Embracing True Discipleship: A Journey with Christ
Summary
Summary:
This morning, we gathered to celebrate the journey of spiritual growth and discipleship. We are in the midst of a Spiritual Growth Campaign (SGC), which is a time for us to deepen our relationship with God and each other. The campaign consists of three components: our Sunday services, the kits available in the lobby, and life groups. These elements work together to help us grow in Christ and connect with our church community. Today, we focused on the concept of discipleship, specifically what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus Christ.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, not just as a way to find self-fulfillment, but to live a life of abundance. This involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Him. We are all influenced by something, and it's crucial to be intentionally formed into the image of Christ rather than being shaped by the world. As apprentices, we are called to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. This requires a commitment to true discipleship, which is more than just identifying as a Christian; it's actively following Jesus.
Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship, urging us to count the cost before committing to follow Him. This involves putting Him first in our lives, even above our closest relationships. Our love for God should be so deep that all other loves seem less in comparison. Following Christ is an all-or-nothing commitment, and we must be willing to leave behind our old ways and embrace a life on mission for Him.
As apprentices, we are called to serve with humility, putting others before ourselves and learning from them. Ambition is not inherently wrong, but it must be surrendered to God to avoid becoming selfish. Our gifts and abilities are meant to be used for God's kingdom, and we are all missionaries in our everyday lives. Ultimately, the reward of our faith is Christ Himself, and we are invited to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in His kingdom.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Call to Discipleship: Following Jesus is not about self-fulfillment but living a life of abundance. It requires denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and committing to His way. This means prioritizing our relationship with Christ above all else, even our closest relationships, and being willing to leave behind our old ways. [48:15]
2. Intentional Formation: We are all influenced by something, and it's crucial to be intentionally formed into the image of Christ. This involves being an apprentice of Jesus, where we are called to be with Him, become like Him, and do as He did. True discipleship goes beyond identifying as a Christian; it requires actively following Jesus. [49:58]
3. Counting the Cost: Jesus emphasized the cost of discipleship, urging us to count the cost before committing to follow Him. This involves putting Him first in our lives and being willing to leave behind our old ways. Our love for God should be so deep that all other loves seem less in comparison. [01:01:28]
4. Living a Life on Mission: As apprentices, we are called to live a life on mission for Christ. Our everyday environments are mission fields, and we are all missionaries. Our gifts and abilities are meant to be used for God's kingdom, and we are called to serve with humility, putting others before ourselves and learning from them. [01:18:47]
5. The Reward of Faith: The ultimate reward of our faith is Christ Himself. We are invited to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in His kingdom. This involves ongoing repentance and deepening our surrender to Christ, recognizing that our lives are meant to glorify Him. [01:39:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:54] - Introduction to Spiritual Growth Campaign
[44:58] - Components of the Campaign
[45:53] - Importance of Life Groups
[47:14] - Following Jesus as the Truth
[48:15] - The Call to Discipleship
[49:04] - Abundant Life in Christ
[49:58] - Influence and Formation
[50:49] - The Potter and the Clay
[52:06] - Personal Prayer and Reflection
[53:18] - Becoming an Apprentice
[54:19] - Jesus as Rabbi
[55:36] - Educational System of Jesus' Day
[56:25] - The Gap in Discipleship
[57:24] - Following Jesus' Way of Living
[58:53] - The Cost of Discipleship
[59:50] - Large Crowds and True Commitment
[01:01:28] - All or Nothing Commitment
[01:02:45] - Radical Love for Christ
[01:03:50] - Serving with Humility
[01:05:33] - Counting the Cost
[01:07:28] - Consequences of Not Reconciling with Christ
[01:09:25] - Giving Up Everything for Christ
[01:10:32] - Choosing to Follow Christ
[01:11:24] - Leaving Things Behind
[01:12:04] - Denying Yourself and Taking Up Your Cross
[01:12:51] - Lifelong Process of Discipleship
[01:13:45] - Self-Denial vs. Dying to Self
[01:15:18] - Gaining the World but Losing Your Soul
[01:16:15] - Being Changed by Christ
[01:17:13] - Surrendering to Jesus
[01:18:47] - Living a Life on Mission
[01:19:37] - Compassion and Love for Others
[01:20:33] - Using Gifts for God's Kingdom
[01:21:33] - Serving with Humility
[01:22:34] - Ambition and God's Purpose
[01:23:23] - Selfish Ambition vs. Godly Ambition
[01:24:18] - James and John's Request
[01:25:38] - Jesus' Response to Ambition
[01:26:27] - Servanthood and Humility
[01:27:08] - Definition of Selfish Ambition
[01:27:59] - Practicing the Way of Jesus
[01:28:42] - Paul on Godly Ambition
[01:29:23] - No Wasted Years in Christ
[01:30:37] - Serving with Humility
[01:31:25] - God's Promises to the Humble
[01:32:03] - Giving Preference to Others
[01:32:43] - Learning from Others
[01:33:58] - The Gift of Relationships
[01:34:31] - Humility and Learning
[01:35:03] - Pride and Correction
[01:35:33] - Owning Our Decisions
[01:36:06] - Confession and Second Chances
[01:37:16] - The Goal of an Apprentice
[01:37:51] - The Reward of Faith
[01:38:24] - Invitation to Follow Christ
[01:39:07] - God's Plan for Our Lives
[01:39:44] - Ongoing Repentance
[01:40:21] - Urgency of Following Christ
[01:40:51] - Prayer of Commitment
[01:41:31] - Decision to Follow Jesus
[01:42:14] - Journey with Christ
[01:42:45] - Next Steps for New Believers
[01:43:36] - Closing Prayer and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 8:34
- Luke 14:25-33
- Matthew 4:19
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 8:34, what does Jesus say is required to be His disciple? How does this relate to the concept of self-denial mentioned in the sermon? [48:15]
2. According to Luke 14:25-33, what examples does Jesus use to illustrate the cost of discipleship? How do these examples help us understand the seriousness of following Him? [01:05:33]
3. In Matthew 4:19, Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him and promises to make them "fishers of men." What does this metaphor suggest about the mission of a disciple? [57:24]
4. The sermon mentioned that we are all influenced by something. What are some examples given of influences that can shape us, and how do they compare to being intentionally formed into the image of Christ? [49:58]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to deny oneself and take up one's cross daily, as mentioned in Mark 8:34? How might this look in a modern context? [48:15]
2. Jesus speaks of hating one's family in Luke 14:26. How should this be understood in light of the sermon’s explanation of loving less? What does this teach about prioritizing our relationship with Christ? [01:02:45]
3. The sermon discusses the gap between popular Christianity and true discipleship. What are some characteristics of true discipleship that differentiate it from merely identifying as a Christian? [56:25]
4. How does the concept of living a life on mission, as described in Matthew 4:19, challenge the way we view our everyday environments and interactions? [01:18:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current influences. Are there any that might be unintentionally shaping you away from Christ? What steps can you take to ensure you are being intentionally formed into His image? [49:58]
2. Jesus calls for an all-or-nothing commitment. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to put Christ first? How can you begin to surrender these areas to Him? [01:01:28]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of counting the cost of discipleship. Have you ever faced a situation where following Christ required a significant sacrifice? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [01:05:33]
4. Consider your daily environment as a mission field. Identify one specific way you can live out your faith intentionally in your workplace or community this week. [01:18:47]
5. The sermon mentioned serving with humility and putting others before ourselves. Think of a recent interaction where you could have shown more humility. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [01:22:34]
6. The ultimate reward of our faith is Christ Himself. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him this week, focusing on the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing Him? [01:39:44]
7. The sermon discussed the importance of ongoing repentance. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek repentance and realignment with God's will? What steps will you take to address this? [01:39:44]
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 Cost of True Discipleship
To follow Jesus is to embrace a life of abundance, but it requires a deep commitment that goes beyond seeking self-fulfillment. True discipleship involves denying oneself, taking up one's cross, and prioritizing a relationship with Christ above all else, even above our closest relationships. This commitment is not a casual one; it demands a willingness to leave behind old ways and embrace a new life in Christ. Jesus calls His followers to count the cost before committing, ensuring that their love for God is so profound that all other loves pale in comparison. This all-or-nothing commitment is the foundation of a life lived on mission for Him. [48:15]
Luke 14:27-28 (ESV): "Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to prioritize your relationship with Christ? How can you begin to make changes today to put Him first?
Day 2: Intentional Spiritual Formation
In a world where we are constantly influenced by external forces, it is crucial to be intentionally formed into the image of Christ. Being an apprentice of Jesus means more than just identifying as a Christian; it requires actively following Him, being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing as He did. This intentional formation involves a commitment to spiritual growth and discipleship, where we allow ourselves to be shaped by Christ rather than the world. True discipleship is a lifelong journey of transformation, where we continually seek to align our lives with the teachings and example of Jesus. [49:58]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently being influenced by the world rather than being formed into the image of Christ? What steps can you take to focus more on your spiritual formation?
Day 3: Counting the Cost of Following Christ
Jesus emphasized the importance of counting the cost before committing to follow Him. This involves putting Him first in our lives and being willing to leave behind our old ways. Our love for God should be so deep that all other loves seem less in comparison. Following Christ is not a decision to be taken lightly; it requires a willingness to sacrifice and prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. This commitment is a daily choice to live a life that reflects His love and grace, even when it means making difficult decisions or facing challenges. [01:01:28]
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 old way or habit that you need to leave behind to fully commit to following Christ? How can you begin to make that change today?
Day 4: Living a Life on Mission
As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to live a life on mission for Him. Our everyday environments are mission fields, and we are all missionaries, called to serve with humility and put others before ourselves. Our gifts and abilities are meant to be used for God's kingdom, and we are invited to learn from those around us. This mission involves a commitment to serving others, using our unique talents to glorify God, and living out our faith in practical ways. By embracing this calling, we can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we encounter each day. [01:18:47]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and abilities to serve others and live out your faith in your everyday environment? What is one specific action you can take this week to live on mission for Christ?
Day 5: The Reward of Faith
The ultimate reward of our faith is Christ Himself. We are invited to follow Him and experience the fullness of life in His kingdom. This involves ongoing repentance and deepening our surrender to Christ, recognizing that our lives are meant to glorify Him. As we journey with Christ, we are continually transformed and renewed, experiencing the abundant life that He promises. This reward is not just a future hope but a present reality, as we live in the joy and peace that comes from a relationship with Him. [01:39:44]
Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: In what ways can you deepen your surrender to Christ and experience the fullness of life in His kingdom? What is one area of your life where you need to seek ongoing repentance and transformation?
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Quotes
1) "What we are promised is that the grace and the strength of the Lord will help us in our times of weakness. And we're able to have everlasting or everlasting and overflowing joy because of our relationship with Christ. Amen. Here's the question that I want to pose to you this morning. The question is, who or what are you following? The reality is that we are all following someone or we are all following something. We are all following something. God designed us to be influenced. Some of us might say, well, no, I'm, you know, I'm the leader of my life and this and that. And I would say that's the problem." [49:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "If we are not being intentionally formed into the image of Jesus, we might be unintentionally being formed into something else. If we sit around and watch Netflix all night, that's what we're being formed into. Right. But if we spend time committing ourselves to Christ, man, we are being formed into the image of Christ. So before we jump into the word this morning, here's what I'm going to ask you to do. I'm going to ask you to close, close your eyes and bow your heads and in your own way. Talk to God this morning." [52:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "The challenge is that there is a gap. There is a gap between popular Christianity and true discipleship. And this is what I'm talking about this morning. It's true discipleship. There's a wide gap. Let me break it down. There's a wide gap between those who identify themselves as Christians and those who are actively following Jesus. Jesus says that we are called to follow him. In the book of Matthew, chapter 4 and verse 19, I'm going to read this from the God's Word translation, but you might be familiar with it in another translation. Jesus says to his disciples, he says, come and follow me, and I will teach you how to catch. People instead of fish." [57:24] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Jesus is saying following me is an all or nothing commitment. You see, in our modern world, we love options. Don't tell me to do anything because I'm not going to do it. But Jesus is saying it costs something to follow me. Now, about that whole hating your mother and father thing. There's several commandments in scripture, right? Love your neighbor as yourself. There are several commandments throughout scriptures on how we are supposed to love our enemies, on how we're supposed to love and care for our children, how we're supposed to be gentle and loving with our spouses. And the importance of honoring our parents. Scripture tells us to. Do those things." [01:01:28] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Jesus is saying, will you choose to follow me in the moments when you don't feel like it? Now, the other scenario about a king. That he gives is this picture of a king that is preparing for war. And it's not just about defense, but the king only has 10,000 troops. He knows there's another one with 20,000 troops that's about to invade his kingdom. So instead of him preparing for war, he goes out to make peace with that king. And so what Jesus is saying, please hear me. What Jesus is saying is for us to consider the consequences of not reconciling with Christ." [01:07:28] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Jesus says, come and follow me. Jesus is not saying, I want you to follow me so that I can convert you to my religion. You know, Jesus was never building a religion. Jesus did not say, come and follow me so that you can become a Christian. But Jesus is saying, come and follow me. Apprentice under me, and I will teach you how to live like I live. Because really, at the end of the day, that's what it means to be a Christ follower, is I'm following his way of living. Because Jesus was living. In the kingdom of God." [58:15] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Jesus says, the first step, man, is we have to follow. If I want to follow him, I've got to give up my own way. And then I've got to take up my cross daily. Let's look at Luke chapter 9 and verse 23. That's exactly what Jesus says to the crowd. He says, if any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way. Take up your cross daily and follow me. And then he says here, you're familiar with it. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it." [01:12:04] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Ambition is not a bad thing. Someone say ambition is not a bad thing. It's not a bad thing, right? It is a God-given ability and desire and drive within each and every one of us. I mean, think about it. If we didn't have ambition, there would be no reason to go to school. There would be no reason to get a promotion. There would be no reason to go after things in life. There would be no reason. And I speak from experience. There would be no reason to pursue the girl that shut you down three times. Hallelujah. Ambition is not a bad thing. But if it's left unchecked and unsurrendered, the ambition then becomes a selfish ambition. And it turns servants of God into servants of themselves." [01:23:23] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "God will never waste an experience in your life. Whether or not you are walking with God, he will never waste an experience in your life. So now that you're committed to Christ, if you make a decision to follow Christ, all of that training, all of that, that whole life that you had before Christ was never in vain. There's no such thing. You ever heard someone say this, I had wasted years? There's no such thing as wasted years. Because your Bible says that before I was formed in the womb, God had written all my days in his book. That means that God had a plan for all of that stuff that you walk through. It wasn't for nothing." [01:30:03] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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