Embracing the Call: A Journey of Discipleship

 

Summary

In our Winter 2025 Churchwide Study, we embark on a journey to understand what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Our vision at Westover Church is to create maturing disciples who are equipped to gather and then scatter into their communities and the world, living out the teachings of Jesus. Over the next six weeks, we will explore the discipleship pathway, beginning with the question: What is Jesus inviting you into? This invitation is not just for a select few but for everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.

Reflecting on Matthew 16:24, Jesus invites us to take up our cross, deny ourselves, and follow Him. This call to discipleship is a call to transformation, where we align our lives with His teachings and example. In John 8:1-11, we see a powerful illustration of Jesus' approach to sin and grace. The Pharisees bring a woman caught in adultery to Jesus, seeking to trap Him. Yet, Jesus turns the situation into a lesson on judgment and mercy. He challenges those without sin to cast the first stone, leading to the accusers' departure. Jesus then tells the woman that He does not condemn her and instructs her to sin no more.

This passage prompts us to consider how we perceive Jesus. Do we see Him as a tool for our own agendas, or do we genuinely seek to follow Him? Jesus knows the true punishment for sin, yet He offers grace and freedom from condemnation. This grace is a powerful motivator for transformation, far surpassing guilt. As we begin this study, we are encouraged to present ourselves to Jesus, free from the burdens of sin and shame, and to embrace the renewal of our minds as described in Romans 12:1-2.

Key Takeaways:

1. Invitation to Discipleship: Jesus invites us into a transformative journey of discipleship, where we are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This invitation is open to all who seek to align their lives with His teachings and example. [01:51]

2. Perception of Jesus: Our perception of Jesus shapes our relationship with Him. We must decide whether we see Him as a means to an end or as the Lord and Savior who deserves our wholehearted devotion. This choice impacts how we live out our faith. [06:23]

3. Judgment and Mercy: In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus demonstrates the balance of judgment and mercy. He challenges us to examine our own sinfulness before condemning others and offers grace as a path to transformation. [08:39]

4. Freedom from Condemnation: Jesus does not condemn us for our sins but offers freedom and a new beginning. His grace empowers us to leave behind our past mistakes and live a life that reflects His love and righteousness. [10:04]

5. Renewal of the Mind: Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern God's will and live lives that are holy and pleasing to Him. [11:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:51] - Invitation to Discipleship
[04:21] - Exploring John 8:1-11
[05:22] - The Challenge of Hearing Jesus
[06:23] - Perception of Jesus
[07:38] - Threatened by Jesus
[08:39] - Judgment and Mercy
[10:04] - Freedom from Condemnation
[11:03] - Renewal of the Mind
[12:15] - Conclusion and Study Questions

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Matthew 16:24
- John 8:1-11
- Romans 12:1-2

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 16:24, what specific actions does Jesus invite His followers to take as part of the discipleship pathway? How does this invitation apply to everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord? [01:51]

2. In the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11), what was the intention of the Pharisees and scribes when they brought the woman to Jesus? How did Jesus respond to their challenge? [04:21]

3. According to Romans 12:1-2, what does it mean to present ourselves as living sacrifices, and how does this relate to the renewal of our minds? [11:03]

4. How does Jesus' interaction with the woman caught in adultery illustrate the balance between judgment and mercy? What was the outcome for the woman? [08:39]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross in the context of following Jesus? How might this look in the life of a modern believer? [01:51]

2. How does the perception of Jesus as either a tool for personal agendas or as Lord and Savior impact a person's faith journey? What are the implications of each perspective? [06:23]

3. In what ways does Jesus' response to the Pharisees' challenge in John 8:1-11 reveal His understanding of sin and grace? How does this challenge common perceptions of justice and mercy? [08:39]

4. How does the concept of being transformed by the renewal of the mind in Romans 12:1-2 relate to the idea of living a life that is holy and pleasing to God? What might this transformation involve? [11:03]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the invitation to discipleship in Matthew 16:24. What specific steps can you take this week to deny yourself and follow Jesus more closely? [01:51]

2. Consider your perception of Jesus. Do you see Him as a means to an end or as your Lord and Savior? How does this perception influence your daily decisions and actions? [06:23]

3. In light of Jesus' example in John 8:1-11, how can you practice both judgment and mercy in your interactions with others? Is there someone in your life who needs to experience grace from you? [08:39]

4. Romans 12:1-2 speaks of presenting ourselves as living sacrifices. What areas of your life need transformation through the renewal of your mind? How can you begin this process? [11:03]

5. Jesus offers freedom from condemnation. Are there past mistakes or sins that you need to let go of to embrace this freedom? What steps can you take to move forward without guilt? [10:04]

6. How can you actively seek to discern God's will in your life, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2? What practices or habits can help you align more closely with His purposes? [11:03]

7. Reflect on the story of the woman caught in adultery. How can you extend the same grace and forgiveness to yourself and others that Jesus demonstrated? What might this look like in your relationships? [10:04]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: The Call to Transformative Discipleship
Jesus extends an invitation to everyone to embark on a transformative journey of discipleship. This journey requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly. It is not a path reserved for a select few but is open to all who desire to align their lives with His teachings and example. This call to discipleship is a call to transformation, where we are invited to let go of our old ways and embrace a new life in Christ. As we begin this journey, we are encouraged to reflect on what it means to truly follow Jesus and how we can live out His teachings in our daily lives. [01:51]

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: What is one specific area of your life where you feel Jesus is inviting you to deny yourself and follow Him more closely? How can you take a step towards that today?


Day 2: Seeing Jesus as Lord and Savior
Our perception of Jesus significantly shapes our relationship with Him. We must decide whether we see Him as a means to an end or as the Lord and Savior who deserves our wholehearted devotion. This choice impacts how we live out our faith and how we respond to His teachings. When we view Jesus as our Lord, we are compelled to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His love to others. This perspective challenges us to examine our motives and align our lives with His will. [06:23]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways have you been treating Jesus as a means to an end rather than as your Lord and Savior? What changes can you make to prioritize your relationship with Him?


Day 3: Embracing Judgment and Mercy
In the story of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus demonstrates the balance of judgment and mercy. He challenges us to examine our own sinfulness before condemning others and offers grace as a path to transformation. This story invites us to reflect on how we approach sin and grace in our own lives. Are we quick to judge others, or do we extend the same mercy that Jesus offers us? By embracing both judgment and mercy, we can experience the transformative power of grace in our lives. [08:39]

James 2:12-13 (ESV): "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were quick to judge someone. How can you extend mercy and grace to them instead, following Jesus' example?


Day 4: Experiencing Freedom from Condemnation
Jesus does not condemn us for our sins but offers freedom and a new beginning. His grace empowers us to leave behind our past mistakes and live a life that reflects His love and righteousness. This freedom from condemnation is a powerful motivator for transformation, far surpassing guilt. As we embrace this grace, we are encouraged to let go of the burdens of sin and shame and to live in the freedom that Jesus offers. [10:04]

Romans 8:1-2 (ESV): "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

Reflection: What past mistake or sin are you holding onto that Jesus has already forgiven? How can you embrace His grace and move forward in freedom today?


Day 5: Renewing Your Mind for Transformation
Romans 12:1-2 calls us to present ourselves as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewal of our minds. This transformation allows us to discern God's will and live lives that are holy and pleasing to Him. By renewing our minds, we can align our thoughts and actions with God's purposes and experience the fullness of life that He offers. This renewal is an ongoing process that requires intentionality and commitment to seeking God's truth and allowing it to shape our lives. [11:03]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one thought pattern or belief that you need to renew in order to align with God's truth? How can you begin this renewal process today?

Quotes

"Discipleship pathway is just steps to follow in after this man, Jesus. And this is what he said to his disciples in Matthew 16, 24. If any man would come after me, let him take up his cross, deny himself and follow after me. So what is Jesus inviting you into? Well, the invitation is for you. Not only you, it's for everyone who would call upon the name of the Lord." [00:04:05] (28 seconds)


"All the people came to him and he sat down and he taught them. The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery and placing her in the midst. They said to him, teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the wall, Moses commanded us to stone such women. What do you say?" [00:04:53] (22 seconds)


"Jesus bent down and wrote with his finger on the ground. And as they continued to ask him, he stood up and said to them, let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her. Once more, he bent down and wrote on the ground. Verse nine, but when they heard it, it went away one by one, beginning with the older ones." [00:05:29] (20 seconds)


"Are you someone that sees Jesus as someone that can get you ahead in life or do you see him as the master and king and the creator of all things, which Colossians says that he holds all things together and you want to pattern your life and your habits and your lifestyle after him. You see, what you believe about Jesus will really change your life." [00:07:03] (22 seconds)


"The one who cast the first stone should be without sin. And you'll notice from the passage that the oldest one who probably had lived life, or we know had lived life, longer than anyone, to the youngest, they walked away. Why? Because Jesus knows the true punishment for sin. And we'll get into that a little bit later, what that punishment is." [00:09:45] (21 seconds)


"So ultimately, Jesus is the one who knows the true punishment of sin. But ultimately also, Jesus does not only not condemn, but he freezes from the sin that condemned us in the first place. This is verses 10 and 11. They leave. He writes in the sand, many people, scholars, don't know what he wrote in the sand. He stands up and he begins to write in the sand again." [00:10:04] (25 seconds)


"But I will tell you the grace of Jesus is far greater in our life. This woman at this point, Jesus doesn't condemn her. He condemns the sin and tells her, go and sin no more, but he frees her. So today, as we begin, this six-part study, what's keeping you from presenting yourself to Jesus? Is it the guilt, the sin, the people that may condemn you?" [00:11:11] (30 seconds)


"Romans 12, one through two says, I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. This is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may concern or discern what the will of God is, what is good, acceptable, and perfect." [00:11:55] (24 seconds)


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Transcript
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