Embracing Obedience: The Rhythm of Discipleship
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound relationship between obedience and discipleship, drawing from the passage in Mark 3:13-15. We began by acknowledging the beauty and intricacy of God's creation, paralleling it with the detailed work of preparing our church for the Advent season. This serves as a reminder of God's care for beauty and His intimate knowledge of each of us. As we prayed for the Holy Spirit's presence, we asked for transformation in our hearts and minds, so that our actions might reflect God's love to the world.
Our vision and mission as a church are to equip people from diverse backgrounds to follow Jesus and cultivate shalom in all aspects of life. This mission is rooted in the biblical call to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. We explored the concept of obedience, often misunderstood in our culture as a loss of freedom, but in the biblical sense, it is a life-giving response to a trustworthy relationship with God. Jesus exemplified this obedience through His relationship with the Father, demonstrating that true obedience flows from trust and intimacy.
We also discussed the rhythm of discipleship, likened to breathing in and out. This involves spending time with God (breathing in) and then going out to serve and share His love (breathing out). Jesus modeled this rhythm throughout His ministry, balancing time alone with God and active mission work. As a church, we are called to embrace this rhythm, ensuring that our spiritual life is deeply rooted in Christ, enabling us to effectively engage in mission work.
The call to obedience is not just about following rules but about responding to God's love and call in our lives. It requires us to examine what might be holding us back from fully obeying God and to seek a deeper relationship with Him. As we continue to pursue our vision and mission, we are reminded that it is not merely a plan to check off a list but a genuine response to God's calling for our church. We are encouraged to trust in God's provision and guidance, knowing that our obedience will bear fruit for His glory and the renewal of all things.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Intimate Knowledge and Care: God knows us intimately, having known our names before we were formed. This profound knowledge and care extend to His creation, reflecting His artistry and attention to detail. As we prepare for Advent, we are reminded of the beauty and intricacy of God's work in our lives. [10:58]
2. Obedience as a Trustworthy Response: Obedience in the biblical sense is not about blind submission but a life-giving response to a trustworthy relationship with God. Jesus' obedience to the Father exemplifies this, showing that true obedience flows from trust and intimacy. [45:18]
3. The Rhythm of Discipleship: Discipleship involves a rhythm of breathing in (spending time with God) and breathing out (engaging in mission work). Jesus modeled this balance, emphasizing the importance of both spiritual nourishment and active service. [53:36]
4. Embracing God's Vision and Mission: Our church's vision and mission are rooted in Scripture, calling us to equip diverse individuals to follow Jesus and cultivate shalom. This requires a commitment to obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance. [01:01:06]
5. Responding to God's Call: We are called to respond to God's call with obedience, allowing Him to transform and equip us for His mission. This involves examining what might be holding us back and seeking a deeper relationship with God. [01:04:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [10:58] - Advent Preparation and God's Artistry
- [11:54] - Prayer for Transformation
- [12:52] - Call to Worship
- [14:09] - Love God and Neighbor
- [37:19] - Vision and Mission of the Church
- [39:37] - Mark 3:13-15: The Call to Discipleship
- [40:31] - The Context of Jesus' Ministry
- [43:09] - Understanding Obedience
- [45:18] - Obedience in Jesus' Life
- [46:22] - The Role of Trust in Obedience
- [48:17] - Obedience and Fruitfulness
- [50:36] - Breathing In and Out: Spiritual Rhythm
- [52:23] - The Apostles' Response
- [53:36] - Jesus' Example of Spiritual Rhythm
- [01:01:06] - Embracing the Church's Mission
- [01:04:01] - Responding to God's Call
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 3:13-15
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific actions did Jesus take in Mark 3:13-15, and what was the purpose of these actions?
2. How does the sermon describe the cultural perception of obedience, and how does this differ from the biblical understanding? [43:09]
3. What is the significance of the rhythm of discipleship, as described in the sermon, and how is it exemplified in Jesus' life? [53:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of obedience as a "life-giving response" challenge or affirm your understanding of freedom in a relationship with God? [43:56]
2. In what ways does the rhythm of "breathing in and out" reflect the balance between spiritual nourishment and mission work in a believer's life? [50:36]
3. How does the sermon suggest that trust and intimacy with God influence our ability to obey Him? [45:18]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current spiritual practices. How can you incorporate the rhythm of "breathing in and out" into your daily life to ensure a balance between spiritual growth and active service? [53:36]
2. Consider the areas of your life where obedience to God feels challenging. What steps can you take to deepen your trust and intimacy with God in these areas? [49:20]
3. How can you actively participate in your church's mission to cultivate shalom in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week. [01:01:06]
4. What might be holding you back from fully responding to God's call in your life? How can you address these barriers to embrace a life of obedience? [49:20]
5. Think about a time when you experienced God's intimate knowledge and care in your life. How can this experience encourage you to trust and obey Him more fully? [10:58]
6. How can you support others in your small group or church community to embrace the rhythm of discipleship and respond to God's call? [01:04:01]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on God’s provision and guidance. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing uncertainties in your spiritual journey? [01:02:42]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Intimate Knowledge and Care
God's intimate knowledge of us is a profound truth that reflects His deep care and artistry in creation. Just as He intricately designed the universe, He knows each of us by name, even before we were formed. This understanding should fill us with awe and gratitude, especially as we prepare for the Advent season, a time that highlights the beauty and intricacy of God's work in our lives. Recognizing this divine attention to detail can transform how we view ourselves and the world around us, encouraging us to trust in His perfect plan and provision. [10:58]
"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: How does knowing that God has an intimate knowledge of you change the way you view your current circumstances? Can you identify one area of your life where you need to trust His detailed care more fully?
Day 2: Obedience as a Trustworthy Response
Obedience in the biblical sense is not about losing freedom but about responding to a trustworthy relationship with God. Jesus exemplified this through His obedience to the Father, which was rooted in trust and intimacy. This kind of obedience is life-giving and transformative, inviting us to align our actions with God's will. In a culture that often misunderstands obedience, we are called to see it as a response to God's love and faithfulness, rather than mere rule-following. This perspective can reshape our understanding of freedom and lead us to a deeper relationship with God. [45:18]
"And Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you misunderstood obedience as a loss of freedom? How can you begin to see it as a response to God's trustworthy love today?
Day 3: The Rhythm of Discipleship
Discipleship involves a rhythm of spending time with God and engaging in mission work, much like breathing in and out. Jesus modeled this balance throughout His ministry, emphasizing the importance of both spiritual nourishment and active service. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this rhythm, ensuring that our spiritual life is deeply rooted in Him. This balance enables us to effectively engage in mission work, reflecting God's love to the world. By prioritizing time with God, we are equipped to serve others with His love and grace. [53:36]
"And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, 'Everyone is looking for you.' And he said to them, 'Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.'" (Mark 1:35-38, ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a daily rhythm that includes both time with God and active service? What specific changes can you make to ensure this balance in your life?
Day 4: Embracing God's Vision and Mission
Our church's vision and mission are rooted in Scripture, calling us to equip diverse individuals to follow Jesus and cultivate shalom. This requires a commitment to obedience, trusting in God's provision and guidance. As we pursue this mission, we are reminded that it is not merely a plan to check off a list but a genuine response to God's calling for our church. By embracing this vision, we participate in God's work of renewal and transformation, both in our lives and in the world around us. [01:01:06]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to actively participate in your church's mission? How can you contribute to cultivating shalom in your community today?
Day 5: Responding to God's Call
We are called to respond to God's call with obedience, allowing Him to transform and equip us for His mission. This involves examining what might be holding us back and seeking a deeper relationship with God. As we respond to His call, we trust in His provision and guidance, knowing that our obedience will bear fruit for His glory and the renewal of all things. By surrendering our lives to Him, we open ourselves to His transformative work, enabling us to fulfill His purposes in our lives and in the world. [01:04:01]
"And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then I said, 'Here I am! Send me.'" (Isaiah 6:8, ESV)
Reflection: What might be holding you back from fully obeying God's call in your life? How can you take a step today to deepen your relationship with Him and respond to His call?
Quotes
"We gather this morning to worship the Lord, our God, who knew our names before we were even formed. He knows our stories. He knows our backgrounds. So wherever you are today spiritually, He knows you. And He welcomes you. And we are honored to have you today." [00:10:19] (28 seconds)
"The obedience that the disciples had with Christ was because there was a relationship. They knew him. They were getting to know him. Therefore, they were like, I trust him." [00:44:22] (18 seconds)
"In Christ, we see that obedience plays a key role in the relationship between Jesus and God. It is through Jesus' obedience to God that he entered our broken world, our painful human condition becoming one of us." [00:45:04] (22 seconds)
"The word obedience, as it is embodied in Jesus Christ, is total listening and giving attention with no hesitation or limitation. It is an expression of intimacy, of a relationship that exists between both of them." [00:46:01] (21 seconds)
"Jesus' obedience to the Father brought fruit. And that fruit is here. Jesus' obedience to Christ, to the cross, brought resurrection. The Holy Spirit, so that you and I, as we believe and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, will become His children." [00:48:08] (25 seconds)
"Jesus Christ, the Son of God, perfect man, perfect God, needed time to rest and to spend time with God. And then what he did after that, if you see that passage coming after, he went out to preach." [00:55:14] (17 seconds)
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