Embracing Discipleship: A Call to Spiritual Growth
Summary
In a message centered on spiritual growth and discipleship, the focus is placed on the unique opportunity presented to the community to influence their immediate world through the power of the gospel. It is emphasized that this is not about changing the entire globe, but rather the personal environments that individuals inhabit daily. The call is for hundreds of men and women to walk intimately with Jesus Christ, to know the Bible thoroughly, and to possess spiritual wisdom. This is seen as essential for effecting change in the world, but it begins with a personal commitment to grow as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The importance of spiritual maturity is highlighted, and it is acknowledged that those present are likely already convinced of its significance, as evidenced by their attendance. However, the challenge is extended to make spiritual maturity the top priority, not just one of many. The message suggests that this requires making tough choices about what to prioritize in life, as time and resources are limited.
Baptism is presented as the first step in discipleship, symbolizing repentance and the miraculous transformation that Jesus brings about in an individual's life. The act of baptism is a public declaration of a new life in Christ. The community is encouraged to embrace this step if they have not already done so.
Teaching and applying all that Jesus commanded is another critical aspect of discipleship. The community is challenged to read the entire New Testament, with the understanding that it is through God's word that they learn what Jesus said. The goal is not just to know Jesus' teachings but to observe and practice them, integrating them into daily life.
The message also addresses the common doubts and hesitations that even the original disciples experienced, showing that doubt does not disqualify one from following Jesus. Instead, Jesus invites those with doubts to come and learn from him, to grow and become more like him.
The message concludes with a call to action, urging individuals not to wait until they feel ready to deepen their spiritual maturity but to start immediately. It is acknowledged that no one ever feels fully prepared for significant life changes, but that should not prevent them from pursuing spiritual growth. The community is encouraged to admit their need for growth and to seize the opportunity God is offering, as it is possible to miss out on what God is presenting.
Key Takeaways:
- The opportunity to influence the world for good is not a global mission but a personal one, focused on the immediate environments individuals inhabit. It is through personal transformation and discipleship that broader change can occur. This requires a deep, intimate walk with Jesus and a thorough knowledge of the Bible, which is the foundation for spiritual wisdom and the catalyst for change. [01:02:48]
- Spiritual maturity should be the top priority in a believer's life, not just one of many. This necessitates making difficult decisions about what to prioritize, as it is impossible to excel in every area of life. By focusing on spiritual growth, individuals can find the strength and guidance to navigate all other aspects of their lives effectively. [01:07:23]
- Baptism is a vital step in the journey of discipleship, symbolizing a person's repentance and new life in Christ. It is a public declaration of transformation and allegiance to Jesus, and it is essential for those who have not yet taken this step to consider doing so as a sign of their commitment. [41:11]
- Discipleship involves not only learning Jesus' commands but also applying them in daily life. This application is a lifelong process that requires continual engagement with Scripture and the willingness to be shaped and molded by Jesus' teachings. The community is encouraged to read and study the New Testament to understand and live out Jesus' commands. [46:55]
- Starting the journey of spiritual growth should not be delayed until one feels ready. No one ever feels fully prepared for significant life changes, but that should not hinder the pursuit of spiritual maturity. By admitting the need for growth and taking the first steps, individuals can join in the transformative work that Jesus has been doing for millennia. [55:17]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20 (ESV)
> "Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of baptism in the journey of discipleship? ([39:29])
3. How did the disciples react when they saw the resurrected Jesus, and what does this reveal about their faith? ([33:18])
4. What are the three core values mentioned in the sermon that help in living as disciples? ([37:46])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for spiritual maturity to be the top priority in a believer's life, according to the sermon? ([01:07:23])
2. How does the act of baptism symbolize repentance and new life in Christ? ([39:29])
3. What does it mean to teach and observe all that Jesus commanded, and why is this a lifelong process? ([46:55])
4. How does Jesus' promise to be with us always impact our journey of discipleship and spiritual growth? ([51:50])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your immediate environment. How can you influence your personal world for good through the power of the gospel? ([32:04])
2. What are some tough choices you might need to make to prioritize spiritual maturity in your life? ([01:07:23])
3. If you have not yet been baptized, what steps can you take to publicly declare your new life in Christ? If you have, how can you support others in taking this step? ([41:11])
4. How can you integrate Jesus' teachings into your daily life? Identify one specific command of Jesus that you will focus on observing this week. ([46:55])
5. Think about a time when you had doubts in your faith journey. How did you overcome them, and how can you support others who are experiencing similar doubts? ([48:05])
6. What specific actions can you take this week to start or deepen your journey of spiritual growth, even if you don't feel fully prepared? ([55:17])
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to grow spiritually. What practical steps will you take to address this area? ([56:16])
Devotional
Day 1: Personal Influence Through Transformation
Personal transformation is the seed of global change. By walking closely with Jesus and immersing oneself in the Bible, one can influence their immediate surroundings with spiritual wisdom. This journey begins with a commitment to grow as a disciple, impacting the world one step at a time. [01:02:48]
James 1:22-24 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like."
Reflection: How can you apply one specific teaching of Jesus in your personal environment this week?
Day 2: Prioritizing Spiritual Maturity
Elevating spiritual maturity above all else requires intentional choices and sacrifices. As time and resources are finite, one must discern what to prioritize to grow in faith and wisdom. This focus will provide the strength to navigate life's complexities. [01:07:23]
Hebrews 5:14 - "But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
Reflection: What is one thing you can give up this week to make more room for spiritual growth?
Day 3: Baptism as a Declaration of Faith
Baptism is a profound step in discipleship, symbolizing repentance and the beginning of a new life in Christ. It is a public affirmation of one's transformation and commitment to Jesus. [41:11]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: If you have been baptized, reflect on that moment and how it has shaped your journey. If not, what is holding you back from this step?
Day 4: Living Out Jesus' Commands
Discipleship is an active pursuit, not just learning Jesus' commands but living them out daily. It is a process of continual engagement with Scripture and application of its teachings. [46:55]
Colossians 3:16 - "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."
Reflection: What is one command of Jesus that you find challenging to observe? How can you begin to practice it more faithfully?
Day 5: Embracing Spiritual Growth Now
The journey of spiritual growth should not be postponed for a more convenient time. Admitting the need for growth and taking the first steps are crucial, as opportunities presented by God can be missed. [55:17]
Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
Reflection: What is one actionable step you can take today to deepen your spiritual maturity, even if you don't feel fully ready?
Quotes
1) "It is absolutely possible for you and I to change the world. Secondly, the Lord is inviting us to join him in changing the world." [32:04] (Download)
2) "The only way this works is through the person of Jesus Christ who says I'm going to empower you to do what you could not do." [53:01] (Download)
3) "We need hundreds of men and women with wisdom, not worldly wisdom, spiritual wisdom... if we're actually going to see change in the world." [01:03:57] (Download)
4) "Don't wait until you're ready just start. You're never going to feel ready... No one ever feels ready... but that should not hinder the pursuit of spiritual maturity." [55:17] (Download)
5) "We need to make our spiritual maturity a priority... it truly is the most important because flowing from my walk with Jesus Christ comes the strength to do everything else in our life." [01:06:43] (Download)
6) "Baptism is a symbol it is a sign that all of us go through as Believers... it signifies repentance... and that Jesus did this miracle, he made me born again." [40:04] (Download)
7) "Jesus doesn't just say hear your marching orders now go do it, he says no I'm going to help you do it. I'm going to empower you to do it." [51:50] (Download)
8) "We want to grow in spiritual maturity, we want to live in spiritual community, and we want to serve in spiritual charity. This is how we live as disciples." [37:46] (Download)
9) "The call of scripture is not go be better, the call of scripture is to go live in Jesus Christ... to abide in him, to walk in him, to live in him." [52:24] (Download)
10) "We all need to be growing in our spiritual character... there are always going to be places in us where we need changes in our character." [58:24] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?