Embracing the Call: The Journey of Discipleship
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound and essential topic of discipleship, a concept deeply rooted in the Bible and central to our mission as Christians. Discipleship is not merely a term we use; it is a calling that requires us to engage actively in the lives of others, just as Jesus did with His disciples. We began by acknowledging the Great Commission, which charges us to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach all nations. This command is not limited to evangelism but extends to nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith journey.
The Great Commission is a monumental task, far surpassing any human endeavor, including the historic moon landing. It is a divine mandate that spans the entire age from Jesus' ascension to His return, empowered by God's boundless sovereignty and presence. This mission is inclusive, directed to all nations, and involves action words that call us to participate actively in God's work.
Discipleship, as exemplified by Jesus, involves a personal and transformative relationship. It is about living life together, learning by doing, and following Christ's example. A disciple is someone who wholeheartedly follows Jesus, obeys His commandments, and bears fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. This journey is not solitary; it requires mentors, peers, and those we can invest in, much like the relationships between Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas.
We are reminded that discipleship is a lifelong journey, not confined to church attendance or consuming Christian media. It is about investing our lives in others, sharing our experiences, and growing together in faith. As we engage in this mission, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by our church community. We are called to be both disciples and disciple-makers, fulfilling the Great Commission with the assurance that Jesus is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Great Commission's Scope and Power: The Great Commission is a divine mandate that surpasses any human endeavor, including the moon landing. It is a call to make disciples of all nations, empowered by God's sovereignty and presence, and it spans the entire age from Jesus' ascension to His return. [11:46]
2. Discipleship as a Personal Relationship: Discipleship involves a personal and transformative relationship, as exemplified by Jesus. It is about living life together, learning by doing, and following Christ's example. A disciple wholeheartedly follows Jesus, obeys His commandments, and bears fruit through the Holy Spirit. [16:14]
3. The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship: Discipleship is a lifelong journey that extends beyond church attendance or consuming Christian media. It involves investing our lives in others, sharing experiences, and growing together in faith. It requires mentors, peers, and those we can invest in, much like the relationships between Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas. [29:57]
4. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: Our mission of discipleship is empowered by the Holy Spirit, not by our own wisdom. We are called to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God's provision for everything we need for life and godliness. This empowerment assures us that we can fulfill the Great Commission. [13:48]
5. The Importance of Community in Discipleship: Discipleship requires a supportive community, where we can mentor, be mentored, and hold each other accountable. This community is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling the Great Commission, as we are meant to be a blessing to one another. [31:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:58] - Introduction to Discipleship
- [05:05] - The Moonshot Analogy
- [10:14] - The Great Commission's Scope
- [11:46] - Empowerment by God's Sovereignty
- [12:24] - Action Words in the Great Commission
- [13:48] - Walking in the Spirit
- [16:14] - What is a Disciple?
- [17:04] - Beyond Evangelism
- [19:30] - Characteristics of a Disciple
- [22:01] - The Role of Mentorship
- [23:04] - Learning by Doing
- [25:34] - Personal Testimony of Discipleship
- [29:19] - The Lifelong Journey of Discipleship
- [31:59] - The Importance of Community
- [34:04] - Bonhoeffer's Perspective on Discipleship
- [34:49] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission
2. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Be imitators of me, just as I am of Christ."
3. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me..."
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the key components of the Great Commission as described in Matthew 28:18-20? How do these components relate to the concept of discipleship? [10:14]
2. How does Paul describe the relationship between himself and Christ in 1 Corinthians 11:1, and what does this imply about discipleship? [22:01]
3. According to Galatians 2:20, what is the significance of being "crucified with Christ" in the context of discipleship? [13:48]
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in empowering believers to fulfill the Great Commission, as discussed in the sermon? [13:48]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon compare the Great Commission to the moon landing, and what does this analogy suggest about the scope and importance of discipleship? [05:05]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that discipleship is more than just evangelism? How does this expand our understanding of the Great Commission? [17:04]
3. How does the sermon describe the relationship between mentors, peers, and those we invest in, and why are these relationships crucial for discipleship? [31:59]
4. What does the sermon imply about the lifelong nature of discipleship, and how does this challenge common perceptions of spiritual growth? [29:57]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current involvement in discipleship. Are you actively mentoring someone, being mentored, or both? How can you take a step to deepen these relationships this week? [31:59]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of community in discipleship. How can you contribute to building a supportive community within your church or small group? [31:59]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you become more aware of and reliant on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily walk and discipleship efforts? [13:48]
4. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from a discipling relationship. What practical steps can you take to initiate or strengthen this relationship? [22:01]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of living life together and learning by doing. What is one specific way you can invite others into your life to learn and grow together in faith? [23:04]
6. How can you ensure that your discipleship efforts are not just about consuming Christian media but about actively investing in others? What changes might you need to make? [29:19]
7. Reflect on the idea of being "crucified with Christ" from Galatians 2:20. How does this truth impact your daily decisions and interactions with others? [13:48]
Devotional
Day 1: The Divine Mandate of the Great Commission
The Great Commission is a divine mandate that calls believers to make disciples of all nations, a task that surpasses any human endeavor, including the historic moon landing. This mission is not just about evangelism but involves nurturing and guiding new believers in their faith journey. It is a call to action, empowered by God's sovereignty and presence, and spans the entire age from Jesus' ascension to His return. The scope of this mission is monumental, requiring active participation in God's work, and is directed to all nations. As believers, we are charged with this divine task, assured that we are not alone, as God's boundless presence accompanies us. [11:46]
Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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.'"
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Great Commission today, and who in your life can you begin to disciple?
Day 2: The Transformative Relationship of Discipleship
Discipleship is more than a religious duty; it is a personal and transformative relationship, as exemplified by Jesus. It involves living life together, learning by doing, and following Christ's example. A disciple is someone who wholeheartedly follows Jesus, obeys His commandments, and bears fruit through the power of the Holy Spirit. This relationship is not solitary; it requires mentors, peers, and those we can invest in, much like the relationships between Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas. Discipleship is about investing our lives in others, sharing our experiences, and growing together in faith. [16:14]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: Who are the mentors, peers, and individuals you can invest in to foster a transformative discipleship relationship?
Day 3: The Lifelong Journey of Faith
Discipleship is a lifelong journey that extends beyond church attendance or consuming Christian media. It involves investing our lives in others, sharing experiences, and growing together in faith. This journey requires mentors, peers, and those we can invest in, much like the relationships between Paul, Timothy, and Barnabas. As we engage in this mission, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit and supported by our church community. We are called to be both disciples and disciple-makers, fulfilling the Great Commission with the assurance that Jesus is with us always. [29:57]
Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your lifelong journey of discipleship and invest in others?
Day 4: Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
Our mission of discipleship is empowered by the Holy Spirit, not by our own wisdom. We are called to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God's provision for everything we need for life and godliness. This empowerment assures us that we can fulfill the Great Commission. The Holy Spirit guides us, equips us, and strengthens us to be effective in our mission. As we rely on the Spirit, we find the courage and wisdom to disciple others and to live out our faith authentically. [13:48]
2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment to fulfill your discipleship mission?
Day 5: The Role of Community in Discipleship
Discipleship requires a supportive community, where we can mentor, be mentored, and hold each other accountable. This community is essential for spiritual growth and fulfilling the Great Commission, as we are meant to be a blessing to one another. In a community, we find encouragement, support, and accountability, which are vital for our spiritual journey. As we engage with our church community, we are reminded that we are not alone in our mission, and together, we can make a greater impact for God's kingdom. [31:59]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How can you actively contribute to and benefit from your church community to enhance your discipleship journey?
Quotes
"Making disciples is our mission while we're here on earth. And so speaking of missions, as I searched for something to compare, I settled on outer space. Okay, so on September 12, 1962, before I was born, JFK delivered a speech on the campus of Rice University and set the country's course on a project for the next eight years." [00:04:01] (34 seconds)
"We you and I are in the middle of the greatest most expansive most challenging command ever issued to the human race and we're not just watching like spectators right we're integral in the work that God is accomplishing here on earth the incredible the incredible the comforting the inspiring the energizing thing about this command is we already know how it's going to turn out right prophecy tells us that the number of people who call on the name of Jesus by faith who are saved will be beyond count I asked Google for a multitude and that's what it gave me but far far far beyond what we see on the screen you so there's going to be multiple Saints in heaven beyond counting so we're going to focus on the Great Commission this morning go therefore and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I had command you and behold I am with you always even to the end of the age so most of this time when I hear these verses I think about missions right I'm going to read a little bit of this to give you an idea of So if you思p in those verses are preachers training Yokish and evangelism and that's an important part of the Great Commission and I think a lot of the times when these versions are preached missions and evangelism are typically the focus and that is a worthy focus of course we are charged with doing that but that's not all that's in here so we're going to focus on a different topic in these verses this morning as As you know, we're gonna look at discipleship and we're gonna ask two questions. What is a disciple?" [00:08:01] (118 seconds)
"Another thing we see in these verses is that the goal has the backing and the power of God applied directly to its accomplishment. His sovereignty has no bounds. Jesus promised that he would be with us, empowering this work always. Does that give you confidence? Sure does give me confidence standing up here before all of you. His will is perfect, right? And his sovereign control is complete. But he's empowering this work. We can trust him for everything." [00:11:23] (36 seconds)
"Before I explore something further, before we dig deeper into this, I want to mention something fundamental about all of this going, making, baptizing, and teaching. We are called to do this. We are called to do this as we walk in the Spirit. This is not supposed to be something that we do ourselves. This is something that the Lord empowers us to do. And I mention this a lot when I teach because I don't want to be misunderstood. Jesus said, I'm the vine and you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he bears much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing." [00:13:11] (37 seconds)
"A disciple means student, learner, a protégé, someone who follows his teacher's precepts and instructions. And Jesus put this into words in John chapters 14 and 15. He said, if you love me, you will keep my commandments. And he also said, you will keep my commandments. And he also said, you will keep my commandments. And he also said, you are my friends if you do what I command you." [00:18:29] (30 seconds)
"Discipleship is a lifelong journey that leads to change and action. Following Jesus' commands include the Great Commission for all of us. Like I've said, go, make, baptize, and teach. This is more than evangelism. It is investing our lives in people. We know baptism is essential to conversion. It's in the Great Commission, right before Jesus describes discipleship, teaching them to observe all I've commanded you. Baptism is the beginning of our adventure with Jesus, not the end." [00:28:15] (42 seconds)
"Discipleship is powered by the Holy Spirit working through us. This isn't something that we do out of our own wisdom or lack thereof. So we can see in scripture three essential relationships that a Christian needs to grow in their faith. All of them are a part of discipleship. We need mentors. All of us do. Timothy had Paul." [00:30:24] (36 seconds)
"Paul described Timothy and he said, as his son in the faith. Timothy assisted Paul in his ministry. He learned from Paul and grew. As he progressed, Paul trusted him more and more. Paul trusted Timothy so much that he occasionally sent him out to build on his evangelistic and teaching ministry in churches that Paul had planted. He sent Timothy to them." [00:31:02] (26 seconds)
"Bonhoeffer was a great 20th century German preacher and teacher, and he defined the goal of discipleship this way. Discipleship is responding to the call of Jesus and following him. Bonhoeffer denied that discipleship was about rules. He said it was purely about following Jesus, just answering that call, follow me. It was about complete allegiance to Jesus Christ, lived out by faith with reliance on God's word." [00:34:04] (37 seconds)
"As we help one another, hold one another accountable, pray with and for one another, teach one another, and by the grace of God and the Holy Spirit within us, as we observe his commandments and bear witness to his commandments, we bear fruit, we tell the world about him." [00:35:07] (20 seconds)
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