Embracing Discipleship: Humility, Assurance, and Service

 

Summary

In today's session, we explored the profound and multifaceted nature of Christian discipleship and the Great Commission. The conversation began with a reflection on the importance of encouraging church elders, emphasizing that they, too, need support and prayer from their congregations. Elders are not just leaders but servants of Christ's flock, and their role is to guide and nurture the spiritual growth of the church community. This nurturing is not just about providing answers but about fostering a deeper understanding and relationship with God through study and discipleship.

We also delved into the doctrines of grace, discussing how they should humble us rather than puff us up with pride. The doctrines remind us of our special place in God's plan, chosen not because of our merit but because of His love and grace. This understanding should lead us to a life of humility and gratitude, constantly seeking to grow in our faith and understanding of God's Word.

The conversation touched on the assurance of salvation, a topic that often troubles many believers. Assurance is not about the strength of our faith but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Our confidence lies in His finished work on the cross, not in our fluctuating feelings or actions. True faith will bear fruit, but it is Christ's work that secures our salvation.

We also discussed the role of creeds and confessions in grounding and guiding the church. These historical documents serve as maps, helping us navigate theological truths and avoid the pitfalls of heresy. They are tools that aid in teaching and preserving the faith, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our beliefs.

Finally, we addressed the prosperity gospel, affirming that while God promises eternal riches and blessings, the Christian life is marked by sacrifice and service. The prosperity gospel distorts the true message of Scripture, which calls us to give of ourselves for the sake of others and the kingdom of God.

Key Takeaways:

- Encouragement for Elders: Elders need encouragement and prayer from their congregations. They are not just leaders but servants of Christ's flock, tasked with guiding and nurturing the spiritual growth of the church community. Encouragement should be genuine and rooted in prayer for their strength and wisdom. [05:22]

- Humility in the Doctrines of Grace: The doctrines of grace should humble us, reminding us of our special place in God's plan, chosen not because of our merit but because of His love. This understanding should lead us to a life of humility and gratitude, constantly seeking to grow in our faith. [08:51]

- Assurance of Salvation: Assurance is not about the strength of our faith but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Our confidence lies in His finished work on the cross, not in our fluctuating feelings or actions. True faith will bear fruit, but it is Christ's work that secures our salvation. [15:30]

- Role of Creeds and Confessions: Creeds and confessions ground and guide the church, serving as maps to navigate theological truths and avoid heresy. They are tools that aid in teaching and preserving the faith, ensuring that we remain steadfast in our beliefs. [19:41]

- Rejecting the Prosperity Gospel: The prosperity gospel distorts the true message of Scripture, which calls us to sacrifice and service. While God promises eternal riches, the Christian life is marked by giving of ourselves for the sake of others and the kingdom of God. [23:15]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Introduction to Ask Ligonier
- [00:35] - Meet Dr. Burk Parsons
- [01:14] - Dr. Parsons' Early Days at Ligonier
- [02:11] - The Importance of Local Churches
- [03:03] - Encouraging Deeper Study
- [04:15] - Lightning Round Begins
- [05:22] - Encouragement for Church Elders
- [07:10] - Serving Christ's Flock
- [09:40] - Humility in the Doctrines of Grace
- [12:38] - Understanding God's Sovereignty
- [15:30] - Assurance of Salvation
- [19:41] - Importance of Creeds and Confessions
- [23:15] - Rejecting the Prosperity Gospel
- [24:09] - The Great Commission and Discipleship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 Peter 5:1-4 - Encouragement for Elders
2. Ephesians 2:8-9 - Humility in the Doctrines of Grace
3. Matthew 7:21-23 - Assurance of Salvation

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Observation Questions:

1. According to 1 Peter 5:1-4, what are the responsibilities of church elders, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on elders needing encouragement and prayer? [05:22]

2. How does Ephesians 2:8-9 illustrate the concept of grace as discussed in the sermon, particularly in relation to humility and gratitude? [08:51]

3. In Matthew 7:21-23, Jesus speaks about those who claim to know Him but are turned away. How does this passage relate to the sermon’s discussion on the assurance of salvation? [15:30]

4. What role do creeds and confessions play in the church according to the sermon, and how does this relate to the idea of grounding and guiding believers? [19:41]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might the encouragement and prayer for elders, as discussed in the sermon, impact their ability to shepherd the congregation effectively? [05:22]

2. The sermon suggests that the doctrines of grace should lead to humility rather than pride. How can understanding our place in God's plan foster a life of gratitude and humility? [08:51]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of true faith and its relationship to assurance of salvation? How does this understanding affect a believer's confidence in their salvation? [15:30]

4. How do creeds and confessions serve as tools to preserve the faith and avoid heresy, according to the sermon? What might be the consequences of neglecting these historical documents? [19:41]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you encouraged an elder or church leader. How did it impact them, and how can you make encouragement a regular practice? [05:22]

2. In what ways can you cultivate humility in your life, especially in light of the doctrines of grace? Identify a specific area where pride might be creeping in and how you can address it. [08:51]

3. Consider your own assurance of salvation. Are there moments when you doubt? How can focusing on Christ's finished work on the cross help strengthen your assurance? [15:30]

4. How familiar are you with the creeds and confessions of your faith tradition? What steps can you take to study them more deeply and integrate their teachings into your daily life? [19:41]

5. The sermon warns against the prosperity gospel. How can you ensure that your understanding of God's blessings aligns with the true message of Scripture, which emphasizes sacrifice and service? [23:15]

6. Identify one person in your church community who might need encouragement or support. What specific action can you take this week to offer them genuine encouragement rooted in prayer? [05:22]

7. Reflect on your current understanding of the Great Commission. How can you actively participate in discipleship and evangelism within your community? What is one step you can take this week to engage in this mission? [24:09]

Devotional

Day 1: Encouragement for Church Elders
Elders in the church are not just leaders but servants who guide and nurture the spiritual growth of the community. They carry the responsibility of shepherding Christ's flock, which can be a demanding and often thankless task. It is crucial for congregations to recognize the weight of this responsibility and offer genuine encouragement and prayer for their elders. This support should be rooted in a desire for their strength and wisdom, acknowledging that they, too, need spiritual nourishment and encouragement. By uplifting our elders, we contribute to a healthier and more vibrant church community. [05:22]

"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)

Reflection: Who is an elder or church leader you can encourage today? How can you specifically pray for their strength and wisdom in their role?


Day 2: Humility in the Doctrines of Grace
The doctrines of grace remind us of our special place in God's plan, chosen not because of our merit but because of His love and grace. This understanding should lead us to a life of humility and gratitude, constantly seeking to grow in our faith. The doctrines are not meant to puff us up with pride but to humble us, recognizing that our salvation is entirely a work of God's grace. As we reflect on these truths, we are called to live lives marked by humility, acknowledging that everything we have is a gift from God. [08:51]

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride? How can you remind yourself of God's grace and cultivate humility today?


Day 3: Assurance of Salvation
Assurance of salvation is not about the strength of our faith but about the object of our faith—Jesus Christ. Our confidence lies in His finished work on the cross, not in our fluctuating feelings or actions. True faith will bear fruit, but it is Christ's work that secures our salvation. This assurance provides a foundation of peace and confidence, allowing us to live out our faith with boldness and joy, knowing that our salvation is secure in Him. [15:30]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: Do you find yourself doubting your salvation? How can you shift your focus from your own efforts to the finished work of Christ today?


Day 4: Role of Creeds and Confessions
Creeds and confessions serve as maps, helping us navigate theological truths and avoid the pitfalls of heresy. They ground and guide the church, providing a framework for teaching and preserving the faith. These historical documents are tools that aid in ensuring that we remain steadfast in our beliefs, offering clarity and unity in understanding core Christian doctrines. By engaging with creeds and confessions, we connect with the rich heritage of the faith and are better equipped to articulate and defend our beliefs. [19:41]

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How familiar are you with the creeds and confessions of your faith tradition? What steps can you take to deepen your understanding of these foundational documents?


Day 5: Rejecting the Prosperity Gospel
The prosperity gospel distorts the true message of Scripture, which calls us to sacrifice and service. While God promises eternal riches and blessings, the Christian life is marked by giving of ourselves for the sake of others and the kingdom of God. The call to follow Christ is a call to self-denial and service, not a promise of earthly wealth and comfort. By rejecting the prosperity gospel, we embrace the true call of discipleship, which is to live sacrificially for the glory of God and the good of others. [23:15]

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you been influenced by the prosperity gospel? How can you refocus your life on sacrificial service and eternal treasures today?

Quotes


Elders need encouragement. The Bible, in fact, commands God's people to encourage their elders, to respect them, and to show them honor. But people don't realize how much we really do need encouragement. And when I speak of elders, of course I'm speaking not only of ordained pastors but all ordained elders in the church. [00:45:20]

And in my opinion, for me the greatest encouragement that I can ever receive is that someone says "I'm praying for you, I'm praying for your family, that the Lord would sustain you." But to the question as it's asked, as the church encourages its elders to care for the church and to care for Christ's sheep and we have to remember that ultimately they're not our sheep, as Peter says. [00:55:30]

The doctrines of grace humble a man, but they don't degrade us. They don't flatten us, as one theologian has said. They, in one sense, show us how special we are to God. They show us that we are God's prized possession, that He chose us before the foundation of the world, that God created the world. [00:08:51]

And that He loves us with a special saving love and that we are His children forever. No one can take that away from us. No one can snatch us away. And there is a certain sense of assurance that grows within us. But we are all prone to be puffed up with pride, and so we have to pray against that every day. [00:09:40]

But if we're looking to the cross, if we're looking to what Christ did for us that objective reality that He didn't just come to make salvation possible, that He didn't just come to offer salvation, but He came to actually accomplish salvation, that it's a redemption that has been accomplished and applied, as John Murray said. [00:15:30]

That Christ actually did something, He affected something. He actually saved people in His atonement, and that atonement was a substitutionary atonement for sin. And God imputed Christ's righteousness to all who put their faith in Him, and He imputes our sin to Christ on the cross, and that sin has been paid for fully and finally, once for all on the cross. [00:15:30]

So creeds and confessions help to ground us. They also help to guard us. They become a perimeter for us to help us to know where we can go and where we can't go. They also serve us as maps, as guides for us. When we travel somewhere, when we hike somewhere, I like to hunt as you know, and I love to hike and backpack and fish and especially here in Florida, backcountry fishing you need maps, you need to know where you're going so you don't run aground and you can find your way back. [00:19:41]

And you use maps, looking at where people have gone before you. You're saying, "They've gone here, and they've told us don't go this way because you'll run aground there. You'll run aground into heresy there, into false teaching there, into error there, so steer clear of this way and that way and steer a straight path." And creeds and confessions help us to do that. [00:19:41]

Scripture teaches in this life that we may lose everything. Scripture teaches in this life that we are to sacrifice and we are to give. You cannot read any page of the Gospels or the New Testament and come away with any ounce of prosperity preaching or health and wealth prosperity preaching or name it and claim it or blab it and grab it. There is not one hint of it in the Bible. [00:23:15]

Everything in Scripture is about giving up for the sake of others, giving up for the kingdom of God. Everything we read is sacrificing for the sake of others and for the sake of the kingdom of God. Prosperity preachers who are preaching that drivel, that nonsense, are doing the devil's work. They are not preaching the Word of God. [00:23:15]

And at the very heart of the Great Commission of course is discipleship, baptism and discipleship. But a lot of times when we think of discipleship, what do we think of? I think that a lot of people think only of teaching. Sometimes we think of mentoring, and that's a good thing, or sometimes we think of small group discipleship. [00:24:09]

But I think too often, too many Christians think simply of teaching. Now, teaching is right. Teaching is the, if you will, one of the foundation imperatives of the Great Commission. But what Jesus says is "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." Often as we hear the Great Commission just quoted from memory we hear people say, "Teaching them all that I have commanded you." That's not what Jesus says. [00:24:09]

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Transcript
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