Embracing Radical Discipleship: A Journey of Sacrifice
Summary
In reflecting on the journey of discipleship, I shared a personal story from my youth, where I embarked on a challenging bicycle ride across Oklahoma. This experience required preparation, discipline, and a willingness to face discomfort and solitude. Similarly, Jesus' journey to Jerusalem was marked by determination and a clear understanding of the cost involved. His resolve serves as a model for us in our spiritual journey, urging us to embrace radical discipleship over common discipleship.
Radical discipleship is distinct from the world's methods and goals. It is not about building earthly kingdoms or adhering to rituals for the sake of tradition. Instead, it is about a deep, personal relationship with Christ, driven by love and a desire to reflect His character. This form of discipleship prepares us and others to receive Christ, convicts us of sin, and calls us to a life of restoration and forgiveness.
The story of Jesus' interaction with the Samaritans highlights the cultural barriers that can hinder our walk with Christ. The Samaritans' rejection of Jesus was rooted in cultural pride and a misunderstanding of true worship. This serves as a reminder that our discipleship should not be shaped by cultural norms but by a commitment to Christ's teachings.
Radical discipleship requires sacrifice and perseverance. It calls us to prioritize the kingdom of God over personal comfort and to carry the message of salvation to others. This journey is not without challenges, but it is marked by contentment and endurance, drawing us closer to the heart of God.
As we reflect on our own discipleship, we must ask ourselves if we are as determined to walk with Jesus as He is to prepare the way for us. Radical discipleship is not easy, but it is a calling for each of us. It is about being sent by Jesus, walking with Him, and allowing our love for Him to guide our actions. My prayer is that our community will be known for its love for Jesus, and that we will be a body of believers who are deeply committed to following Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. Determination in Discipleship: Just as Jesus set His face toward Jerusalem with determination, we are called to pursue our spiritual journey with the same resolve. This involves a conscious decision to follow Christ, despite the challenges and sacrifices it may entail. Our journey requires discipline and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. [03:00]
2. Radical vs. Common Discipleship: Radical discipleship is distinct from common discipleship, which often mirrors worldly values. It is about a deep, personal relationship with Christ, driven by love and a desire to reflect His character. This form of discipleship prepares us and others to receive Christ, convicts us of sin, and calls us to a life of restoration and forgiveness. [06:41]
3. Cultural Barriers to Discipleship: The story of Jesus and the Samaritans highlights how cultural pride and misunderstandings can hinder our walk with Christ. True discipleship transcends cultural norms and is rooted in a commitment to Christ's teachings. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our discipleship is shaped by Christ, not by the culture around us. [10:15]
4. Sacrifice and Perseverance: Radical discipleship requires sacrifice and perseverance. It calls us to prioritize the kingdom of God over personal comfort and to carry the message of salvation to others. This journey is not without challenges, but it is marked by contentment and endurance, drawing us closer to the heart of God. [18:57]
5. The Call to Be Sent: Jesus calls each of us to be sent, to walk with Him, and to allow our love for Him to guide our actions. This involves a commitment to sharing the message of salvation and preparing the way for others to know Christ. Our success as disciples is not measured by others' responses but by our obedience to Christ's call. [24:48]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:00] - Determination of Jesus
- [04:15] - The Way of Jesus
- [05:41] - Discipleship and Discipline
- [06:41] - Common vs. Radical Discipleship
- [08:01] - Preparing the Way for Christ
- [10:15] - Cultural Barriers
- [12:32] - Idols in Discipleship
- [13:45] - Success in Obedience
- [15:00] - Starting Small in Discipleship
- [16:44] - Rebuke and Correction
- [18:57] - Sacrifice Over Comfort
- [20:31] - Misinterpretation of Scripture
- [22:31] - Life in the Kingdom of God
- [24:48] - The Call to Be Sent
- [29:29] - Pursuit Over Perfection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 9:51-56 - Jesus' determination to journey to Jerusalem and the rejection by the Samaritans.
2. John 4:21-23 - Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman about true worship.
3. Deuteronomy 11:29 - The command to proclaim blessings at Mount Gerizim.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the term "determined" signify in Luke 9:51-53 regarding Jesus' journey to Jerusalem? [03:00]
2. How did the Samaritans' cultural pride affect their reception of Jesus according to the sermon? [10:15]
3. What are the differences between common discipleship and radical discipleship as described in the sermon? [06:41]
4. How did Jesus respond to James and John's desire to call down fire on the Samaritans? [16:44]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What might Jesus' determination to go to Jerusalem teach about the nature of true discipleship? [03:00]
2. How does the story of the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus illustrate the impact of cultural barriers on discipleship? [10:15]
3. In what ways does radical discipleship challenge the norms of common discipleship, and why is this important for believers? [06:41]
4. How does Jesus' rebuke of James and John reflect the difference between condemnation and conviction in discipleship? [16:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult decision in your spiritual journey. How did you demonstrate determination similar to Jesus' journey to Jerusalem? [03:00]
2. Are there cultural norms or personal biases that might be hindering your walk with Christ? How can you address these barriers in your life? [10:15]
3. Consider your current approach to discipleship. How can you move from a common to a more radical form of discipleship in your daily life? [06:41]
4. How do you typically respond to rejection or misunderstanding when sharing your faith? What can you learn from Jesus' response to the Samaritans? [16:44]
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to prioritize the kingdom of God over personal comfort. What steps can you take this week to make that change? [18:57]
6. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from hearing the message of salvation. How can you prepare the way for them to know Christ? [13:45]
7. Reflect on the concept of being "sent" by Jesus. What does this look like in your life, and how can you embrace this calling more fully? [24:48]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: Determination in Discipleship
In the journey of discipleship, determination is crucial. Just as Jesus resolutely set His face toward Jerusalem, we are called to pursue our spiritual journey with the same resolve. This involves making a conscious decision to follow Christ, despite the challenges and sacrifices it may entail. Our journey requires discipline and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Jesus above all else. This determination is not a one-time decision but a daily commitment to walk in His ways, even when the path is difficult. [03:00]
Luke 9:51-52 (ESV): "When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to set your face like Jesus did toward Jerusalem? How can you take a step today to pursue this with determination?
Day 2: Radical vs. Common Discipleship
Radical discipleship is distinct from common discipleship, which often mirrors worldly values. It is about a deep, personal relationship with Christ, driven by love and a desire to reflect His character. This form of discipleship prepares us and others to receive Christ, convicts us of sin, and calls us to a life of restoration and forgiveness. Unlike common discipleship, which may focus on rituals and traditions, radical discipleship seeks to transform our hearts and align our lives with Christ's teachings. [06:41]
Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"
Reflection: In what ways does your discipleship reflect worldly values rather than the radical call of Christ? What changes can you make today to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 3: Cultural Barriers to Discipleship
The story of Jesus and the Samaritans highlights how cultural pride and misunderstandings can hinder our walk with Christ. True discipleship transcends cultural norms and is rooted in a commitment to Christ's teachings. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our discipleship is shaped by Christ, not by the culture around us. This requires us to examine our beliefs and practices, ensuring they align with the gospel rather than societal expectations. [10:15]
John 4:9-10 (ESV): "The Samaritan woman said to him, 'How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?' (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, "Give me a drink," you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.'"
Reflection: Identify a cultural norm that may be influencing your discipleship. How can you realign this area with Christ's teachings today?
Day 4: Sacrifice and Perseverance
Radical discipleship requires sacrifice and perseverance. It calls us to prioritize the kingdom of God over personal comfort and to carry the message of salvation to others. This journey is not without challenges, but it is marked by contentment and endurance, drawing us closer to the heart of God. As we persevere, we find strength in His presence and the assurance that our sacrifices are not in vain. [18:57]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What is one comfort you are holding onto that may be hindering your discipleship? How can you begin to let go of it today for the sake of God's kingdom?
Day 5: The Call to Be Sent
Jesus calls each of us to be sent, to walk with Him, and to allow our love for Him to guide our actions. This involves a commitment to sharing the message of salvation and preparing the way for others to know Christ. Our success as disciples is not measured by others' responses but by our obedience to Christ's call. As we embrace this calling, we become vessels of His love and grace in the world. [24:48]
Isaiah 6:8 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that God may be calling you to reach out to with His love? What step can you take today to be sent to them?
Quotes
I wonder, were they as determined to walk with Jesus toward Jerusalem as he was to reach his destination? And second, are we as determined to walk with Jesus toward the cross and heaven as he is to prepare the way? It takes discipline, much like preparing to undergo a difficult bike ride facing elements out of our control. [00:04:53] (31 seconds)
There is a difference, I want to explain, between what I'm calling common discipleship and radical discipleship. Common in this case meaning earthly, indistinguishable from the world's methods and goals. Radical on the other hand, is a way to journey together. Their hand, meaning very distinct from the world's methods and goals. [00:06:23] (23 seconds)
Radical discipleship, however, isn't about the leader or the organization or if this church or that church offers them certain ministries that we want to consume. Radical discipleship is about Christ, period. It hungers for Jesus to know him, to desire to walk with him, not because we have to check boxes and efforts to perform discipleship, but because we rest in the love of God, and in our love returned to him, we reveal and reflect Jesus through discipleship. [00:07:07] (46 seconds)
Radical discipleship, however, prepares the way for Jesus to be received by others. Luke 9 .52 says, Jesus sent messengers ahead to make preparations for him. He sent them as apostles, which literally means one who is sent with a message. Radical disciples are sent. Radical disciples carry the message of salvation. Radical disciples prepare the way for others to know Christ. [00:13:17] (44 seconds)
See, their success as radical disciples, it wasn't based on the Samaritan's response, nor is your success as a radical disciple based on how other people respond to you and the message that you carry. No, success is based on their obedience. To go ahead and prepare the way for Jesus. If you follow Christ, he has and will continue to do so, prepare you to prepare others, to carry the message of his love to a world desperately needing his offered salvation. [00:14:13] (47 seconds)
What is clear is that Jesus informs this disciple that discipleship involves sacrifice over comfort. Radical discipleship requires perseverance through hardship. Unlike common discipleship that only takes discipline so far until it begins to make us a little uncomfortable, you know, like a certain young teenager who lied about being sick to skip a leg of a bike trek because it was getting too hard and uncomfortable. [00:19:41] (38 seconds)
But radical disciples of Christ sacrifice time, talent, and treasure, whatever it takes to follow Christ, to support his head. Verse 59, then he said to another, follow me. Lord, he said, first, let me go bury my father. But he told him, let the dead bury their own dead. But you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God. [00:20:31] (35 seconds)
Common discipleship upholds the organization, the rituals, the work, even work that's done in the name of Jesus, but it's not always done in the way of Jesus. I wish Mary's director relied on Jesus' full, sentence. Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and spread the news of the kingdom of God. See, Jesus didn't say you can't go he actually said the opposite go and [00:22:49] (37 seconds)
Common discipleship focuses on earthly kingdoms and all of its rituals in order to make us feel like we're doing something and in which case it's more about us and not about Christ glorified radical discipleship centers on God's kingdom it is devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ revealing his kingdom through words and deeds going isn't the issue why we go and what message we carry is the issue [00:23:23] (39 seconds)
Radical discipleship endures with contentment in God's kingdom endurance that perseveres through uncomfortable faithfulness sharing hope in eternal life and prepares others to receive Jesus Christ as their savior radical discipleship values spiritual disciplines because they draw us to the heart of god who loves us not because we have to check the boxes off the list they aren't check boxes what they are are opportunities to better understand the message we carry and who that message is about [00:25:52] (40 seconds)
Jesus calls us as he told the samaritan woman to worship in spirit and in truth he sends us to prepare the way for others to know him he corrects us with love convicts us of our sin and still walks with us he sacrifices it all shares the good news of life with those who are dead in sin and endures with content focus for the kingdom of god should it surprise us therefore that he asks the same of us [00:27:58] (40 seconds)
He is not asking for your perfection, but He is asking for your pursuit. So I... I end this with this question. Will you be sent? Will you follow Jesus to His glory as we determine, set our face like flint toward heaven? [00:30:29] (28 seconds)
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