Embracing Discipleship: A New Year’s Call to Action
Summary
As we step into the new year, it's a time for reflection and renewal. Today, we explored the profound significance of the name "Christian" and how its meaning has evolved over time. Historically, the term "Christian" was used by outsiders to describe the followers of Jesus, often in a derogatory manner. However, the early followers of Jesus identified themselves as "disciples," a term that carries a deeper and more defined meaning. Being a disciple is about more than just belief; it is about actively following and embodying the teachings of Jesus. This distinction is crucial because while the term "Christian" can be interpreted in various ways, "disciple" is clearly defined in Scripture.
The journey of discipleship is not an easy one. It requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This path demands discipline, dedication, and a willingness to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways, to love others deeply, and to abide in God's Word. As disciples, we are called to not only follow Jesus but also to make other disciples, spreading His teachings and love to all nations.
In light of this understanding, our church is embarking on a significant transition. We are changing our name to "Disciples Church" to reflect our commitment to making discipleship the core of our mission. This change is not just about a new name but about a renewed focus on what it truly means to follow Jesus. We are committed to fostering relationships that encourage growth in discipleship, emphasizing that disciples are made by people, not programs. As we move forward, we invite everyone to embrace this vision of being and making disciples, to not settle for merely being a Christian, but to strive to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
Key Takeaways:
- Identity in Christ: Understanding the name "Christian" as it was originally used helps us see that our true identity is found in being disciples of Jesus. This identity calls us to live out our faith actively, not just claim a label. [03:51]
- The Cost of Discipleship: Following Jesus requires more than belief; it demands a willingness to deny ourselves and take up our cross. This journey is challenging but ultimately transformative, leading us to become more like Christ. [10:16]
- Scriptural Foundation: The term "disciple" is used extensively in the New Testament, providing a clear framework for what it means to follow Jesus. This scriptural foundation guides us in living out our faith authentically. [22:01]
- Love as a Marker: The greatest marker of a disciple is love for one another. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to act in ways that reflect Christ's love, even when it is difficult. [32:09]
- Mission of Discipleship: Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is a call to action for every believer. This mission requires us to teach, baptize, and nurture others in their faith journey, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our lives. [34:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:20] - The Meaning of "Christian"
- [03:51] - Diverse Definitions of Christianity
- [05:23] - Personal Reflections on Being a Christian
- [06:43] - The "Was Christian" Dilemma
- [09:23] - Belief vs. Behavior
- [10:16] - The Challenge of Following Christ
- [11:38] - Biblical Use of "Christian"
- [13:01] - Historical Context of "Christian"
- [16:03] - Tacitus and Early Christians
- [19:28] - The Word "Disciple" in Scripture
- [22:01] - Defining Discipleship
- [26:01] - Becoming Like Christ
- [29:08] - The Cost of Discipleship
- [34:07] - The Mission to Make Disciples
- [38:35] - Church History and Transition
- [42:34] - Embracing the Vision of Discipleship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 11:25-26 - "So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians."
2. Luke 9:23 - "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "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."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Acts 11:26, who were the first people to be called Christians, and by whom were they given this name? [13:01]
2. What does Jesus say is required of someone who wants to follow Him, as mentioned in Luke 9:23? [29:08]
3. In Matthew 28:19-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands His disciples to take? [32:09]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between the terms "Christian" and "disciple"? [22:01]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the significance of the term "Christian" being used by outsiders, while the early followers of Jesus referred to themselves as "disciples"? [13:01]
2. How does the requirement to "deny oneself and take up one's cross" challenge the modern understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus? [29:08]
3. Why might the pastor suggest that the world needs more disciples rather than more Christians? [27:25]
4. How does the mission to "make disciples of all nations" reflect the core message of the sermon about discipleship? [34:07]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Do you identify more as a "Christian" or a "disciple"? What steps can you take to align more closely with the biblical definition of a disciple? [22:01]
2. Jesus calls His followers to deny themselves and take up their cross. What is one area of your life where you find this particularly challenging, and how can you address it this week? [29:08]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of love as a marker of discipleship. Identify a relationship in your life where you can demonstrate Christ-like love more intentionally. What specific actions will you take? [32:09]
4. Consider the pastor's call to "be one and make one." Who is someone in your life that you can intentionally disciple, and what is one practical step you can take to begin this process? [34:07]
5. The church is transitioning to focus more on discipleship. How can you personally contribute to this vision within your church community? [42:34]
6. Reflect on the idea that disciples are made by people, not programs. How can you foster relationships that encourage growth in discipleship in your own life? [42:34]
7. The sermon challenges us to not settle for merely being a Christian. What is one specific change you can make in your daily routine to live more fully as a disciple of Jesus? [40:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our True Identity as Disciples
Understanding the name "Christian" as it was originally used helps us see that our true identity is found in being disciples of Jesus. Historically, the term "Christian" was used by outsiders to describe the followers of Jesus, often in a derogatory manner. However, the early followers of Jesus identified themselves as "disciples," a term that carries a deeper and more defined meaning. Being a disciple is about more than just belief; it is about actively following and embodying the teachings of Jesus. This distinction is crucial because while the term "Christian" can be interpreted in various ways, "disciple" is clearly defined in Scripture. [03:51]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively embody the teachings of Jesus in your daily life, moving beyond just identifying as a "Christian"?
Day 2: The Transformative Journey of Discipleship
The journey of discipleship is not an easy one. It requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly. This path demands discipline, dedication, and a willingness to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. It challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways, to love others deeply, and to abide in God's Word. As disciples, we are called to not only follow Jesus but also to make other disciples, spreading His teachings and love to all nations. [10:16]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to deny yourself to follow Jesus more closely?
Day 3: Grounded in Scripture
The term "disciple" is used extensively in the New Testament, providing a clear framework for what it means to follow Jesus. This scriptural foundation guides us in living out our faith authentically. The Bible offers numerous examples and teachings on discipleship, emphasizing the importance of obedience, love, and commitment to God's Word. By grounding ourselves in Scripture, we can better understand our role as disciples and the expectations that come with it. [22:01]
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more of God's Word into your daily routine to strengthen your understanding and practice of discipleship?
Day 4: Love as the Hallmark of Discipleship
The greatest marker of a disciple is love for one another. This love is not just an emotion but a commitment to act in ways that reflect Christ's love, even when it is difficult. True discipleship is demonstrated through acts of kindness, compassion, and selflessness, mirroring the love that Jesus showed during His time on earth. By prioritizing love in our interactions, we fulfill one of the core tenets of being a disciple. [32:09]
1 John 3:18 (ESV): "Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to experience Christ's love through your actions. What specific steps can you take to show them this love today?
Day 5: The Mission to Make Disciples
Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations is a call to action for every believer. This mission requires us to teach, baptize, and nurture others in their faith journey, embodying the teachings of Jesus in our lives. As disciples, we are not only called to follow Jesus but also to make other disciples, spreading His teachings and love to all nations. This mission is at the heart of our faith and requires intentionality and commitment. [34:07]
Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV): "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: Who is someone in your life that you can begin to disciple? What steps can you take to start this journey with them?
Quotes
"And there's some people that are saying Christian, but they're not saying what we would say when we use that word. And, but then here's what's really wild is this word Christian can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Even if we just took this room and I divided you up into groups of 10 and asked you to define for me what a Christian is, does, believes, what does it mean to be Christian? In your groups of 10, guess what? Y 'all be fighting like crazy. And we would end up with a bunch of different definitions of what it means to be a Christian. How many of you recognize that?" [00:03:51] (41 seconds)
"Following him has become optional. And the reason why that takes place, I think, is because believing is easy, following is hard. Because believing doesn't cost you anything. Following can cost you everything. Which is probably why Gandhi is attributed with saying, I like your Christ, I don't like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Even Gandhi saw that there's a difference between following Christ and being a Christian. That's a problem. And I think the big issue is that becoming a Christian has become really easy. Just pray a prayer and bam, you're a Christian. Welcome to the club." [00:10:16] (45 seconds)
"Not only that, but the three times it's used, it's clearly being used as a derogatory, a derogatory term from outsiders describing the people inside of this Jesus follower movement. It's never actually used by the followers to describe themselves. It's a derogatory term, kind of like saying nerd or cracker. Actually, it's way, way worse than that, but you were okay with me saying cracker. You're not okay with me saying some other words that would actually be the parallel to this. So just to not offend anybody, or just, just think about what one group of people, what words they use to describe another group of people that they don't like." [00:11:46] (41 seconds)
"The outsiders called them Christians. They called themselves disciples. Now, that word disciple, let's be honest, it's way more intimidating than the word Christian, because it's clearly defined in Scripture. You can't just make up all of this stuff as you go along. You can't just make up what it means to follow Jesus. You can't just make up all of this stuff as you go along. You can't just make up what it means to follow Jesus, because this word disciple gives you boundaries. It gives parameters. It gives description." [00:22:01] (30 seconds)
"See, you can hide behind Christianity all day long. People have. You can go to war over Christianity. You can do all kinds of things in the name of Christianity. You can define it, and redefine it, and misdefine it all day long, and nobody can stop you, because nobody can pull out the Bible and say, no, no, no, it says right here. That doesn't look right. That's not what a Christian does. That's not what a Christian does. That's not what a Christian does. Christian is, no, no, no. But when you lock onto the word disciple, and you open up your Bible, you better put on a seatbelt." [00:22:57] (31 seconds)
"A disciple is someone who follows and spreads the teaching of another. Okay, this is just the general definition, okay? Anybody that's going to follow and spread the teaching of somebody else is called a disciple. Some synonyms, to help you understand it better, is learner or apprentice or follower. And I love this idea of apprentice because really a disciple is someone who's looking at someone else as their teacher and saying, I'm not just going to learn what you do, I'm going to do what you do." [00:23:23] (29 seconds)
"So as a disciple of Jesus Christ, it's pretty clear then, we're looking to him for how we should live our lives. And so I'm going to follow his teachings and I'm going to spread his teachings. And ultimately, as a disciple, I must become like the one I'm following. It's not a choice. If I say I'm a disciple, but I don't look like the one I'm following, I'm not really a disciple. I might be saying it, but I'm not living it. And that right there, that whole paradigm, that is so much harder than being a Christian." [00:25:53] (43 seconds)
"Let me, I told you there's, there's boundaries on this thing. Let me show you a few of the boundaries. This is what Jesus said about being a disciple. Luke 6, he says, a disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone, when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. The whole point of being a disciple is to become like the one you're learning under. But that doesn't happen just because you want it to. It happens when you go through the training. Training is work. It takes discipline. It takes dedication. You got to wake up early. You got to put in the hours. You got to put in the reps. To be trained takes work." [00:28:09] (37 seconds)
"Disciples have to abide in the word. That means you're living in it and you're living out of it. That means that you are taking the scriptures as God's word for your life. It is the bread of life. We are sustained by it. We are directed by it. It's our measuring stick for everything that we say and do. Does it line up with God's word? And if it doesn't, it ain't for me. That's what it means to be a disciple." [00:31:32] (25 seconds)
"Maybe the most important thing that Jesus had to say about all this is actually the last thing he said to his disciples in Matthew 28, 19. He said, Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I've commanded you. This is like the culmination statement. He's saying, if you really wanna be a disciple, you need to go and make other disciples. Right? Baptize them, introduce them into a relationship with God, and then teach them to obey all that I've commanded." [00:32:57] (32 seconds)
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