Embracing the Call to Discipleship in Daily Life
Summary
In today's gathering at Concord Baptist Church, we focused on the profound responsibility and privilege of discipleship. We began by recognizing our veterans and celebrating the Marine Corps' 249th birthday, acknowledging the sacrifices made for our freedom. We also welcomed Peyton Smith and prayed for Adam Yunt's safe return from Nepal. As we transitioned into our worship, we were reminded of the importance of giving, not just financially, but of ourselves, to further God's kingdom both locally and globally.
Our central theme was the call to discipleship, rooted in the Great Commission from Matthew 28. We explored the necessity of sharing our faith and the importance of being prepared to share our personal testimonies. This is not just a task for church leaders but a responsibility for every believer. We delved into the Old Testament, specifically Deuteronomy 6:1-9, to uncover a model of discipleship that emphasizes the importance of living out our faith authentically and passing it on to others.
Moses' instructions to Israel serve as a timeless blueprint for us. He urged the Israelites to remember God's commands and to teach them diligently to their children, ensuring that faith becomes a natural part of daily life. This involves loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength, and making our relationship with Him evident in every aspect of our lives. Discipleship is not about perfection but about genuine passion and commitment to growing in our faith and helping others do the same.
We were challenged to integrate our faith into our family, social, and community lives, making it as natural as breathing. This involves talking about God in everyday conversations, reflecting His love to others, and ensuring that our communities know of our commitment to Christ. The process of making disciples is ongoing and requires us to be intentional in our efforts to share the gospel and nurture others in their spiritual journey.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is a personal responsibility for every believer, not just church leaders. It involves sharing our faith and personal testimonies, which are powerful tools for evangelism. We must be ready to share our experiences with Christ at any moment. [35:34]
- We cannot pass on what we do not possess. Our faith and passion for Christ must be genuine and evident in our lives before we can effectively disciple others. This requires ongoing self-examination and spiritual growth. [49:24]
- Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is foundational to discipleship. We teach others to love God by modeling obedience, worship, and a desire to know Him more deeply. This love should be reflected in our interactions with others. [56:13]
- Faith should be a natural part of our daily lives, integrated into our family, social, and community interactions. It should be as automatic as breathing, influencing every aspect of our lives and relationships. [01:04:10]
- Discipleship is an ongoing process that involves teaching others to make disciples themselves. This cycle of growth and multiplication is essential for the continuation of the faith and the expansion of God's kingdom. [37:04]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[08:26] - Recognizing Veterans and Announcements
[31:47] - Introduction to Discipleship
[35:34] - The Call to Evangelism
[37:04] - Making Disciples
[40:25] - Old Testament Model of Discipleship
[49:24] - Personal Responsibility in Faith
[51:10] - Passing on Genuine Faith
[52:47] - Illustration of Giving What You Have
[54:29] - Spiritual Self-Examination
[56:13] - Teaching Love for God
[01:00:55] - Faith as a Natural Part of Life
[01:04:10] - Integrating Faith into Daily Life
[01:10:13] - Community and Faith
[01:13:16] - Growing in Love for God
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Deuteronomy 6:1-9
- Matthew 28:18-20
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions does Moses give to the Israelites in Deuteronomy 6:1-9 about how to live out their faith daily?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the Great Commission in Matthew 28 for every believer? [31:47]
3. How does the sermon describe the role of personal testimony in sharing one's faith? [35:34]
4. What are some examples given in the sermon of integrating faith into daily life? [01:04:10]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the Old Testament model of discipleship in Deuteronomy 6 relate to the New Testament call to make disciples in Matthew 28? [40:25]
2. Why is it important for believers to have a genuine and evident faith before they can effectively disciple others? [51:10]
3. What does it mean to love God with all your heart, soul, and strength, and how can this be taught to others? [56:13]
4. How can faith become as natural as breathing in one's family, social, and community life? [01:04:10]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal testimony. Are you prepared to share it at any moment? How can you practice sharing it this week? [35:34]
2. Identify one area in your life where your faith is not yet a natural part of your daily routine. What steps can you take to integrate it more fully? [01:04:10]
3. Think of a family member or friend who does not know Christ. How can you begin to disciple them by sharing your faith and life with them? [37:04]
4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate your love for God in your interactions with others this week? [56:13]
5. Consider your current spiritual practices. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and growing, so you can effectively disciple others? [49:24]
6. How can you make discussions about faith a regular part of your family life? What specific actions can you take to start these conversations? [01:05:01]
7. Identify one person in your community who might benefit from hearing about your faith. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week? [01:10:13]
Devotional
Day 1: Personal Responsibility in Discipleship
Discipleship is a calling for every believer, not just church leaders. It involves sharing one's faith and personal testimonies, which are powerful tools for evangelism. Every believer must be prepared to share their experiences with Christ at any moment. This readiness requires a deep understanding of one's own faith journey and a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic in sharing it with others. The act of sharing is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the teachings of Christ, making the gospel visible through actions and attitudes. [35:34]
"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel." (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear your personal testimony of faith today, and how can you share it with them in a way that is both genuine and impactful?
Day 2: Genuine Faith as a Prerequisite for Discipleship
We cannot pass on what we do not possess. Our faith and passion for Christ must be genuine and evident in our lives before we can effectively disciple others. This requires ongoing self-examination and spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a deep, personal relationship with God, allowing His love and truth to transform their lives. This transformation becomes the foundation upon which they can build relationships with others, guiding them in their spiritual journeys. The authenticity of one's faith is crucial, as it serves as a testament to the power and presence of God in their life. [49:24]
"Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Corinthians 13:5, ESV)
Reflection: What areas of your life need more authenticity in reflecting your faith, and how can you begin to address these areas today?
Day 3: Loving God as the Foundation of Discipleship
Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is foundational to discipleship. Teaching others to love God involves modeling obedience, worship, and a desire to know Him more deeply. This love should be reflected in interactions with others, demonstrating a commitment to living out God's commands in everyday life. The process of discipleship is not about achieving perfection but about cultivating a genuine passion and commitment to growing in faith and helping others do the same. This love for God becomes the driving force behind the desire to disciple others, as it compels believers to share the transformative power of God's love. [56:13]
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart." (Deuteronomy 6:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you demonstrate your love for God in a specific relationship or situation today, and what impact might this have on those around you?
Day 4: Integrating Faith into Daily Life
Faith should be a natural part of daily life, integrated into family, social, and community interactions. It should be as automatic as breathing, influencing every aspect of life and relationships. This integration involves talking about God in everyday conversations, reflecting His love to others, and ensuring that communities know of one's commitment to Christ. The process of making disciples is ongoing and requires intentional efforts to share the gospel and nurture others in their spiritual journey. By making faith a seamless part of daily life, believers can create environments where spiritual growth and discipleship naturally occur. [01:04:10]
"And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can incorporate discussions about faith into your daily routine with family or friends today?
Day 5: The Ongoing Process of Making Disciples
Discipleship is an ongoing process that involves teaching others to make disciples themselves. This cycle of growth and multiplication is essential for the continuation of the faith and the expansion of God's kingdom. Believers are called to be intentional in their efforts to share the gospel and nurture others in their spiritual journey. This involves not only teaching but also equipping others to teach and disciple, creating a ripple effect that extends the reach of the gospel. The goal is to create a community of believers who are committed to living out their faith and helping others do the same, ensuring the perpetuation of the faith for future generations. [37:04]
"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." (2 Timothy 2:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who is someone you can invest in spiritually this week, helping them grow in their faith and equipping them to disciple others?
Quotes
"It's right there in the Great Commission, Matthew chapter 28, where Jesus gives to the church its marching orders. He says, go and make disciples. And that is what we have been called to do." [00:34:42] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"One of the things I believe that every Christian should have in their background is to be a disciple of Christ. Ready to go at a moment's notice when the Holy Spirit prompts you is the ability to share your own personal testimony and how you came to Christ." [00:35:51] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And so sharing the gospel, talking to people about Jesus, that is something that we go out and do. It is something that we do as we live our lives each and every day." [00:37:13] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If you have never taken someone under your wing, under your influence, and brought them along in their faith in Christ, I want you to know and understand that that is something that the Lord desires for each and every one of us to do." [00:39:58] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God has given that command in Matthew chapter 28 to go and make disciples to every single one of us. A disciple makes disciples." [00:41:27] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"But that statement doesn't end right there because it cannot end with you just making a disciple who follows Christ. You see, the goal is to make them into a disciple. Who also then goes and makes disciples." [00:42:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"We can teach people how to love God by studying scripture. You want to love God, you've got to love his word. You got to love this book." [00:56:53] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Your walk with God needs to become a way of life. That's how you make disciples." [01:12:05] (10 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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