
- [01:00:00] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Timothy 2:1-3
2. Matthew 28:19-20
3. John 13:34-35

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Paul instruct Timothy to do in 2 Timothy 2:1-3, and how does this relate to the concept of discipleship? [01:04:51]

2. According to Matthew 28:19-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission, and how are they relevant to every believer? [01:04:51]

3. In John 13:34-35, what new commandment does Jesus give, and how does it serve as a mark of true discipleship? [01:27:39]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of community and prayer in the life of a disciple? [00:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the instruction to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 2:1) influence a believer's approach to discipleship? [01:04:51]

2. What does it mean to "make disciples of all nations" in the context of the Great Commission, and how can this be applied in a modern setting? [01:04:51]

3. How does the command to love one another as Jesus loved us (John 13:34-35) challenge our current understanding of love within the church community? [01:27:39]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of personal testimonies in discipleship. How can sharing personal stories impact the faith journey of others? [01:33:33]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of prayer and community support. How did it impact your faith journey, and how can you offer similar support to others? [00:30]

2. Discipleship requires a personal commitment to follow Jesus. What are some specific challenges you face in this journey, and how can you overcome them with the strength found in Christ? [01:04:51]

3. Identify one person in your life who is not yet a disciple of Jesus. What steps can you take this week to engage them in a spiritual conversation or invite them to church? [01:04:51]

4. Jesus calls us to love one another as He loved us. Think of a relationship in your life where this love is lacking. What practical steps can you take to demonstrate Christ-like love in that relationship? [01:27:39]

5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of raising the next generation in faith. How can you contribute to the spiritual growth of children in your community or family? [01:48:52]

6. Consider the role of personal testimonies in sharing the gospel. What is one aspect of your faith journey that you can share with someone this week to encourage them in their walk with Christ? [01:33:33]

7. Reflect on the marks of true discipleship: love, fruitfulness, and obedience. Which of these areas do you feel called to grow in, and what specific actions will you take to develop in this area? [01:27:39]

Devotional

Day 1: The Strength of Community in Prayer
In times of need, the power of prayer and community support becomes a beacon of hope and strength. When we gather to lift up those who are struggling, we are reminded of God's unwavering goodness and His promise to never let us down. This act of communal prayer is not just a ritual but a profound expression of faith and solidarity. It underscores the importance of being there for one another, sharing in each other's burdens, and finding comfort in the collective faith of the community. As we pray for individuals like Romano, Margaret, Kevin, William, and Andrew, we are reminded that we are not alone in our struggles, and that through prayer, we can experience God's healing touch and peace. [00:30]

"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of prayer today? How can you reach out to them and offer your support and prayers?


Day 2: Discipleship as a Journey of Commitment
Discipleship is more than just attending church; it is a personal commitment to follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This journey requires endurance and strength in the grace of Christ, as we grow in our faith and lead others to Him. It involves making a conscious decision to follow Christ, embracing the challenges and joys that come with it. Discipleship is about transformation, where we are continually shaped and molded into the likeness of Christ. It is a call to action, where we are not only followers but also leaders, guiding others on their faith journey. [54:50]

"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: What does taking up your cross daily look like in your life? How can you commit more fully to your journey of discipleship today?


Day 3: Embracing the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a call for every believer to participate in making disciples of all nations. This mission involves repentance, baptism, and teaching, as we guide others in their faith journey. It is not limited to pastors or evangelists but is a responsibility for every follower of Christ. As we embrace this mission, we are called to share the gospel through personal relationships, telling our stories, and being open about our struggles and victories. This is how we nurture new believers and help them grow in their faith. [01:04:51]

"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." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you share your faith journey with today? How can you take a step towards fulfilling the Great Commission in your daily interactions?


Day 4: The Marks of True Discipleship
True discipleship is characterized by love, fruitfulness, and obedience to God's Word. As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another as Jesus loved us, to bear fruit that lasts, and to live in obedience to His teachings. These are the marks that set us apart as disciples and reflect the transformation that occurs within us. Love is the foundation of our faith, and through it, we can impact the world around us. Fruitfulness is the evidence of our faith in action, and obedience is the commitment to live according to God's will. [01:27:39]

"By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." (John 15:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate love, fruitfulness, and obedience in your life today? How can these marks of discipleship be more evident in your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: Nurturing the Next Generation in Faith
The dedication of children is a reminder of our responsibility to train up the next generation in the ways of the Lord. It is a commitment to nurture and guide them in faith, ensuring they grow up knowing and loving Jesus. As we dedicate children, we are reminded of the importance of being role models and mentors, teaching them the values and principles of the Christian faith. This is not just a task for parents but for the entire community, as we all play a part in shaping the future of the church. [01:48:52]

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in nurturing the faith of the next generation? What steps can you take to be a positive influence in the lives of children and young believers around you?

Quotes

He's a good father and he's never going to let us down. I want you to just bow your heads and close your eyes with me as we look to God in prayer this morning. You know, there are some needs that we want to lift before the Lord. You know, there are still some people that are sick and suffering. And we want to come before God because, you know, the word of God says, if anyone is sick, let them call for the elders of the church and let them pray. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick. [00:45:15] (23 seconds)


It's that Sunday school has not become so important, especially the believers and the Christian, because we don't think it's necessary to bring our children to Sunday school. But we want to reach the kids for Jesus. How many of you know that's the best way to get them? You get them when they're small. You know, the Bible says train them up in the way they should go. When they're old, they will not depart from it. [00:51:03] (17 seconds)


You see, there's a first step of belief. And we come to that place, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved. But Jesus also said, follow me. So the next step is to follow Jesus, to become a disciple. And a disciple is a fully committed follower of Jesus. Amen? And we talked about it last week. We keep reinforcing some of these concepts and things as we go along. But we want you to become a disciple, to see yourself as a disciple. [00:53:21] (27 seconds)


Discipleship is something that's willing. It's volitional. In other words, you decide whether you want to be a disciple or not. Now, you can stay and be a church member or a church attender, or you can become a disciple. You make that choice. It is your choice to be. Now, when we think about the disciples of Jesus, we realize that there are multitudes that followed Him. He didn't only have 12 disciples. He had many disciples. [00:55:02] (21 seconds)


The mission of the church is to make disciples. In other words, to turn people into followers of Jesus. Amen? We want to convert people. You know, all evangelical preaching has as its basis and has as an end result that people become converted. And people get converted. But what happens next? Because sometimes people get converted and we leave them alone. And the word takes root. It doesn't really take root. [01:04:11] (25 seconds)


So when we look at it and we see the process taking place, and on the cross, Jesus gained the ultimate victory over sin. In other words, he went to the cross. He paid the price for everybody's sin. So that gives him the authority to take back what belongs to God. Does that make sense to you? So when he comes down in Matthew chapter 28, and he says, All authority has been given to me. [01:06:31] (26 seconds)


So you and I, we are all disciples of Jesus Christ. And we're here today and we're here to learn. And the encouragement is for you to become a disciple maker. For you to start finding people in your circles. And start being the light in the world. Now, there's something that Jesus said. You know, Jesus said, a new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [01:23:37] (25 seconds)


So when you spend time with Jesus, he'll make a difference in you. So we have to live our lives as disciple makers. God wants each one of us, if you've come to know Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you want to be a disciple maker. So in 2 Timothy chapter 2, we see Paul saying to Timothy, you therefore my son, be strong in the grace of the Lord, that is Christ Jesus, and the things that you have heard from me, the things that you have heard from us, the things that you have heard from behind this pulpit, says committed to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also. [01:19:43] (30 seconds)


So finally, I'm just going to give you a few things that you can do in order to become a disciple maker. Number one, you can preach, well, St. Francis of Assisi said this, he says, preach the gospel, use words if necessary. Amen? You can reach people through personal relationships. The people that you meet in the grocery store, the people that you engage with in the deli, in the laundromat, talk to them. You know, people are more likely to listen to your message if they consider you a friend. [01:33:04] (30 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?