Embracing True Discipleship: A Transformative Journey

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound call to discipleship, emphasizing that God desires us to be more than just Christians in name. The term "Christian" appears only three times in the New Testament, whereas "disciple" is mentioned over 290 times, highlighting the importance of being true followers of Jesus. Discipleship is about transformation from the inside out, not merely an outward appearance or label. Just as a donkey painted to look like a zebra remains a donkey, we must allow God to change our hearts and minds to truly reflect His image.

We delved into the cost of discipleship, which requires us to prioritize our love and commitment to Jesus above all else. This doesn't mean we literally hate our family or life, but rather that our devotion to Christ should be so profound that everything else pales in comparison. Jesus used hyperbole to stress the seriousness of this commitment, urging us to carry our cross and follow Him, which means dying to our own ambitions and desires to embrace His resurrection life.

The journey of discipleship is not easy; it's a daily decision to deny ourselves and live for Christ. The Apostle Paul exemplified this by declaring that he was crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God. This life of faith is not about achieving pleasure or avoiding pain but about doing the will of God, come what may. It's a path that requires counting the cost and being willing to pay it, knowing that God provides the grace and strength we need.

As we concluded, we were reminded that being a disciple is impossible without God's help. Yet, when we give our lives to Him, He empowers us to live differently, filling us with His Spirit and enabling us to become more like Jesus. The invitation is to commit to this journey, acknowledging our imperfections but striving to grow in our love and commitment to Christ.

Key Takeaways:

- True Discipleship Over Mere Christianity: The New Testament emphasizes being a disciple over merely being called a Christian. Discipleship involves a deep, transformative relationship with Jesus, where our hearts and minds are renewed to reflect His image. This transformation is more important than any outward appearance or label. [07:30]

- The Cost of Following Jesus: Jesus calls us to love Him above all else, using hyperbole to stress the seriousness of this commitment. Our devotion to Christ should be so profound that it surpasses all other relationships and desires. This requires a willingness to prioritize Him in every aspect of our lives. [18:55]

- Carrying Our Cross Daily: Discipleship involves carrying our cross, which means dying to our own ambitions and desires to embrace the life Jesus offers. It's a daily decision to deny ourselves and live for Christ, allowing His resurrection life to flow through us. [24:57]

- Living by Faith in the Son of God: The Apostle Paul exemplified the life of a disciple by declaring that he was crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God. This life of faith is about doing the will of God, come what may, and trusting in His grace and strength. [27:28]

- Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Being a disciple is impossible without God's help. When we give our lives to Him, He empowers us to live differently, filling us with His Spirit and enabling us to become more like Jesus. This journey requires acknowledging our imperfections but striving to grow in our love and commitment to Christ. [38:37]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:01] - Returning to the Black Country
- [01:44] - Resources and Books
- [02:30] - The Big Welcome Booklet
- [03:11] - The Walk: Becoming a Jesus Follower
- [03:48] - The Discipleship Lifestyle Book
- [05:08] - Prayer and Introduction
- [06:26] - The Zebra and Donkey Story
- [07:30] - Inner Transformation
- [08:36] - The Call to Discipleship
- [10:47] - The Great Commission
- [11:31] - Starting with the Heart
- [12:17] - Counting the Cost
- [16:50] - The Challenge of Commitment
- [24:57] - The Invitation to Die
- [38:37] - Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 14:25-33
- Galatians 2:20
- Matthew 28:18-20

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Observation Questions:

1. In Luke 14:25-33, what does Jesus say about the cost of being His disciple? How does He illustrate this concept with the examples He gives? [12:17]

2. According to the sermon, how many times is the term "Christian" mentioned in the New Testament compared to "disciple"? What significance does this have? [08:36]

3. What does the Apostle Paul mean when he says, "I have been crucified with Christ" in Galatians 2:20? How does this relate to the concept of discipleship discussed in the sermon? [27:28]

4. How does the sermon describe the transformation that occurs when one becomes a disciple of Jesus? What analogy is used to explain this transformation? [07:30]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean to "hate" one's family and even one's own life in the context of Luke 14:26? How does the sermon explain this hyperbolic language used by Jesus? [18:19]

2. How does the sermon interpret the idea of "carrying our cross" daily? What does this mean for a disciple's daily life and decisions? [24:57]

3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that being a disciple is impossible without God's help? How does the Holy Spirit empower believers to live differently? [38:37]

4. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 relate to the sermon’s emphasis on discipleship over merely being called a Christian? [10:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where your love for Jesus could be more evident? How can you make changes to prioritize your relationship with Him above all else? [18:55]

2. The sermon mentions the importance of dying to our own ambitions and desires. What personal ambitions or desires might you need to surrender to embrace the life Jesus offers? [25:26]

3. Consider the analogy of the donkey painted as a zebra. Are there aspects of your life where you might be focusing more on outward appearances rather than inner transformation? How can you shift your focus? [07:30]

4. How can you incorporate the practice of "dying daily" as Paul describes in Galatians 2:20 into your routine? What practical steps can you take to live by faith in the Son of God? [29:17]

5. The sermon emphasizes the need to count the cost of discipleship. What are some potential costs you might face in your journey of following Jesus, and how can you prepare to face them with faith? [31:40]

6. How can you actively seek the empowerment of the Holy Spirit in your life to help you become more like Jesus? Are there specific areas where you need His guidance and strength? [38:37]

7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from learning about true discipleship. How can you engage them in a conversation or invite them to explore this journey with you? [10:47]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: True Discipleship Transforms from Within
Discipleship is not about outward appearances or labels but about a profound transformation that begins in the heart and mind. The New Testament emphasizes the term "disciple" over "Christian," highlighting the importance of being a true follower of Jesus. This transformation is akin to a donkey painted to look like a zebra; no matter the outward change, the essence remains the same unless the heart is transformed. As disciples, we are called to reflect the image of Christ, allowing God to renew our hearts and minds. This inner transformation is essential to living a life that truly honors God. [07:30]

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: In what areas of your life do you need to allow God to transform your heart and mind to better reflect His image?

Day 2: The Cost of Devotion to Christ
Following Jesus requires a deep commitment that prioritizes Him above all else. This doesn't mean we literally hate our family or life, but our love for Christ should be so profound that everything else seems secondary. Jesus used hyperbole to emphasize the seriousness of this commitment, urging us to carry our cross and follow Him. This means dying to our own ambitions and desires to embrace His resurrection life. Our devotion to Christ should surpass all other relationships and desires, requiring us to prioritize Him in every aspect of our lives. [18:55]

Luke 14:26-27 (ESV): "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you struggle to prioritize your love and commitment to Jesus above all else?

Day 3: Embracing the Daily Cross
Discipleship involves a daily decision to deny ourselves and live for Christ. Carrying our cross means dying to our own ambitions and desires to embrace the life Jesus offers. This journey is not about achieving pleasure or avoiding pain but about doing the will of God, come what may. The Apostle Paul exemplified this by declaring that he was crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God. This life of faith requires counting the cost and being willing to pay it, knowing that God provides the grace and strength we need. [24:57]

Galatians 2:20 (ESV): "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Reflection: What is one ambition or desire you need to surrender to God today, and how can you practically carry your cross in this area?

Day 4: Living by Faith, Not by Sight
The life of a disciple is about living by faith in the Son of God, trusting in His grace and strength. This journey is not about achieving personal pleasure or avoiding pain but about doing the will of God, regardless of the circumstances. The Apostle Paul exemplified this life of faith, declaring that he was crucified with Christ and lived by faith in the Son of God. As disciples, we are called to trust in God's grace and strength, knowing that He empowers us to live differently and become more like Jesus. [27:28]

2 Corinthians 5:7 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God more fully, and how can you take a step of faith today?

Day 5: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
Being a disciple is impossible without God's help. When we give our lives to Him, He empowers us to live differently, filling us with His Spirit and enabling us to become more like Jesus. This journey requires acknowledging our imperfections but striving to grow in our love and commitment to Christ. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life that reflects Jesus, transforming us from the inside out. As we commit to this journey, we are reminded that God provides the grace and strength we need to live as true disciples. [38:37]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in a specific area of your life where you feel weak or inadequate?

Quotes

1) "You can change what a donkey looks like on the outside. It's still a donkey, right? And there's a similar thing that happens in our lives as well. The lives of human beings generally, we can pretend to be something outwardly, but it doesn't actually change who we are inside, okay? How many of you know that God is far more concerned with dealing with what's inside of us, with our hearts, with our souls, first and foremost, before he's bothered about what happens on the outside? Because this is how it works. If God can transform us inwardly by the renewing of our minds and our hearts and our souls, eventually, it's going to change the way that we live our lives. Amen. That's the way these things actually work." [07:30] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "How many of you know that God never intended for you to be a Christian? Some of you are looking at me a little bit worried now, like, let's pray for the preacher. Yeah, yeah. God never intended for you to be a Christian. In fact, in the New Testament, the word Christian. Well, I'll tell you what. Let's have a vote. Let's see how well taught you are. All right. So, the word Christian in the New Testament. We'll have a vote. How many times do you think it's mentioned? Is it three? Is it nine? Or is it 97? Okay, the word Christian in the New Testament. How often is that word mentioned? And we'll have a vote. Are you ready? How many people would vote three?" [08:36] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "The word disciple or disciples, I wonder how many times that's mentioned in the New Testament. Let's have a vote, okay? Is it three? Is it nine? Or is it 97? Okay, the word disciple, disciples. Are you ready? Hands up for three. Hands up for nine. Hands up for 97. Wow. It's actually mentioned over 290 times. 290 times in the New Testament, okay? Because that is what the intention of Jesus is for our lives. You remember, don't you? The resurrected Jesus gathers his followers together and he says to them, Matthew 28, 18, all authority in heaven and earth has been given to me. Therefore, go. And how many of you know that go? He's two-thirds of the name of God. So he's odd. He doesn't prove anything. But nevertheless, there we go. He says, go and make Christians, make disciples." [10:08] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So what Jesus seems to be saying here is this. He's saying, listen, if you don't love me more than you love anybody else or anything else, actually, it's not going to work out. And by the way, let me just define love because sometimes we misunderstand what we mean by love, don't we? Because I can tell you that I love fish and chips. That's true. I can also tell you that I love my wife. That's true. I don't mean the same thing. I don't. I don't mean that I've got a romantic attachment to some battered haddock. Yeah. And that I like biting my wife. I mean, that would be really weird, wouldn't it? Yeah. So when Jesus says, you know, putting me first, loving me, he's talking about being committed. If you're not committed first and foremost to Jesus Christ, you know, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, sickness and health until we meet him face to face. If we're not committed to him before anybody, anybody else or anything else, it's never going to work out." [18:55] (64 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "So, hey, listen, here's the simple invitation of Jesus to you and me this morning. You ready for this? The invitation of Jesus is this. Come and die. Come and die, yeah? is a happy, clappy message, isn't it? It's, you know, I mean, it's the way, this thing is supposed to work. Jesus is saying, listen, you need to die, meaning say no to your own small ambitions, to your own plans for your life, to what you intend to do with the years that lie ahead. Say, and the person that you are and the person that you're going to become, say no to that and say yes to the resurrection life of Jesus pulsating through you and out into the world, which is, far more exciting. You see, how many of you know, Jesus did not come to make your life boring? Huh? That's not the reason he came." [24:57] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "Jesus promised me life to the max, life in all of its fullness and I'll tell you, that's exactly what it's been and continues to be. That's what Jesus has for every one of you this morning, for every one of us and for every human being on the planet. His plans for our lives are so much better than our plans. You know? His purposes for us are so much more exciting than any purposes that you might have had in your life. You might have, but you've got to die. You've got to die. You've got to say no to your own way of doing things so that you can say yes to the ways of Jesus." [26:16] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "Following Jesus and starting on that adventure, it's free, isn't it? God has done all that's necessary for us to be rescued by him. That's what the cross of Jesus is all about. He's alive now and by his spirit, he can come and enter our lives and change us on the inside if we welcome him. It's free, but it will cost you everything. There's a paradox. It's free, but it's free, but it'll cost you everything." [34:02] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "Being a disciple of Jesus is not difficult. It's impossible. It's impossible, isn't it? Really? Unless, unless God gives us everything that we need for life and for Godliness. And folks, here is the good news. Here is the brilliant news that when we give our lives to God, He gives His life to us and we discover His power, and His anointing, and His ability to live differently." [38:08] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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