Embracing the Call to Discipleship and Growth
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound call to discipleship, a journey that every believer is invited to embark upon. Discipleship is not merely about personal spiritual growth but also about fulfilling the Great Commission by making disciples of others. This dual responsibility is a cornerstone of our faith, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20, where Jesus commands us to go forth and make disciples of all nations. This call is not just for the original disciples but extends to each of us, urging us to teach others to observe all that Jesus has commanded.
Being a disciple means being an imitator of God, striving to reflect His character in our daily lives. It requires humility and a willingness to be taught, as well as a commitment to teaching others. Discipleship is not about control or coercion; it is about mutual growth and encouragement in the faith. It is essential to recognize the difference between a discipler and a dictator. A true discipler guides and nurtures without imposing control, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those being discipled.
We also explored the importance of understanding the different roles and relationships we have in life, akin to wearing different hats. Whether as a friend, a mentor, or a pastor, recognizing these roles helps us to effectively disciple others without overstepping boundaries. The essence of discipleship is rooted in love, submission, and honor, not in control or manipulation. It is about willingly obeying God's word and helping others to do the same.
As we continue to grow as disciples, we must also be vigilant in identifying those around us who are open to being discipled. This requires discernment and a readiness to share the love and truth of Christ with others. Our ultimate goal is to expand the kingdom of God by living out our faith authentically and encouraging others to do the same.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is a dual responsibility: to be a disciple and to make disciples. This involves imitating God and teaching others to observe His commands, as outlined in Matthew 28:18-20. [46:11]
- True discipleship is not about control but about mutual growth in faith. A discipler guides without imposing, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those being discipled. [49:11]
- Understanding the different roles we play in life, like wearing different hats, helps us disciple others effectively without overstepping boundaries. This requires discernment and a readiness to share Christ's love and truth. [53:25]
- The essence of discipleship is rooted in love, submission, and honor, not in control or manipulation. It is about willingly obeying God's word and helping others to do the same. [01:13:08]
- As disciples, we must be vigilant in identifying those open to being discipled, sharing the love and truth of Christ with them, and expanding the kingdom of God by living out our faith authentically. [01:34:19]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[28:19] - Worship and Praise
[31:02] - Thanksgiving in All Seasons
[37:31] - Gratitude and Announcements
[40:15] - Offering and Prayer
[42:51] - The Pen Story
[44:55] - The Call to Discipleship
[46:11] - The Great Commission
[47:56] - Jesus as Lord and Direction
[49:11] - Humility in Discipleship
[50:21] - Discipler vs. Dictator
[52:29] - Changing Gears in Relationships
[54:49] - The Growth of God's Kingdom
[56:35] - The Power of Simple Testimonies
[58:25] - The Responsibility of Discipleship
[01:00:10] - Discipleship vs. Dictatorship
[01:03:13] - The Choice in God's Kingdom
[01:06:20] - True Godliness and Freedom
[01:13:08] - Love, Submission, and Honor
[01:20:30] - Control vs. Godliness
[01:29:13] - Freedom and Submission
[01:31:39] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Call to Discipleship
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions did Jesus give to His disciples regarding making disciples of all nations? How does this passage emphasize the dual responsibility of being a disciple and making disciples? [46:11]
2. In the sermon, the pastor mentioned the difference between a discipler and a dictator. What are some characteristics that distinguish a true discipler from a dictator? [49:11]
3. The sermon discussed the importance of understanding the different roles we play in life, akin to wearing different hats. What are some examples of these roles, and how do they help in effective discipleship? [53:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the essence of discipleship, and what are the key elements that should be present in a discipleship relationship? [01:13:08]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 challenge the common perception of discipleship as merely personal spiritual growth? What implications does this have for believers today? [46:11]
2. The sermon emphasized that true discipleship is not about control but about mutual growth in faith. How can this understanding change the way we approach relationships within the church community? [49:11]
3. In what ways can recognizing the different roles we play in life help prevent overstepping boundaries in discipleship relationships? How does this relate to the concept of wearing different hats? [53:25]
4. The pastor mentioned that the essence of discipleship is rooted in love, submission, and honor. How can these principles be practically applied in our daily interactions with others? [01:13:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current role as a disciple. Are there areas where you feel you need to grow in imitating God and teaching others His commands? What steps can you take to address these areas? [46:11]
2. Consider a relationship in your life where you might be acting more like a dictator than a discipler. How can you shift this dynamic to encourage mutual growth and allow the Holy Spirit to work? [49:11]
3. Identify a specific role or "hat" you wear in your life (e.g., friend, mentor, parent). How can you use this role to effectively disciple others without overstepping boundaries? [53:25]
4. Think of someone in your life who is open to being discipled. How can you discern their readiness and share the love and truth of Christ with them in a way that respects their boundaries? [01:34:19]
5. Reflect on a recent situation where you had the opportunity to demonstrate love, submission, or honor. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to align more closely with the essence of discipleship? [01:13:08]
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of living out our faith authentically. What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate your faith in a way that encourages others to do the same? [01:34:19]
7. How can you be more vigilant in identifying those around you who are open to being discipled? What practical steps can you take to engage them in spiritual conversations or activities? [01:34:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Dual Call of Discipleship
Discipleship is a profound journey that involves both being a disciple and making disciples. This dual responsibility is rooted in the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to go forth and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to observe His commands. This call is not limited to the original disciples but extends to every believer, urging them to reflect God's character in their daily lives and to guide others in doing the same. Discipleship is about imitating God, striving for personal spiritual growth, and fulfilling the mission of expanding His kingdom. It requires humility, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to teaching others. [46:11]
Matthew 9:37-38 (ESV): "Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'"
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally disciple this week, and how can you begin to invest in their spiritual growth?
Day 2: Guiding Without Control
True discipleship is characterized by mutual growth in faith rather than control or coercion. A discipler is called to guide and nurture others, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts without imposing control. This approach fosters an environment of encouragement and growth, where both the discipler and the disciple can learn and mature in their faith. It is essential to distinguish between being a discipler and a dictator, as the former leads with love and humility, while the latter seeks to impose their will. Discipleship is about creating a space where individuals can explore their faith and grow in their relationship with God. [49:11]
1 Peter 5:2-3 (ESV): "Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock."
Reflection: In what ways can you ensure that your influence in others' lives is nurturing and not controlling?
Day 3: Wearing Different Hats
Understanding the different roles and relationships we have in life is crucial for effective discipleship. Just as we wear different hats in various aspects of our lives, recognizing these roles helps us disciple others without overstepping boundaries. Whether as a friend, mentor, or pastor, it is important to discern the appropriate role in each situation and to be ready to share Christ's love and truth. This requires wisdom and sensitivity to the needs of others, ensuring that our actions are rooted in love, submission, and honor. By understanding our roles, we can better support and guide others in their spiritual journey. [53:25]
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: What role do you feel God is calling you to play in the lives of those around you, and how can you embrace this role more fully?
Day 4: The Essence of Discipleship
The essence of discipleship is rooted in love, submission, and honor, not in control or manipulation. It involves willingly obeying God's word and helping others to do the same. Discipleship is about building relationships based on mutual respect and encouragement, where individuals can grow in their faith and understanding of God's will. It is a journey of walking alongside others, sharing in their joys and struggles, and pointing them towards Christ. By embodying these principles, we can create a community of believers who are committed to living out their faith authentically and expanding God's kingdom. [01:13:08]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate love, submission, and honor in your relationships this week?
Day 5: Expanding the Kingdom
As disciples, we are called to be vigilant in identifying those who are open to being discipled and to share the love and truth of Christ with them. This requires discernment and a readiness to engage with others, offering support and guidance as they explore their faith. Our ultimate goal is to expand the kingdom of God by living out our faith authentically and encouraging others to do the same. By being attentive to the needs of those around us and responding with compassion and understanding, we can help others grow in their relationship with God and contribute to the growth of His kingdom. [01:34:19]
2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."
Reflection: Who in your life is open to being discipled, and how can you begin to share the love and truth of Christ with them today?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes from the sermon transcript:
1. "You know, sometimes when things are going on in our life, we want to fixate on all the things that are going wrong. But the word of God says, it says in every season that it's the will of God to give thanks. So let's just thank him right now. No matter what's going on, no matter if it's been a great week or a horrible week or just a regular average week, just begin to thank him. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Come on, let the fruit of your lips give thanks unto him. Let your ears hear your mouth thank the Lord. Thank you, Father. You're worthy and worthy to be praised. Thank you, Lord. You are good and your mercy endures forever." [00:30:48] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Discipleship is not a word you hear in the modern church much today. Disciple actually means to be an imitator of God, to be an imitator of God, imitating him. Did you know, as a believer, you don't, you, you not only have a responsibility to be discipled, but you also have a commission to make disciples. So a lot of times when, especially in the modern church, we think, well, I got to get saved. And then you don't hear a lot about discipleship. But even if you do hear about discipleship, it's, it's discipleship to you, not from you to someone else. But in the great commission, we actually have a commission to not only be a disciple, but also make disciples." [00:45:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As a believer, I think that we've made Jesus Lord of our life. If he's Lord, he's giving direction for our lives. His intended direction for the believer is to be a disciple, and then in turn, make disciples. So if we've made Jesus Christ Lord of our life, we say we're believers, and we've made him Lord of our lives. If he's the Lord of our life, then if he is the Lord of our life, then we've given him the right to direct our life. Amen. And if we've given him the right to direct our life, and we've surrendered the right to him because he is our Lord and he is our Savior. Amen. We say that all the time. Jesus is my Lord, right? Well, if he's our Lord, then we are looking for him for direction." [00:48:28] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If we have to be a disciple and make disciples, then he's going to have to help us through this process, and it takes two. It takes one. You have to humble yourself and allow yourself to be discipled. So I'm going to talk a lot about this today, because I've seen just over the years how when discipleship comes, it kind of gets mentioned in the church, things can get kind of strange. And I want to bring some balance to that, because you have to humble yourself and allow yourself to be discipled. I don't think that becoming a disciple is something that should be or really truly can be forced on somebody. You can't make somebody become a disciple." [00:48:47] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A discipler and a dictator are two extremely different people. I said a discipler and a dictator are two extremely different people. I want to kind of give you some of those examples. Discipleship is dependent on your desire to be discipled. I've had many different men and even women in my life as a Christian that have discipled me. And they've not all been perfect. Matter of fact, none of them have been perfect. Amen? But it wasn't their perfection that allowed the good of being discipled to come from them. It actually was me deciding that I was going to take the good, and if there was bad there, I was just going to discard that." [00:49:55] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "When people in this town or in the community you live in or the home that you live in or the job that you go to, when they see you making changes for God, yeah, you might get a little bit of side-eye. And stuff like that. But when they start seeing you make real changes for God, and they start seeing you speak different, they start seeing you act different, people are going to start going, something's different. Come on. That's what grows the kingdom of God. When the growth of the kingdom of God, it goes further than just who's in the pulpit preaching the Word of God. It goes further and it goes faster, and it catches like wildfire when what is being preached from the pulpit gets on the inside of you, and then it goes from you." [00:57:48] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The whole reason why we're here today is so that you can get equipped to go and do the work of the ministry, which means making disciples. I don't feel qualified. Hey, I'm going to be honest with you. Neither do I sometimes. You don't have to feel qualified. What you have to do is obey God. Amen? Amen. He didn't tell his disciples, if you feel qualified, go out and do this. He said, no, you need to go out and make disciples. And then when you make disciples, command them to do the things that I've taught you to do. Amen? Is this okay?" [00:59:48] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Discipleship is never control. Anytime you see control in any relationship, you are seeing something. Bear with me. Anytime you see control in a relationship, you are not seeing something godly, you're seeing something. You're seeing something demonic. I'm not talking about full-blown possession. But if someone is trying to control another human being, and I'm not talking about putting little leashes on your two-year-old when you go somewhere, okay, that's fine. Shot callers are preferable. But I'm talking about a narcissistic, domineering, controlling, whether it's coming from a pulpit, whether it's coming from a business, whether it's coming from a spouse, whether it's coming from any area in life. If you are dominating and controlling someone or see a relationship like that, that does not come from God because God doesn't do that." [01:20:11] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Godliness is free will, obedience, love, submission, and honor. Well, let's not forget, let's not forget that God loved you so much. So you're not, if you submit to God, it's not like you're the first person to submit and it's not like you're even submitting on the same level because the first person to submit was Jesus. Jesus submitted to you before you ever thought about submitting to him. It's like Jesus didn't submit. Yes, he did. He stepped down out of heaven into a fleshly body. I think that's submitting. He came to a place that he did not deserve to come to and he went through things that he did not deserve to go through because he wanted to love you and give his life for you so that you could have the free will of making him Lord of your life or not because he wanted what was best for you." [01:22:30] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The kingdom of God works off of free will, love, submission, and honor. It does not work off of control, guilt, shame, condemnation, and manipulation. Nevertheless, we are commanded to be a disciple and to make disciples and it must be done without an ounce of control, force. Go over to John, John the 8th chapter. We're about done. Everybody said, yes, you are. You're about done. Listen. Listen, when it comes to building the church, the Bible says that you have to do it carefully. Amen? And if you're going to do it carefully, there are some of these things that you have to stand up for." [01:23:13] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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