Embracing Faith: Strengthening Families Through Discipleship

 

Summary

In this heartfelt message, I shared the journey my wife Lisa and I have been on over the past year, moving from a familiar community to a new life in San Francisco. This transition has been both challenging and rewarding, as we've had to rely on God and each other more than ever. Lisa shared her experiences of adapting to a new environment and the joy of seeing our children grow in their faith, even amidst the unknown. This journey has reinforced the importance of stepping out in faith and embracing the discomfort that comes with following God's call.

I emphasized the need for discipleship within the church, highlighting a common issue where many Christians rely heavily on church staff for spiritual growth rather than taking personal responsibility to make disciples. This is contrary to the biblical model where every believer is called to disciple others, including their own families. I challenged the congregation to consider whether they could stand firm in their faith and lead others to Christ if they were the only Christian in their community.

Furthermore, I addressed the topic of marriage, urging couples to focus on the mission of serving God together rather than solely on their relationship. This mission-centric approach, I believe, strengthens family bonds and aligns with Jesus' teaching to seek first the kingdom of God. Lisa shared insights from Philippians, encouraging women to press on toward the goal of living out the gospel in their marriages, making Christ attractive through their actions.

I also spoke to the men, urging them to be strong and act like men of God, representing His strength and glory in their lives. I shared the story of David from 1 Samuel 30, illustrating the power of strengthening oneself in the Lord during times of distress. This strength is essential for leading families and glorifying God.

Ultimately, I encouraged everyone to follow the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it feels risky, trusting that God will provide and guide us in His mission. This is the path to experiencing true unity and joy in our families and marriages.

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace Discomfort for Growth: Stepping out of our comfort zones and following God's call, even when it leads to unfamiliar places, can deepen our reliance on Him and strengthen our family bonds. This journey of faith is not just for us but for our children, teaching them to trust God in the unknown. [04:58]

- Personal Responsibility in Discipleship: The biblical model calls for every believer to make disciples, not just rely on church staff. This involves teaching our own children and neighbors about God, ensuring that we are equipped to lead others to Christ. [07:48]

- Mission-Centric Marriage: Focusing on serving God together as a couple strengthens the marriage bond. By seeking first the kingdom of God, we align our priorities with His, allowing everything else to fall into place. [13:48]

- Strength in the Lord: In times of distress, like David, we must strengthen ourselves in the Lord. This strength is crucial for leading our families and representing God's glory, showing that we serve a powerful and fearless God. [41:53]

- Follow the Holy Spirit's Leading: Trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance, even when it feels risky, leads to a life of adventure and fulfillment. This surrender to God's will is essential for experiencing true unity and joy in our families and marriages. [46:02]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction and Journey
- [01:57] - Lisa's Reflections
- [03:00] - Adapting to a New Community
- [04:58] - Family Bonding Through Faith
- [06:49] - The Call to Discipleship
- [08:10] - Self-Sufficiency in Faith
- [11:08] - Emphasizing Marriage
- [13:48] - Mission-Centric Family Life
- [17:39] - Serving Together as a Family
- [20:43] - Focusing Beyond Ourselves
- [23:21] - Lisa's Message to Women
- [29:18] - Shining as Lights in the World
- [35:20] - Message to Men: Be Strong
- [41:53] - Strengthening in the Lord
- [46:02] - Following the Holy Spirit's Lead

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 3:12-14
2. 1 Samuel 30:1-6
3. Matthew 6:33

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Observation Questions:

1. What were some of the challenges and rewards that Francis and Lisa experienced during their move to San Francisco? How did these experiences impact their faith and family dynamics? [00:23]

2. According to the sermon, what is the biblical model of discipleship, and how does it differ from the current practice in many churches? [07:48]

3. How does the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 illustrate the concept of strengthening oneself in the Lord during times of distress? [39:51]

4. What does Lisa emphasize about the role of women in marriage, and how does she relate this to the teachings in Philippians? [23:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "embracing discomfort for growth" apply to the journey of faith, and what might this look like in a believer's life today? [04:58]

2. In what ways does focusing on a mission-centric marriage align with Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6:33, and how might this approach transform a couple's relationship? [13:48]

3. How can the story of David in 1 Samuel 30 inspire believers to find strength in the Lord during personal trials and challenges? [41:53]

4. What does it mean to follow the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it feels risky, and how can this lead to unity and joy in families and marriages? [46:02]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out of your comfort zone. How did this experience impact your faith and reliance on God? How can you apply this lesson to a current situation in your life? [04:58]

2. Consider your role in discipleship within your family and community. What steps can you take to actively disciple others, including your children or neighbors? [07:48]

3. How can you and your spouse (or future spouse) focus on serving God together? What practical steps can you take to make your marriage more mission-centric? [13:48]

4. In times of personal distress, how do you typically find strength? What practices can you adopt to strengthen yourself in the Lord, as David did? [41:53]

5. Are there areas in your life where you feel hesitant to follow the Holy Spirit's leading? What might be holding you back, and how can you overcome these fears to experience the fullness of God's plan for your life? [46:02]

6. How can you make Christ attractive through your actions in your marriage or relationships? What changes might you need to make to better reflect the gospel in these areas? [25:09]

7. Identify one specific way you can seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life. How can this shift in focus impact your personal and family life? [14:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Discomfort for Spiritual Growth
Stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown can be daunting, yet it is often in these moments that we experience the most profound spiritual growth. When we move beyond what is familiar, we are compelled to rely more deeply on God and those around us. This journey of faith is not just for our own benefit but also serves as a powerful example for our children, teaching them to trust God amidst uncertainty. As we navigate new challenges, we find that our family bonds are strengthened, and our faith is deepened. [04:58]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a small step today to embrace this challenge?


Day 2: Personal Responsibility in Discipleship
The biblical model of discipleship calls every believer to take an active role in making disciples, rather than relying solely on church staff for spiritual growth. This involves teaching our own children and neighbors about God, ensuring that we are equipped to lead others to Christ. By taking personal responsibility for our spiritual development and that of those around us, we fulfill the Great Commission and strengthen the body of Christ. [07:48]

"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you begin to disciple or mentor in their faith journey? What steps can you take this week to start this process?


Day 3: Mission-Centric Marriage
A mission-centric approach to marriage focuses on serving God together as a couple, which in turn strengthens the marriage bond. By seeking first the kingdom of God, couples align their priorities with His, allowing everything else to fall into place. This approach not only enhances the relationship but also sets a powerful example for others, demonstrating the beauty of a marriage centered on God's mission. [13:48]

"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." (Genesis 2:24, ESV)

Reflection: How can you and your spouse or partner refocus your relationship on serving God together? What is one mission or ministry you can pursue as a team?


Day 4: Strength in the Lord
In times of distress, it is crucial to find strength in the Lord, as exemplified by David in 1 Samuel 30. This divine strength is essential for leading our families and representing God's glory in our lives. By relying on God's power, we demonstrate to the world that we serve a powerful and fearless God, capable of overcoming any challenge. [41:53]

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to seek God's strength today? How can you actively wait on the Lord to renew your strength?


Day 5: Follow the Holy Spirit's Leading
Trusting the Holy Spirit's guidance, even when it feels risky, leads to a life of adventure and fulfillment. This surrender to God's will is essential for experiencing true unity and joy in our families and marriages. By following the Spirit's leading, we open ourselves to the incredible plans God has for us, stepping into a life of purpose and divine direction. [46:02]

"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision or situation in your life where you need to trust the Holy Spirit's leading? How can you practice listening to His guidance today?

Quotes



I can tell you that it is it is a great joy to have laid down what we we've known and um to move forward and just follow god and take steps of faith and be uncomfortable um it is a very weird feeling to go from being so connected to moving into an entirely new city and place where you really don't know people. [00:02:46]

The design was that you were supposed to be doing that, that you actually make your own disciples, and that there was a leader's job to equip you so that you go out and disciple other people, disciple your own kids, you know disciple your neighbors teach them about god. [00:07:45]

Being focused on the mission is actually what brings your family together, otherwise it's like saying I really want to get in shape so I can go jogging. Actually if you just jog you'll get in shape, okay it's it's that's that's the way it works here. [00:12:19]

The very thing that that bonds us together is is the fact that we're on this mission together, it's like Jesus says, if you seek the kingdom first if you seek first number one what is the most important thing most important thing is the glory of God and his kingdom. [00:13:39]

Watch what happens in your family watch what happens in your marriage watch what happens with your kids I mean our you know we we I was scared you know when I left here there was a fear like ah this is what I knew and this could screw up the family. [00:14:56]

I was reading first Samuel 30 the other day and it's talking about David and I read that I go oh there's a man right there there's a man that's who I want to be god I'm sorry I haven't measured up to that make me that guy I am going to be that guy. [00:37:44]

David was greatly distressed for the people spoke of stoning him because all the people were bitter in soul, each for his sons and his daughters, but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God I go wow that's bad here is a guy with his army getting back to the city. [00:39:11]

I mean it's like God have you ever shown anyone this much this is crazy and yet I still get scared to take the next step of faith and go okay I surrender to you again where do you want me where do you want me to go I mean I don't know. [00:46:23]

It's the Holy Spirit could bring him back to Simi Valley Holy Spirit could send me to India Holy Spirit sent me wherever and then as a family we're going to do that and if so then it's going to be it's going to be an awesome life but if you try to save your life. [00:46:54]

You just try to save your family and go no we're just going to stay here be tight be close you know what you're going to lose your family but you say you know what God I release my family to you man when Rachel went back to Thailand by herself. [00:47:41]

I tell you there's still fear I'm telling you it's the greatest way to live and you seek his kingdom first and it was an amazing experience here's how we're going to close it up I'm going to ask the uh elders and to come line the front of the stage here. [00:48:30]

I asked if the elders could come and just be available to pray for some of you because I think some of you as couples you just need some prayer right now one may because you're struggling or two maybe because you're just too into each other and your family. [00:48:57]

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Transcript
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