Embracing Discipleship: Living Out Our Salvation

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads between merely accepting salvation and truly living it out as disciples of Christ. Reflecting on Hebrews 2:3, we are reminded of the gravity of our salvation, described as "so great a salvation." This isn't just about avoiding rejection but also about avoiding neglect. Many Christians today have accepted salvation but have not fully embraced the call to discipleship, which involves a deeper commitment to following Jesus and living out His teachings.

The Great Commission, as outlined in Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:18-20, calls us not only to evangelize but also to make disciples. This means teaching new believers to observe all that Jesus commanded, leading them through the narrow gate and along the narrow way that leads to life. It's about moving beyond conversion to a life of obedience and transformation, where we are not just hearers of the Word but doers.

The essence of true discipleship is found in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which transforms us from within. Unlike the Old Testament prophets who experienced the Spirit upon them, we are called to have the Spirit within us, leading to a life where rivers of living water flow from our innermost being. This transformation is not just for our benefit but to bless others, as our lives become a testimony of God's power and grace.

Paul's life exemplifies this transformation. Despite his past, he became a vessel through which God worked mightily, demonstrating that our past does not define our future in Christ. We are called to be witnesses, not just in word but in deed, living lives that reflect the aroma of Christ to those around us.

In conclusion, we are encouraged to examine our lives and ask whether we are truly living out the fullness of our salvation. Are we content with spiritual infancy, or are we pressing on to maturity, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us? The call is to turn from neglect and embrace the abundant life that God offers, trusting that He can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Importance of Discipleship: Salvation is not just about conversion but about becoming a disciple of Christ. This involves a lifelong journey of learning and following Jesus, moving beyond mere belief to a life of obedience and transformation. [06:10]
• 2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is crucial for living out our faith. Unlike the Old Testament experience of the Spirit upon, the New Covenant offers the Spirit within, leading to a life where rivers of living water flow from us, blessing others. [14:13]
• 3. Paul's Example of Transformation: Paul's life shows that our past does not limit what God can do through us. Despite his early life, Paul became a powerful witness for Christ, demonstrating that God uses those who are willing to be transformed by His Spirit. [34:18]
• 4. Being a Witness, Not Just Bearing Witness: True witness involves both words and a life that reflects Christ. Our lives should be a testimony of God's power and grace, drawing others to Him through the aroma of Christ that we exude. [44:59]
• 5. Embracing the Fullness of Salvation: We are called to move beyond spiritual infancy and embrace the fullness of our salvation. This involves a commitment to growth and maturity, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us into the abundant life God offers. [39:59]
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:12] - Introduction and Personal Testimony
• [01:39] - Understanding "So Great a Salvation"
• [03:28] - The Great Commission: Two Sides
• [05:36] - Making Disciples: A Deeper Call
• [07:03] - Teaching Obedience to Christ's Commands
• [09:09] - The Importance of Scripture
• [12:01] - The Greatness of the New Covenant
• [14:13] - Rivers of Living Water: The Holy Spirit Within
• [18:24] - The Cleansing Power of Christ's Blood
• [23:31] - Following Godly Examples
• [30:06] - Being a Witness for Christ
• [36:35] - The Call to Total Commitment
• [44:59] - Living as a Fragrance of Christ
• [52:01] - Embracing the Fullness of Salvation

1. Hebrews 2:3 - "How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..."
3. John 7:38-39 - "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."

1. What does Hebrews 2:3 mean by "so great a salvation," and how does it differentiate between rejecting and neglecting salvation? [02:15]
2. According to the sermon, what are the two sides of the Great Commission as described in Mark 16:15 and Matthew 28:18-20? [05:19]
3. How does the sermon describe the difference between the Old Testament experience of the Holy Spirit and the New Covenant experience? [14:31]
4. What example does the sermon give of Paul's transformation and how it demonstrates that our past does not limit what God can do through us? [34:18]

1. How does the sermon suggest that neglecting salvation can occur, and what role do teachers and leaders play in this neglect? [03:13]
2. In what ways does the sermon describe the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as essential for living out our faith, and how does this differ from the Old Testament experience? [14:31]
3. How does the sermon use Paul's life to illustrate the potential for transformation in Christ, and what does this imply about our own potential for change? [34:18]
4. What does the sermon mean by being a witness for Christ, and how does it differentiate between bearing witness and being a witness? [30:06]

1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you might be neglecting the fullness of your salvation? What steps can you take to address this neglect? [02:15]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of discipleship beyond conversion. How can you actively participate in making disciples in your community? [05:19]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to allow rivers of living water to flow from within you? [14:31]
4. Paul's transformation is a powerful example of God's grace. Is there an area of your life where you feel limited by your past? How can you invite God to transform that area? [34:18]
5. The sermon challenges us to be witnesses for Christ in both word and deed. What practical steps can you take this week to ensure your life reflects the aroma of Christ? [30:06]
6. How can you move beyond spiritual infancy and press on to maturity in your faith journey? Identify one specific area where you want to grow and develop a plan to pursue that growth. [39:59]
7. The sermon encourages us to trust that God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more, and how can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [59:21]