Embracing the Transformative Journey of Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Elmbrook Church! Today, we delved into the profound concept of discipleship, exploring its true biblical meaning and its transformative power in our lives. We began by reflecting on the life of Simon Peter, an ordinary fisherman whose encounter with Jesus turned his mundane existence into an extraordinary adventure. Peter's story is a testament to the radical change that Jesus brings into our lives, calling us to leave behind our old selves and embrace a new identity in Him.
We discussed how the word "discipleship" has drifted from its original meaning over time. In the Bible, discipleship is not merely about acquiring knowledge or participating in church activities; it is about becoming something new by imitating Jesus. This involves a lifelong pursuit of Jesus, accepting His call into a new community, discovering our true identity in Him, reordering our priorities to reflect His mission, and inviting others to experience the wonders of God's kingdom.
We also introduced our upcoming year-long campaign, "The Pursuit," which will guide us through three phases: People in Pursuit, Principles of Pursuit, and Practices of Pursuit. This journey aims to deepen our understanding of discipleship and integrate it into every aspect of our lives. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded that Jesus is a change agent who calls us to step out of our comfort zones and into the deep waters of faith.
Peter's initial reluctance but eventual obedience to Jesus' call to cast his nets into deep water serves as a powerful example of discipleship. Despite his doubts, Peter's willingness to follow Jesus' instructions led to a miraculous catch of fish and a transformative encounter with the divine. This story challenges us to trust Jesus, even when we don't fully understand His ways, and to be open to the changes He wants to bring into our lives.
As we move forward, let us embrace the adventure of discipleship, allowing Jesus to shape us into His likeness and lead us into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him.
### Key Takeaways
1. Discipleship as Transformation: Discipleship is not about acquiring knowledge or participating in activities; it is about becoming something new by imitating Jesus. This transformation involves a radical reordering of our lives to align with His mission and values. [49:24]
2. Jesus as a Change Agent: Jesus calls us to leave behind our old selves and embrace a new identity in Him. This change is not always easy or welcome, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. Jesus sees potential in us that others may not, and He calls us to step into that potential. [01:11:40]
3. Obedience in Uncertainty: Peter's willingness to follow Jesus' instructions, despite his doubts, led to a miraculous catch of fish and a transformative encounter with the divine. This story challenges us to trust Jesus, even when we don't fully understand His ways, and to be open to the changes He wants to bring into our lives. [01:16:54]
4. The Lifelong Pursuit: Discipleship is a lifelong adventure of pursuing Jesus where He leads us. It involves accepting His call into a new community, discovering our true identity in Him, reordering our priorities, and inviting others to experience the wonders of God's kingdom. [57:56]
5. The Importance of Community: Our journey of discipleship is not meant to be walked alone. We are called to be part of a community that supports and encourages us in our pursuit of Jesus. This community helps us to grow, learn, and become more like Christ together. [54:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:06] - Introduction of Keith Luke
[15:51] - Announcements and Opportunities
[16:24] - Summer Worship Schedule Feedback
[17:08] - Church Family Meeting
[35:57] - The Basilica of St. Peter
[38:44] - The Life of Simon Peter
[40:22] - John the Baptist and Jesus
[41:00] - Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus
[41:45] - Jesus Calls Simon
[42:20] - The Miraculous Catch of Fish
[42:54] - Peter's Response to Jesus
[44:01] - Prayer for Transformation
[45:50] - The Changing Meaning of Words
[47:43] - The True Meaning of Discipleship
[49:24] - Becoming Like Jesus
[51:19] - The Great Commission
[53:04] - Understanding the Assignment
[54:36] - The Pursuit Campaign
[56:17] - The Importance of Making Disciples
[57:56] - Summary of Discipleship
[59:28] - Peter's Relatability
[01:01:09] - Dazzling Dunks and Basketball Bloopers
[01:02:44] - Simon's Background
[01:04:26] - The Rejection of Aspiring Scholars
[01:06:04] - Peter's Resignation to Fishing
[01:08:05] - The Number 4,000
[01:09:42] - Andrew Brings Simon to Jesus
[01:11:40] - Jesus Changes Simon's Name
[01:13:21] - The Woodworker's Lesson
[01:15:04] - Jesus Pushes Peter to Go Deeper
[01:16:54] - Peter's Obedience
[01:18:44] - Breaking the Patterns of Life
[01:20:22] - The Adventure of Discipleship
[01:22:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:35-42 - The calling of Simon Peter.
2. Luke 5:1-11 - The miraculous catch of fish and Peter's response.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Simon Peter's initial reaction when Jesus called him to follow? (John 1:42)
2. In Luke 5, what did Jesus ask Peter to do after teaching the crowds from his boat? (Luke 5:4)
3. How did Peter respond to Jesus' instruction to cast the nets into deep water, despite his initial reluctance? (Luke 5:5) [42:20]
4. What was the result of Peter's obedience to Jesus' command to cast the nets again? (Luke 5:6-7)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Peter's willingness to follow Jesus' instructions, despite his doubts, reveal about his character and faith? [42:20]
2. How does Jesus' renaming of Simon to Peter signify a change in identity and purpose? [41:00]
3. In what ways does the story of the miraculous catch of fish illustrate the concept of discipleship as a transformative journey? [42:54]
4. How does the sermon describe the lifelong pursuit of discipleship and its impact on our priorities and community involvement? [57:56]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt reluctant to follow Jesus' instructions. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [42:20]
2. Jesus saw potential in Peter that others did not. How can you identify and encourage the potential in others within your community? [01:11:40]
3. Discipleship involves stepping out of our comfort zones. What is one area of your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to take a step of faith? [01:15:04]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of community in our discipleship journey. How can you actively contribute to and support your small group or church community? [54:36]
5. Peter's story shows the importance of obedience even in uncertainty. What is one specific area where you need to trust Jesus more, despite not fully understanding His ways? [42:20]
6. The sermon introduced "The Pursuit" campaign. How can you commit to participating in this year-long journey of deepening your discipleship? [54:36]
7. Think about someone in your life who might be stuck in a monotonous routine. How can you invite them to experience the adventure of discipleship and the transformative power of Jesus? [01:20:22]
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship as Transformation
Discipleship is not about acquiring knowledge or participating in activities; it is about becoming something new by imitating Jesus. This transformation involves a radical reordering of our lives to align with His mission and values. When we look at the life of Simon Peter, we see an ordinary fisherman whose encounter with Jesus turned his mundane existence into an extraordinary adventure. Peter's story is a testament to the radical change that Jesus brings into our lives, calling us to leave behind our old selves and embrace a new identity in Him. This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of becoming more like Jesus every day. [49:24]
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 area of your life that needs to be radically reordered to align with Jesus' mission and values? How can you take a step towards that transformation today?
Day 2: Jesus as a Change Agent
Jesus calls us to leave behind our old selves and embrace a new identity in Him. This change is not always easy or welcome, but it is essential for our spiritual growth. Jesus sees potential in us that others may not, and He calls us to step into that potential. When Jesus changed Simon's name to Peter, He was not just giving him a new name but a new identity and purpose. This change signifies the transformative power of Jesus in our lives, calling us to step out of our comfort zones and into the deep waters of faith. [01:11:40]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What old identity or habit is Jesus calling you to leave behind? How can you embrace the new identity He has for you today?
Day 3: Obedience in Uncertainty
Peter's willingness to follow Jesus' instructions, despite his doubts, led to a miraculous catch of fish and a transformative encounter with the divine. This story challenges us to trust Jesus, even when we don't fully understand His ways, and to be open to the changes He wants to bring into our lives. Obedience in uncertainty is a hallmark of true discipleship. It requires faith and trust in Jesus, knowing that His plans for us are good, even when they don't make sense to us. [01:16:54]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust Jesus? How can you practice obedience in that area today, even if you don't fully understand His ways?
Day 4: The Lifelong Pursuit
Discipleship is a lifelong adventure of pursuing Jesus where He leads us. It involves accepting His call into a new community, discovering our true identity in Him, reordering our priorities, and inviting others to experience the wonders of God's kingdom. This journey is not meant to be walked alone; we are called to be part of a community that supports and encourages us in our pursuit of Jesus. As we embark on this journey, we are reminded that Jesus is a change agent who calls us to step out of our comfort zones and into the deep waters of faith. [57:56]
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to pursue Jesus more intentionally? How can you involve your community in this pursuit?
Day 5: The Importance of Community
Our journey of discipleship is not meant to be walked alone. We are called to be part of a community that supports and encourages us in our pursuit of Jesus. This community helps us to grow, learn, and become more like Christ together. The early church in Acts is a beautiful example of a community that lived out the principles of discipleship together, sharing everything they had and supporting one another in their faith journeys. As we move forward, let us embrace the adventure of discipleship, allowing Jesus to shape us into His likeness and lead us into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with Him. [54:36]
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 contribute to your community's growth and support in their pursuit of Jesus? What is one practical way you can encourage someone in your community today?
Quotes
1. "We love it that you're here in worship, but we think there's another level you can get to by serving other people and getting involved in a group. So if you want to study or participating in a mission experience, there are wonderful people all through the lobby. They'll be there after the service as well. And they'd love to check in with you and find ways for you to plug in." [16:24] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Discipleship is the lifelong adventure of pursuing Jesus where He leads you. And it means this. It means accepting Jesus' call into a new community. It means discovering your true identity in relationship with Him. It means reordering your agenda and priorities to reflect His mission. And it means inviting others to experience the wonders of the kingdom of God." [58:44] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus is a change agent. Jesus has come not to leave you the way that you are. He has come to do something different. We said earlier that part of discipleship is discovering your true identity in Jesus. And for Simon, this happens within the first five minutes. Jesus is like, look, man, who you were is not who you're going to be. Because of me, Simon, you're going to be different. And it's going to start with your name." [01:11:40] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Disciples say to Jesus, Jesus, I don't get it, but I'll still do it. I don't get it, but I'll still do it. Stop looking at that thing. Sacrifice more of what I have. Admit that I messed up. Forgive her again. I don't get it, but I'll still do it. I may not understand what Jesus is asking me to do, but I will obey him." [01:17:44] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The adventure that is discipleship is about breaking you out of your patterns and calling you to something more. It's about leaving behind the shallows of your easy peasy Christianity and actually going deep. It's about putting some things behind you and going off in pursuit of the greatest miracle of your life. Are you ready now to pursue him with me? Let's go." [01:20:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Our call in life is to follow Jesus so that you and I can become more and more like Jesus. Over the next 10 months or so, our church is returning to these kinds of fundamental ideas about discipleship. And by doing so, we're going to go back to the ancient building blocks of Christianity." [49:24] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "If we stop following Jesus, if we give up on discipleship, and I really believe we have surrendered too much. It was last October that the Council of Elders asked your church staff to really press into the idea of discipleship. Among a list of a number of potential big plans, big projects that we set before them, the elders, wisely identified discipleship as job number one. The most important thing in the life of our church." [51:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "It's extremely important, Elmbrook, to understand what Jesus meant when he talks about making disciples. And here's the thing. It really shouldn't be this difficult for all of us, because it's all recorded right here. There are 89 chapters of Scripture across four Gospels telling us what it means to disciple people. Mark talks about it. Luke talks about it. John tells us about it." [57:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Are you satisfied with how your weeks are going? If it continues along the same pattern, will that be enough for you? Or are you wondering if perhaps there might be something more to life than what you're currently experiencing? Are you okay with the mundane and the repetitive? Or do you deep down desire your life to be an adventure?" [01:08:05] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Jesus will come in and he will break the patterns of your life. He knows who you are. He sees something in you, and he knows that in order for you to experience, you have to step out of your routine. And the reason that your life is the same old story, same old song, is because you have conceded over and over again to the same old script. And Jesus comes to you today and he says, it's time for you to get out in the deep water." [01:19:44] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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