Embracing Discipleship: Courage in Tribulation and Transformation

As we gather at the close of summer and look ahead to the fall, we celebrate all that God has done among us and anticipate the new opportunities He is preparing. Our identity as a church is rooted in missions and discipleship—caring for people, helping them grow in Christ, and making disciples of all nations. This calling is not changing, but we are being invited to go deeper, to peel back new layers, and to pursue new ways of living out our mission together.

Jesus’ words to His disciples in John 16:33 are as relevant to us today as they were in the upper room: “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” He prepared His followers for hardship, not as a possibility but as a certainty. Following Jesus means going against the current of the world, and that will bring opposition, discomfort, and sometimes even suffering. Yet, we are not to be distracted by these challenges or surprised when they come. Instead, we are called to expect them and to see them as part of the journey of discipleship.

We are also called not to be timid. Like Joshua, who was told repeatedly to be strong and courageous as he stepped into a new role and a new land, we too are being led into places we have never been before. God is preparing us for a new season, and while the path may be unfamiliar and even intimidating, we are to trust Him and move forward with courage.

Most importantly, we are not to be separated from Christ. The only way to face tribulation and step into new territory is to remain close to the One who has already overcome the world. Our confidence is not in our own strength or ability, but in Jesus’ victory. He promises to be with us always, leading us, empowering us, and making us into the disciples He calls us to be.

This fall, we are committed to deepening our discipleship—through new small groups, mentoring relationships, and opportunities to serve and reach out. It will require sacrifice, courage, and a willingness to invest our whole lives, not just our resources, for the sake of the Kingdom. The invitation is to take the next step, to lean in rather than pull back, and to trust that the One who overcame the world is leading us forward.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Expect Tribulation, Don’t Be Surprised Jesus makes it clear that hardship is not an exception but a certainty for those who follow Him. Discipleship means going against the grain of the world, and that will inevitably bring opposition and discomfort. Rather than being distracted or discouraged by difficulties, we are called to expect them and see them as part of God’s refining work in us. [48:31]
• 2. Resist the Pressure to Conform The world constantly tries to mold us into its image, but discipleship is about transformation, not conformity. Paul’s call to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” reminds us that following Jesus will set us apart and sometimes make us stand out in uncomfortable ways. True discipleship requires the courage to resist compromise and to pursue Christ’s likeness, even when it costs us. [49:48]
• 3. Courage is Needed for New Territory Like Joshua, stepping into new roles or unfamiliar places can be daunting, even for the bold. God’s repeated command to “be strong and courageous” is not because we are naturally timid, but because new seasons require new trust. When God leads us into uncharted territory, our courage is rooted in His presence and promises, not in our own experience or strength. [52:16]
• 4. Stay Close to the Overcomer The only way to endure tribulation and move forward in faith is to remain close to Jesus, who has already overcome the world. Our confidence is not in avoiding hardship, but in walking with the One who has conquered it. When we lean into His presence, we find the strength, guidance, and assurance we need to keep going, no matter the obstacles. [53:44]
• 5. Discipleship Demands Whole-Life Investment Following Jesus is not just about giving more money or time, but about reorienting our entire lives around His mission. True stewardship means investing our gifts, abilities, and priorities for the sake of the Kingdom, even when it requires sacrifice or risk. The call is to take the next step—whether serving, joining a group, or mentoring—trusting that God can do more with a few committed disciples than with many casual followers.
  
  ** [54:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:15] - Announcements and Ministry Opportunities
• [05:30] - Offering and Giving Impact
• [07:45] - Preschool and Children’s Ministry Highlights
• [13:20] - Youth Camp and Japanese Mission Trip
• [17:07] - Celebrating Summer Ministries
• [20:30] - Looking Ahead to Fall
• [42:35] - Transition to John 16:33
• [44:25] - Jesus’ Words to Disciples: Context and Meaning
• [45:52] - Our Church’s DNA: Missions and Discipleship
• [46:59] - Spiritual Gifts and Caring for Others
• [48:31] - Expecting Tribulation as Disciples
• [49:48] - Resisting Worldly Conformity
• [50:24] - Take Heart: Courage in the Face of Hardship
• [52:16] - Lessons from Joshua: Courage for New Seasons
• [53:44] - Staying Close to the Overcomer
• [54:11] - Whole-Life Stewardship and Next Steps
• [57:00] - Invitation and Prayer
• [59:30] - Special Prayer for School Staff
• [63:00] - Closing and Dismissal

Bible Reading

John 16:33 (ESV) — > “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 12:2 (ESV) — > “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.”

Joshua 1:6-7 (ESV) — > “Be strong and courageous, for you shall cause this people to inherit the land that I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.”

Observation Questions

1. According to John 16:33, what does Jesus say His followers should expect in this world?
2. In Romans 12:2, what is the difference between being “conformed” and “transformed”?
3. What repeated command does God give Joshua in Joshua 1:6-7, and why is it significant that it’s repeated?
4. The sermon described the church’s DNA as being rooted in missions and discipleship. What are some specific ways the church has lived this out recently? [[45:52]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus warn His disciples to expect tribulation, rather than promising them an easy life? How does this shape our understanding of what it means to follow Him? [[48:31]]
2. What are some ways the world tries to “conform” us, and why is resisting this pressure so important for disciples of Jesus? [[49:48]]
3. God tells Joshua to be strong and courageous as he steps into a new role and new territory. What might “new territory” look like for us as individuals or as a church? [[52:16]]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of staying close to Jesus, the Overcomer. Why is this closeness essential when facing hardship or stepping into something new? [[53:44]]

Application Questions

1. Jesus says, “In this world you will have tribulation.” What is one hardship or challenge you are currently facing as a follower of Jesus? How can you see this as part of your discipleship journey rather than just a problem to fix? [[48:31]]
2. The world pressures us to fit in and go along with its values. Can you think of a recent situation where you felt this pressure? How did you respond, and what would it look like to “be transformed” instead? [[49:48]]
3. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous because he was entering new territory. Is there an area in your life where you sense God calling you to step out in faith, even if it feels intimidating or unfamiliar? What would it look like to take a first step? [[52:16]]
4. The sermon challenged us not to be separated from Christ, especially when things get tough. What are some practical ways you can stay close to Jesus this week—through prayer, Scripture, or community? [[53:44]]
5. Discipleship is described as a whole-life investment, not just giving money or time. What is one area of your life (your schedule, your talents, your relationships) that you sense God inviting you to invest more intentionally for His Kingdom? [[54:11]]
6. The church is launching new small groups and mentoring opportunities this fall. What is one next step you could take—joining a group, finding a mentor, or serving in a new way? What might hold you back, and how can you overcome that? [[54:11]]
7. When you think about the idea that “God can do more with a few committed disciples than with many casual followers,” what does that mean for your own commitment? Is there a specific way you want to move from being a “casual” to a “committed” disciple this season? [[54:11]]