Embracing Our Mission: The Call to Discipleship
Summary
In my sermon, I began by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to gather and worship, emphasizing the importance of our collective praise and worship as a sweet aroma to God. I greeted the congregation warmly, acknowledging the guests and celebrating the 28 individuals who committed their lives to Christ on Easter Sunday. I introduced the new sermon series, "So Now What," focusing on the post-resurrection narrative of Jesus and the implications for our lives as believers.
I read from Matthew 28:16-20, highlighting the Great Commission where Jesus, having all authority in heaven and on earth, commands His disciples to make more disciples. I explained that being a disciple of Jesus means denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and following Him. It involves a complete surrender of our will to God's will, enduring whatever comes our way, and conforming to Christ's likeness.
I shared a personal anecdote about my daughter Brooklyn babysitting her sister Milo, drawing a parallel to how Jesus entrusts us with His authority to carry out His mission in His physical absence. Just as Brooklyn was given authority over Milo, Jesus gives us authority to make disciples. I emphasized that Christianity is a mission that moves, not one that remains stationary, and that we are called to be active participants in spreading the Gospel.
I addressed the misconception that discipleship is optional, clarifying that as we go about our daily lives, we are to look for opportunities to disciple others. I stressed that discipleship is not just for pastors or apostles but for every Christian. It requires accountability, which many resist due to past negative experiences or a desire for control. However, accountability is essential for growth and avoiding missteps.
I explained that discipleship starts at home, with parents discipling their children, and that it requires being discipled ourselves before we can disciple others. I warned against the dangers of being like Absalom, who sought leadership without being led, and encouraged the congregation to seek spiritual mentorship.
I urged the congregation to move from merely attending church to actively following Jesus, offering practical steps such as attending "Pizza with the Pastor," serving in the church, joining connect groups, and finding a mentor. I emphasized the importance of community and warned against the isolation that hinders growth.
In closing, I invited those who had not yet committed their lives to Jesus to do so, assuring them of His love and the transformative journey that begins with salvation. I concluded with a call to action, challenging the congregation to live out the mission of discipleship passionately.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discipleship begins with a personal commitment to follow Jesus, denying oneself, and embracing His will for our lives. It's a journey of transformation that requires us to pour ourselves out completely, abandoning our plans for His greater purpose. ([19:34])
2. The authority given to us by Jesus to make disciples is not for our benefit but to empower us to witness the life-changing power of Christ. We must use this authority to move beyond our comfort zones and engage in the mission of the church. ([12:46])
3. Discipleship is not a solitary endeavor but a communal one, where we are called to invest in others as we have been invested in. It's about growing deep roots in the Word of God and in relationships that foster spiritual growth. ([35:57])
4. The strength of the church lies in its commitment to discipleship across generations. We must embrace the responsibility to disciple others, regardless of age, and be open to receiving mentorship and guidance from those more mature in faith. ([31:57])
5. True discipleship involves being mission-minded, ready to be inconvenienced, and selfless in our pursuit of growing God's kingdom. It's about being passionate about investing in people and being poured into by others. ([43:31])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Matthew 28:16-20 (The Great Commission)
- Galatians 2:20 ("I have been crucified with Christ...")
- Romans 12:2 ("Do not conform to the pattern of this world...")
#### Observation Questions
1. What specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:16-20? How did He emphasize His authority? ([03:41])
2. According to Galatians 2:20, what does it mean to be "crucified with Christ"? How does this relate to living a new life in Christ?
3. In Romans 12:2, what are believers instructed to do instead of conforming to the world? How does this transformation occur?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' authority, as described in Matthew 28:18, empower believers to fulfill the Great Commission? ([03:41])
2. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross daily, as mentioned in the sermon? How does this concept challenge modern Christian living? ([16:34])
3. How can the idea of being transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) be practically applied in daily life? What are some specific ways this transformation can manifest?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal commitment to following Jesus. What are some areas in your life where you need to deny yourself and embrace God's will more fully? ([17:13])
2. Jesus entrusted His disciples with authority to make more disciples. How can you step out of your comfort zone to engage in the mission of the church this week? ([12:46])
3. Discipleship is described as a communal endeavor. Who in your life can you invest in spiritually, and who can you seek out for mentorship? ([35:57])
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of accountability in discipleship. How can you create or strengthen accountability relationships in your life to foster spiritual growth? ([27:13])
5. The pastor mentioned practical steps to move from merely attending church to actively following Jesus, such as joining a connect group or finding a mentor. Which of these steps can you take this month to deepen your discipleship journey? ([32:32])
6. Reflect on the story of Brooklyn babysitting Milo. How does this analogy help you understand the responsibility and authority Jesus has given you? How can you apply this understanding in your daily interactions? ([10:21])
7. The sermon warned against the dangers of isolation. What are some specific ways you can engage more deeply with your church community to avoid spiritual isolation? ([43:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Discipleship Journey
Discipleship is an intentional path that begins with a personal decision to follow Jesus, which means setting aside one's own desires and ambitions to fully embrace His will. This journey is transformative, reshaping one's identity and purpose to align with Christ's. It is a process of becoming less so He can become more within us, a daily practice of saying 'no' to the self and 'yes' to God. This surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous outpouring of oneself, a testament to the faith that one's life is not their own but is meant for God's greater purpose. It is in this laying down of life that one finds true life in Christ. [19:34]
"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." (Matthew 16:25 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Authority to Witness
The authority granted by Jesus to His followers is not a tool for personal gain but a divine empowerment to share the transformative power of the Gospel. This authority is a responsibility to step out of comfort zones and actively participate in the mission of the church. It is a call to be stewards of the Great Commission, to use the authority given by Christ to bring others into the fold, teaching them to obey all that He has commanded. This is a mission that requires courage, humility, and a willingness to be used by God for the expansion of His kingdom. [12:46]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you step out of your comfort zone this week to use the authority Christ has given you to witness to someone who may not know Him?
Day 3: Community in Discipleship
Discipleship is a collective endeavor that thrives in the context of community. It involves both being invested in by others and investing in others, creating a nurturing environment for spiritual growth. This communal aspect of discipleship is about building deep connections through the Word of God and relationships that encourage and challenge believers to mature in their faith. It is in the sharing of life's journey with fellow believers that one finds strength, wisdom, and the accountability necessary for spiritual development. [35:57]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
Reflection: Who are the people in your life that help you grow spiritually? How can you strengthen those relationships this week to foster deeper discipleship?
Day 4: Generational Discipleship
The strength of the church is reflected in its commitment to discipleship across all ages. It is the responsibility of every believer to disciple others, regardless of generational gaps, and to remain open to learning from those who are more mature in their faith. This intergenerational exchange enriches the church, providing a tapestry of experiences and wisdom that benefits the entire body of Christ. Embracing the role of both disciple and discipler ensures that the legacy of faith is passed down, creating a continuous line of growth and spiritual vitality within the community. [31:57]
"Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another." (Proverbs 27:17 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take to either become a mentor to someone younger in faith or to seek mentorship from someone more experienced in their spiritual walk?
Day 5: Mission-Minded Discipleship
True discipleship is characterized by a mission-minded approach, where one is prepared to face inconvenience and selflessness in the pursuit of God's kingdom. It is about being passionate and intentional in investing in people, recognizing that the growth of the church is tied to the growth of its members. This mission-mindedness means being ready to serve, to give, and to love in ways that reflect the heart of Jesus. It is a call to live out the Gospel in practical, everyday ways, demonstrating the love of Christ through actions and relationships. [43:31]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can demonstrate mission-mindedness in your community this week, showing the love of Christ through service or support?
Quotes
1) "Jesus gives us some clarity here Jesus basically tells us this is what a disciple is and this is what a disciple does if you want to know if you are a disciple of Jesus Christ this is the measuring Rod that helps you determine and assess your life to figure out am I an attender of the church or am I a follower and a disciple of Jesus Christ." [16:34]
2) "I think that many people want to lead in church but not many want to be led if you have not been discipled yourself you can't make disciples I think that everyone should be discipled spiritually by someone who's a bit further in their faith there's too many absalons in the house and not enough Davids." [30:54]
3) "Christianity is a mission that moves I don't know if you've ever heard of a pelaton anybody ever heard of a pelaton those things were I have a pelaton right so I got my my wife wanted a pelaton so I went and got a p pelaton I tried to get the $200 bike on Amazon just as a way out and that didn't work and here I am with a pelaton plus a $200 bike." [13:17]
4) "Discipleship is expensive see we have churches that are mile wide 1 in deep let me tell you something I was not impressed by our Sunday attendance man we blew the roof off of this place we ran out of chairs this place was packed man it was incredible it was awesome but to me that is not a mark of success." [25:01]
5) "Discipleship requires accountability we don't like accountability let's just be honest who in the world likes accountability I don't like accountability in my natural self but when the spirit man P I love accountability you know who I'm accountable to First of I'm accountable to my wife and she's kuana she's Latina she will cut me." [27:13]
6) "I think now more than ever I Think Jesus is looking for us to truly live this out I think that Jesus is Calling his church to be missional to be mission-minded to be inconvenienced to be burdened to be selfless to be ready to love the one so that we can love many and I think that the strength of the collective church will be in how passionate we are about discipleship." [43:31]
7) "You can't reproduce What you yourself do not have I think that many people want to lead in church but not many want to be led if you have not been discipled yourself you can't make disciples I think that everyone should be discipled spiritually by someone who's a bit further in their faith." [30:54]
8) "Discipleship is not optional for you see when Jesus said go go it can be going or go it can be translated to as you go meaning that as you go throughout your life your day and your Seasons you are supposed to look for opportunities to disciple." [37:30]
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