Embracing Discipleship: Love, Relationships, and Reconciliation
Summary
In a sermon centered on the Christian imperative to make disciples, the speaker begins by underscoring the significance of relationships within the Christian community. Drawing from Francis Schaefer's assertion, the speaker suggests that the authenticity of the Christian message is judged by the quality of relationships among believers. These relationships foster accountability, encouragement, and reflection, which are essential for spiritual growth. The speaker then transitions to the Great Commission, emphasizing that the command to make disciples is not only about evangelism but also about deep, life-on-life discipleship. The speaker identifies two primary motivators for this mission: the fear of the Judgment seat and the love of Christ. The fear of God's judgment propels a sense of urgency, while the love of Christ, described as limitless and persistent, compels believers to share the gospel and disciple others.
The sermon further explores the transformative power of God's love, which leads to a radical change in perspective for those in Christ. The speaker highlights that being a new creation involves seeing oneself and others differently, driven by the love and assurance found in Romans 8. This transformation is a key factor in motivating believers to live out their faith distinctively.
Gary Shuffler, a church member, shares a personal story about his involvement in growth groups, which are small, intimate gatherings that provide support and fellowship. He recounts his initial skepticism about church mergers but explains how his participation in these groups over the past decade has been life-changing. The speaker also touches on the importance of being fully committed to Christ, referencing Jesus' teachings on discipleship and the need for believers to be "all in."
The sermon concludes with a discussion on reconciliation, emphasizing that it is an act of God through Jesus Christ, not a human achievement. Believers are called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing Him in the world and informing others that God has already made peace through Jesus. The speaker calls for a revival among the congregation, urging them to embrace their role as Christ's representatives and to actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Christian community is judged by the world based on the quality of its relationships, which serve as a testament to the truth of the gospel. These relationships are not superficial but are built on mutual accountability, encouragement, and spiritual reflection, which are vital for maintaining a vibrant faith and witness. [37:38]
- The fear of the Lord, particularly in light of the Judgment seat of Christ, is a profound motivator for believers to engage in the mission of making disciples. This fear is not about personal reputation but is rooted in a deep concern for the eternal destiny of others, driving Christians to rely on the Holy Spirit's power in their ministry. [45:55]
- The love of Christ is a powerful and persistent force that compels believers to share their faith and disciple others. This love is not based on human merit but is a gift that transforms lives and motivates obedience to Christ's commands, including the Great Commission. [47:49]
- Being a new creation in Christ leads to a radical change in how believers view themselves and others. This transformation, brought about by God's work in their lives, results in a new way of living that reflects the values and priorities of the Kingdom of God. [54:02]
- Reconciliation is a divine accomplishment through the death of Jesus on the cross, which settled the issue of sin and restored our relationship with God. As ambassadors of Christ, believers are called to share this message of reconciliation, exemplifying Christ's love and character in the world. [57:05]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 - This passage discusses the fear of the Lord, the love of Christ, and the ministry of reconciliation, which are central themes in the sermon.
2. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission, which emphasizes the command to make disciples.
3. Romans 8:38-39 - A passage that highlights the limitless and persistent love of Christ.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 say about the role of believers as ambassadors for Christ?
2. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the specific actions Jesus commands His disciples to take?
3. How does Romans 8:38-39 describe the love of Christ, and why is it significant for believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the fear of the Lord, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:11, motivate believers to make disciples? ([45:22])
2. In what ways does the love of Christ compel believers to share their faith and disciple others, according to 2 Corinthians 5:14? ([47:49])
3. What does it mean to be a new creation in Christ, and how should this transformation affect a believer's perspective on themselves and others? ([52:40])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the Christian community. How can you foster deeper accountability, encouragement, and spiritual reflection in these relationships? ([37:38])
2. The sermon mentioned the fear of the Judgment seat of Christ as a motivator for making disciples. How does this perspective influence your sense of urgency in sharing the gospel? ([45:55])
3. Think about a time when you felt compelled by the love of Christ to take action. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of Christ's love in your daily life to motivate you to disciple others? ([47:49])
4. Being a new creation in Christ involves a radical change in perspective. Identify one area in your life where you need to adopt a new, Christ-centered viewpoint. How will you work on this transformation? ([54:02])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being fully committed to Christ and being "all in." What steps can you take to deepen your commitment to Christ and His mission? ([35:03])
6. Reconciliation is a divine accomplishment through Jesus Christ. How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation in your community? ([57:05])
7. Gary Shuffler shared a personal story about the impact of growth groups. How can you engage more deeply in a small group or growth group to experience similar support and fellowship? ([26:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Authentic Relationships Reflect the Gospel
True Christian fellowship is marked by deep connections that mirror the gospel's authenticity. These relationships are characterized by mutual support, accountability, and spiritual growth, which are crucial for a robust faith. They are the lens through which the world views the message of Christ, and their depth and quality can either validate or undermine the gospel we profess. [37:38]
1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
Reflection: Who are the people in your faith community that you can build a deeper relationship with, and how can you take a step towards that this week?
Day 2: The Fear of the Lord Drives Discipleship
The fear of standing before the Judgment seat of Christ instills a sense of urgency in believers to fulfill the mission of making disciples. This reverence for God's authority is not about preserving self-image but is a genuine concern for the eternal well-being of others, motivating a reliance on the Holy Spirit for effective ministry. [45:55]
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 - "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others."
Reflection: How does the reality of the Judgment seat of Christ influence your daily interactions and willingness to share your faith?
Day 3: Christ's Love Compels Obedience
The love of Christ is an overwhelming force that not only invites but compels believers to share their faith and invest in the lives of others. This divine love, unearned and freely given, has the power to transform lives and inspire a heartfelt obedience to the Great Commission. [47:49]
2 Corinthians 5:14 - "For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the compelling love of Christ to someone who does not yet know Him?
Day 4: New Creation, New Perspective
Becoming a new creation in Christ radically alters how one views themselves and the world around them. This transformation, a work of God, results in a lifestyle that reflects the values and priorities of God's Kingdom, distinct from the patterns of the world. [54:02]
Galatians 6:15 - "Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can more fully embrace your identity as a new creation in Christ today?
Day 5: Ambassadors of Reconciliation
Reconciliation is God's work through Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. As ambassadors for Christ, believers are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation, called to represent Jesus and share the message that God has made peace with humanity through the cross. [57:05]
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you live out your role as an ambassador of reconciliation in a practical way this week?
Quotes
"Our relationship with each other is the Criterion the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful. Christian Community is the final apologetic." [37:38] (Download)
"Christ gave us a Great Commission, a last command, he says all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me, go and make disciples of all Nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit." [38:12] (Download)
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here. What's Paul saying? He's saying we used to think this way, but now in Christ, we think this way." [53:20] (Download)
"For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he who died for all, those who live should not live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again." [47:07] (Download)
"Reconciliation is not something we do; reconciliation is something God has done, something God has accomplished. The ministry of reconciliation for us is not telling people to make peace with God but telling them that God has made peace with the world." [55:19] (Download)
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