Embracing True Discipleship: Following Jesus Wholeheartedly
Summary
In today's sermon, I explored the profound nature of discipleship and what it truly means to follow Jesus. I began by welcoming everyone to The Way of Life Church, expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence and financial support, and introducing our new series titled "ID Please." I emphasized the importance of seeking God's guidance and understanding His word, setting the stage for a deeper dive into our spiritual identity as disciples of Christ.
I then discussed the concept of identification, both in a legal and spiritual sense, and how our actions and lifestyle should align with our faith. I used the example of "sovereign citizens" to illustrate the idea of presenting one's identity and drew parallels to how we should spiritually identify ourselves as followers of Jesus.
The core of the sermon focused on the Gospel of John, where I highlighted the story of John the Baptist's disciples following Jesus. This passage served as a foundation to define what it means to be a disciple—not just a student of a teacher, but someone who seeks to emulate the life of their teacher. I stressed that being a disciple of Jesus means following Him to live like Him, which involves shadowing Him to replicate His life in ours.
I delved into the practical aspects of discipleship, emphasizing the importance of obedience to Jesus' word. I drew a parallel between a construction blueprint and the necessity of following Jesus' teachings without deviation. I reminded the congregation that Jesus not only taught but also exemplified His teachings through actions, such as washing the disciples' feet and loving His enemies.
I also addressed the misconception that Jesus' sacrifice was meant for us to enjoy earthly pleasures. Instead, I clarified that His death and resurrection empower us to continue His work of spreading the Gospel and making disciples. I challenged the congregation to reflect on their own discipleship, asking whether they are helping others to know or grow in Jesus.
As I concluded, I invited those who have not yet committed to following Jesus to make a decision, emphasizing the totality of His sacrifice and the fullness of life He offers. I encouraged everyone to consider their readiness to fully commit to being a disciple, to die to themselves, and to live for Christ.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discipleship is not merely about learning from Jesus as a teacher but about transforming our lives to mirror His. It requires a commitment to not only understand His teachings but to apply them in every aspect of our lives, leading to a life that reflects His love, obedience, and service to others. [46:41]
2. Obedience to the Word of God is a hallmark of true discipleship. It's not enough to be entertained or inspired by the scriptures; we must submit to them, even when it's challenging, trusting that God's design for our lives is perfect, just as a well-followed blueprint ensures a structurally sound building. [47:58]
3. Jesus' consistency in word and deed sets the ultimate example for us. As His disciples, we are called to emulate His actions, not just His instructions. This means actively serving others and loving unconditionally, without seeking loopholes or redefining the extent of our commitment. [49:21]
4. The greater works Jesus spoke of in John 14:12 are not about personal gain but about continuing His mission. As disciples, we are empowered to spread the Gospel and demonstrate the kingdom of God through our actions, mirroring the ministry of Jesus Himself. [52:10]
5. Discipleship involves a willingness to sacrifice and follow Jesus through death to life. It's a call to surrender our plans and desires in exchange for the fullness of life in Christ. This commitment is not partial but total, reflecting the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for us. [57:26]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 1:35-43 (ESV)
2. John 14:12 (ESV)
3. Mark 8:34-35 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 1:35-43, what was the initial reaction of John the Baptist's disciples when they saw Jesus? What did they call Him? [32:50]
2. According to John 14:12, what does Jesus say about the works that His followers will do? How does He describe these works in comparison to His own? [52:10]
3. In Mark 8:34-35, what does Jesus say is required of anyone who wants to follow Him? What does He mean by "taking up their cross"? [01:09:19]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think John the Baptist's disciples immediately followed Jesus after John identified Him as the "Lamb of God"? What does this tell us about their understanding of Jesus' identity? [32:50]
2. How can the "greater works" mentioned in John 14:12 be understood in the context of continuing Jesus' mission rather than seeking personal gain? [52:10]
3. What does it mean to "deny oneself" and "take up one's cross" in the context of modern-day discipleship? How does this align with the total commitment Jesus requires? [01:09:19]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where your actions and lifestyle do not align with your faith? How can you work towards making them consistent? [31:11]
2. Jesus emphasized obedience to His word as a hallmark of true discipleship. Are there specific teachings of Jesus that you find challenging to obey? How can you take steps to submit to these teachings? [41:45]
3. Think about the example Jesus set in serving others, such as washing the disciples' feet. How can you incorporate acts of service into your daily routine to emulate Jesus' actions? [48:37]
4. Jesus' mission was to spread the Gospel and make disciples. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to share the Gospel with them? [54:15]
5. Reflect on the concept of "dying to oneself" as described in Mark 8:34-35. What personal desires or plans might you need to surrender to fully commit to following Jesus? [01:09:19]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of shadowing Jesus to replicate His life. What specific habits or practices can you adopt to ensure you are closely following Jesus' example? [38:49]
7. Consider the idea of being on a mission for Jesus. How can you actively participate in making disciples within your community or church? What resources or support do you need to start this mission? [54:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Emulating Christ Transforms Lives
Discipleship is an active, transformative process that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding. It is about allowing the teachings and example of Jesus to permeate every aspect of one's life, leading to a radical transformation that aligns with His character. This transformation is not superficial; it requires a deep commitment to apply Jesus' teachings in daily life, which in turn reflects His love, obedience, and service to others. It's about making choices that mirror the choices Jesus would make, engaging in relationships the way He did, and serving with the humility and love that He showed. This is a journey of becoming less like oneself and more like Christ, a path that is marked by continuous growth and change. [46:41]
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." - James 1:22-24 ESV
Reflection: How can your daily choices and interactions more closely reflect the character and actions of Jesus?
Day 2: Obedience to God's Word is Paramount
True discipleship is characterized by a steadfast obedience to the Word of God. It is not enough to find inspiration in the scriptures; one must submit to their authority and guidance. This submission often requires courage and humility, especially when faced with challenging commands or when God's design for our lives seems counterintuitive. Like a well-followed blueprint that ensures the structural integrity of a building, adherence to God's Word ensures a life that is spiritually sound and pleasing to Him. This obedience is a testament to one's faith and trust in God's perfect plan, even when it demands sacrifice or leads one down an unexpected path. [47:58]
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome." - 1 John 5:3 ESV
Reflection: What is one commandment of God you find challenging, and how can you begin to obey it more faithfully?
Day 3: Jesus' Example in Word and Deed
As disciples, it is not sufficient to only adhere to the teachings of Jesus; one must also strive to emulate His actions. Jesus' consistency in word and deed sets the ultimate example for His followers. This means actively serving others, loving unconditionally, and avoiding the temptation to seek loopholes or redefine the extent of one's commitment. It is about living out the teachings of Jesus in tangible ways, such as showing kindness to those who are difficult to love or serving those who cannot repay. The call to discipleship is a call to action, to make the love of Jesus visible in the world through concrete acts of service and compassion. [49:21]
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." - 1 John 3:18 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can serve someone in your community this week as Jesus would?
Day 4: Continuing Jesus' Mission
The mission of Jesus did not end with His ascension; it continues through His disciples who are called to spread the Gospel and demonstrate the kingdom of God through their actions. This is not about seeking personal gain but about being a vessel for God's work on earth. The "greater works" that Jesus spoke of involve carrying on His ministry of reconciliation, healing, and transformation. As disciples, individuals are empowered to be His hands and feet, to bring hope and light into the dark places of the world, and to be active participants in the unfolding story of God's love for humanity. [52:10]
"As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you." - John 20:21 ESV
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in Jesus' mission of spreading the Gospel in your daily life?
Day 5: Total Commitment to Discipleship
Discipleship involves a willingness to sacrifice and follow Jesus through death to life. It is a call to surrender one's plans and desires in exchange for the fullness of life in Christ. This commitment is not partial but total, reflecting the totality of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity. It means dying to oneself—letting go of ego, personal ambitions, and worldly desires—to live a life that is wholly devoted to Christ and His purposes. This surrender is not a one-time event but a daily practice of choosing Jesus' way over one's own, of seeking His will in every decision, and of living with the awareness that life in Christ is the greatest treasure one can possess. [57:26]
"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." - Galatians 2:20 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to die to yourself, and how can you begin to live more fully for Christ in that area?
Quotes
1) "As disciples of Jesus, we continue the work of Jesus. We represent Jesus. That's why he gives you the ability. That's why he gives you the gifting to represent him so that others would know him." [57:26]
2) "As a disciple, I am seeking to shadow Jesus. I'm not just the kind of, you know, kind of come here and come there, let's check in with him at lunch, so on and so forth. Let me just get advice. No, no, no. I want to follow that life to replicate that life." [41:45]
3) "If I am following him to replicate, to be like him, then one thing I have to do is to follow his word, to follow his word. How is that different? How might that different? Y'all, this is non-rhetorical question. How might following his word be different from hearing his word? Somebody said it. Big, big old word came in front of it. Obedience." [41:45]
4) "If I am a disciple, that means I follow his word. But I don't just follow his word. I follow his ways. I don't just kind of do it in my own style. do things the way that he does them. Right? It's not just this teacher who instructs. It's a teacher who is an example." [48:37]
5) "That's the wonderful thing about Jesus, y'all. He was completely consistent. He didn't say one thing and do something else. Right? He didn't tell you to love your enemies. He showed you. And that is something that we ought to emulate." [49:21]
6) "Truly, truly. I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do, and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. We have thought that the greater works are for us." [52:10]
7) "I saved you, and I've been teaching you so that you can do what? Save and teach others. Go and make disciples. How? Baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. And doing what? Teaching them to do what? Obey." [54:54]
8) "I want you to understand. We all have to die to something. It's not always the same thing. But we have to die. And it's absolutely worth it. In that blank, if you downloaded our notes from the website, there's a blank in front of follow through death to life." [01:17:42]
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