Embracing Discipleship: A Journey of Transformation
Summary
As we gather today, I am filled with gratitude for this season, a time when the chill in the air reminds us of change and new beginnings. This morning, I want to share a personal journey that reflects a broader spiritual truth. Growing up, I dabbled in various sports and activities, from gymnastics to football, and eventually found my place in the high school band. This pattern of trying new things has been a constant in my life, a reflection of my curiosity and desire to learn. However, when it comes to faith, this approach of dabbling is not sufficient. Faith is not a hobby; it is a calling that demands our full devotion.
Today, we embark on a new series focused on discipleship, exploring what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not a concept that originated with Christianity; it was a common practice in the first century, akin to an apprenticeship. A disciple is someone who seeks to learn from and emulate their teacher. In our context, it means following Jesus, learning from Him, and striving to live as He did.
We will delve into the Gospel of Luke to understand discipleship through his lens. Luke, a physician and companion of Paul, wrote his account to provide certainty about the teachings of Jesus. As we study Luke, we will explore the three stages of discipleship: being with Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did. This journey begins with a simple invitation to be with Jesus, to experience His teachings and presence.
As we progress, we are called to become like Jesus, which involves a commitment to spiritual disciplines and a transformation of our lives. This transformation is not about earning salvation but about aligning our lives with the holiness of God. Finally, we are called to do what Jesus did, to proclaim the good news and serve others, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Today, as we celebrate 66 years of our church's journey, we reaffirm our mission to make disciples who make disciples. Each of us is at a different point in this journey, but we are all invited to grow and invite others into this transformative relationship with Jesus. Let us pause in gratitude for the invitation Jesus extends to us, and let us commit to extending that invitation to others.
Key Takeaways
1. Faith as a Calling: Faith is not a hobby or a temporary interest; it is a calling that requires our full devotion and allegiance. It is a lifelong journey of following Jesus and committing to His teachings. This commitment transforms our lives and aligns us with God's purpose. [03:59]
2. Understanding Discipleship: Discipleship is akin to an apprenticeship, where we learn from Jesus and strive to emulate His life. It involves being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This journey is about transformation and spiritual growth. [06:45]
3. The Invitation to Be with Jesus: The first step in discipleship is a simple invitation to be with Jesus, to experience His presence and teachings. This invitation is open to all, and it is the beginning of a transformative journey that leads to deeper commitment and growth. [12:34]
4. Transformation through Spiritual Disciplines: Becoming like Jesus involves engaging in spiritual disciplines that open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit. These disciplines help us resist the patterns of the world and align our lives with God's will, leading to spiritual growth and transformation. [16:44]
5. Doing What Jesus Did: As disciples, we are called to do what Jesus did, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involves proclaiming the good news, serving others, and using our gifts to extend God's kingdom. It is a journey of active participation in God's work in the world. [23:45]
Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:16] - Personal Journey and Reflections
- [02:45] - Embracing Curiosity and Learning
- [03:59] - Faith as a Lifelong Commitment
- [05:16] - Introduction to Discipleship
- [06:45] - The Concept of a Disciple
- [08:41] - The Gospel of Luke as a Guide
- [10:02] - Framework for Discipleship
- [11:14] - Invitation to Be with Jesus
- [12:34] - Becoming Like Jesus
- [14:05] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [16:44] - Spiritual Disciplines and Transformation
- [18:06] - The Journey of Spiritual Formation
- [20:56] - Doing What Jesus Did
- [23:45] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit
- [25:16] - Celebrating 66 Years of Discipleship
- [27:59] - Invitation to Communion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Luke 1:1-4
2. Luke 5:27-28
3. Luke 9:23-25
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Luke 1:1-4 tell us about the purpose of Luke's Gospel and his approach to documenting the life of Jesus? How does this relate to the concept of discipleship? [08:41]
2. In Luke 5:27-28, Jesus calls Levi to follow Him. What is significant about Levi's response, and how does it illustrate the initial step of discipleship? [11:14]
3. According to Luke 9:23-25, what are the requirements Jesus sets for those who wish to follow Him? How does this passage challenge the idea of faith as a hobby? [14:05]
4. How does the sermon describe the process of becoming like Jesus, and what role do spiritual disciplines play in this transformation? [16:44]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon explain the difference between faith as a hobby and faith as a calling? What implications does this have for one's daily life and priorities? [03:59]
2. The sermon mentions the concept of discipleship as an apprenticeship. How does this analogy help us understand the relationship between a disciple and Jesus? [06:45]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual disciplines contribute to becoming like Jesus? How might these practices help resist worldly patterns? [16:44]
4. The sermon discusses the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in doing what Jesus did. How does this empowerment manifest in the life of a disciple, according to the sermon? [23:45]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current approach to faith. Do you treat it more as a hobby or a calling? What changes can you make to align your life more closely with the idea of faith as a calling? [03:59]
2. Consider the invitation to "be with Jesus" as described in the sermon. How can you create space in your daily routine to experience His presence and teachings more fully? [12:34]
3. Identify a spiritual discipline you would like to incorporate into your life. What steps will you take to begin practicing this discipline, and how do you hope it will transform your relationship with Jesus? [16:44]
4. Think about a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to serve others or share the good news. How can you seek more opportunities to do what Jesus did in your community? [23:45]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of making disciples who make disciples. Who in your life can you invite into a deeper relationship with Jesus, and what practical steps can you take to support their spiritual journey? [25:16]
6. Reflect on the idea of discipleship as a journey with different stages. Where do you see yourself in this journey, and what is one specific goal you can set to grow in your discipleship? [26:42]
7. How can you actively resist the patterns of the world and instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind, as discussed in the sermon? What specific actions will you take this week to align your life with God's will? [19:31]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Lifelong Commitment
Faith is not a mere interest or hobby; it is a lifelong calling that demands full devotion and allegiance. This commitment to faith is a journey of following Jesus and aligning one's life with God's purpose. It is not about dabbling in spirituality but about dedicating oneself wholly to the teachings and path of Jesus. This journey transforms lives, guiding believers to live in accordance with divine will and purpose. The call to faith is an invitation to a deeper relationship with God, where one's life is continually shaped and molded by His presence and guidance. [03:59]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from fully committing to your faith? What steps can you take today to deepen your devotion and align more closely with God's purpose?
Day 2: Discipleship as an Apprenticeship
Discipleship is akin to an apprenticeship, where one learns from Jesus and strives to emulate His life. It involves a process of being with Jesus, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This journey is about transformation and spiritual growth, where believers are called to immerse themselves in the teachings and presence of Jesus. Discipleship is not a passive experience but an active pursuit of living out the values and principles demonstrated by Christ. It is a commitment to spiritual growth and transformation, where one's life is continually shaped by the example of Jesus. [06:45]
"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively pursue discipleship in your daily life? How can you intentionally learn from and emulate Jesus in your actions and decisions today?
Day 3: The Invitation to Be with Jesus
The first step in discipleship is a simple invitation to be with Jesus, to experience His presence and teachings. This invitation is open to all and marks the beginning of a transformative journey that leads to deeper commitment and growth. Being with Jesus involves spending time in prayer, studying His word, and seeking His presence in everyday life. It is an invitation to draw near to Him, to listen, and to learn from His example. This foundational step sets the stage for a life of discipleship, where believers are continually shaped by their relationship with Christ. [12:34]
"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (James 4:8, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to be with Jesus? What specific practices can you incorporate to experience His presence and teachings more fully?
Day 4: Transformation through Spiritual Disciplines
Becoming like Jesus involves engaging in spiritual disciplines that open one's heart to the work of the Holy Spirit. These disciplines help resist the patterns of the world and align one's life with God's will, leading to spiritual growth and transformation. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, fasting, meditation, and service are tools that cultivate a deeper relationship with God and foster personal transformation. They are not about earning salvation but about creating space for the Holy Spirit to work within, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ. [16:44]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Which spiritual discipline do you feel called to focus on this week? How can this practice help you resist worldly patterns and align more closely with God's will?
Day 5: Doing What Jesus Did
As disciples, believers are called to do what Jesus did, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This involves proclaiming the good news, serving others, and using one's gifts to extend God's kingdom. It is a journey of active participation in God's work in the world, where believers are called to live out their faith through action and service. Doing what Jesus did means embodying His love, compassion, and justice in everyday life, making a tangible impact in the lives of others. It is a call to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His light and hope to a world in need. [23:45]
"Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father." (John 14:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve others and proclaim the good news today? How can you use your unique gifts to participate in God's work in the world?
Quotes
1) "Faith is not something that we just do for a little bit and go on with something else. It's not something that can just be a hobby, but it is something that God eventually calls us to give everything for, to give our allegiance to, to devote everything to that. It's not just a hobby that we do for a little bit, but it is everything." [03:59] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The original idea of a disciple was just someone who wanted to be like or do something like the other person. So, think of an apprentice, right? I want to apprentice under someone. I want to learn what they do and how they do it. If I want to work on cars, if I want to be a mechanic, right, I might go to someone and say, hey, I want to learn under you. Would you teach me what you know?" [05:16] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "First, there's this invitation just to simply be with Jesus. To be with Jesus. And we see in Luke chapter 5, as Jesus is calling his disciples, he says this, after he went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax booth, he said to him, follow me. And leaving everything, he rose and followed him." [11:14] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Eventually we get to the point where we have to make the decision, are we in? Do we actually want to become like Jesus and things change? Do we want to become like Jesus and things change at this point? And after the first of the year, when we get to this section, we're going to look at a lot of these spiritual disciplines." [15:29] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "In spiritual formation, what it's like is we're at the bottom of this escalator, that it's coming down. And we want to get up there to where Jesus is at the top. And it takes effort. It takes work. It takes intentionality. And it just doesn't just happen overnight. And it is a constant journey of one step after another." [18:06] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "The goal of Christianity is not heaven. You hear me? The goal of Christianity is not heaven. The goal of Christianity is not heaven. It is to recognize how much God sacrificed for us and he sacrificed it to be in relationship with us. The calling that God has put on us is to be holy for he is holy." [19:31] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Jesus didn't come just to proclaim these things. He came to bring these things into effect. He came through his death and resurrection to actually set the captives free, to comfort the brokenhearted, to actually do, fulfill what Isaiah prophesied. But when Isaiah said this, he's talking about himself." [22:15] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "We also, though, have the Spirit of God living inside of us, and that Spirit of God has given us gifts to use for extending the kingdom of God in this world, for proclaiming the good news in this world, for edification of the body, building up of the body of Christ, for serving people in this world." [23:45] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Today, we are celebrating as a church 66 years. This year, since the first meeting of then, Mechanicsville Church of Christ met, and it has been a journey ever since. But all along the way, the heart of the leadership, the heart of the people here, has been to make disciples." [25:16] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "If you are a bit further along in your discipleship journey, my guess is that there's a co-worker, neighbor, friend, somebody that you know that you've maybe been wanting to ask them about God, about faith, and maybe even invite them to church. Might be really hard because you don't know what we're going to talk about the next week." [26:42] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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