Embracing True Discipleship Over Mere Membership
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound distinction between membership and discipleship within the church. As we approach the year 2025, it's crucial to reflect on our roles as followers of Christ. The emphasis should not merely be on increasing church membership but on nurturing true discipleship. Jesus never referred to his followers as members; instead, he called them disciples. This distinction is vital because discipleship involves a deep, personal commitment to learning from Jesus and living according to His teachings.
The journey of discipleship begins with understanding that it is not a part-time commitment. It requires a full-time dedication to follow Jesus, learn from Him, and emulate His ways. This commitment is not about acquiring titles or degrees but about a transformation that starts from within. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, being in Christ makes us new creations, and this transformation should be evident in our thoughts, actions, and lives.
When Jesus called His first disciples, He simply said, "Follow me." This call required them to leave everything behind and focus on the mission ahead. Similarly, we are called to forsake our past and embrace the new life in Christ. This journey is not without challenges, but it is essential to persevere and complete the course. As disciples, we are on call 24/7, ready to serve and follow Christ's example.
Moreover, discipleship is about learning from Jesus, not just through His words but by observing His actions. It involves a commitment to teaching and spreading His message, as highlighted in the Great Commission. Our focus should be on understanding and living out the teachings of Jesus, ensuring that our lives reflect His love and grace.
Finally, discipleship is about community and support. We are called to walk together, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This involves being there for each other, sharing burdens, and encouraging one another in faith. As we strive to be true disciples, let us commit to learning, growing, and serving together, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in all that we do.
Key Takeaways:
1. Discipleship Over Membership: The focus should be on nurturing discipleship rather than merely increasing church membership. Discipleship involves a deep commitment to learning from Jesus and living according to His teachings, which requires a transformation from within. [03:08]
2. Full-Time Commitment: Being a disciple of Jesus is not a part-time job. It requires a full-time dedication to follow Him, learn from Him, and emulate His ways. This commitment involves leaving behind the past and embracing a new life in Christ. [09:04]
3. Learning from Jesus: Discipleship involves learning from Jesus, not just through His words but by observing His actions. Our focus should be on understanding and living out His teachings, ensuring that our lives reflect His love and grace. [19:09]
4. Community and Support: Discipleship is about community and support. We are called to walk together, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This involves sharing burdens and encouraging one another in faith. [30:46]
5. Teaching and Spreading the Message: As disciples, we are called to teach and spread the message of Jesus. This involves a commitment to understanding His teachings and sharing them with others, ensuring that our lives are a testament to His love and grace. [33:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:34] - Prayer and Introduction
- [03:08] - Discipleship vs. Membership
- [04:22] - What It Means to Be a Disciple
- [05:25] - Transformation in Christ
- [06:19] - The Call to Follow Jesus
- [07:14] - Forsaking All for Christ
- [08:02] - The Commitment of Discipleship
- [09:04] - Full-Time Dedication
- [10:05] - Learning from Jesus
- [11:03] - The First and Last Command
- [12:38] - Commitment to Jesus
- [13:21] - Recognizing Jesus as Teacher
- [14:53] - Learning from Christ
- [16:00] - The Importance of Teaching
- [17:06] - Focus on Discipleship
- [18:35] - Teaching and Preaching
- [19:59] - The Power of Love
- [21:20] - Agape Love and Discipleship
- [22:48] - Teaching the Word of God
- [24:53] - The Concept of Teaching
- [25:41] - Accountability in Discipleship
- [27:19] - Observing and Doing
- [28:15] - Learning Scripture
- [29:10] - Walking Daily with Christ
- [30:46] - Community and Support
- [32:48] - Authority to Teach
- [33:33] - Teaching the Word
- [34:12] - Living the Word
- [35:06] - Greater Works in Christ
- [36:55] - The Call to Discipleship
- [37:37] - Invitation to Discipleship
- [38:23] - The House of God
- [39:16] - Commitment to God
- [40:30] - Prayer and Agreement
- [41:13] - Praying for Families
- [42:22] - Joining Together in Prayer
- [43:13] - Faith and Blessings
- [44:03] - Thanksgiving and Intercession
- [45:18] - Seeking God's Face
- [46:22] - Praying for Deliverance
- [47:05] - Worship and Discipleship
- [48:42] - Communion Preparation
- [50:07] - Love and Forgiveness
- [51:21] - Blessing the Elements
- [55:56] - Breast Cancer Awareness
- [56:52] - Bible Study and Prayer
- [57:44] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
3. Luke 9:62 - "Jesus replied, 'No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.'"
---
Observation Questions:
1. What is the difference between being a member and a disciple of the church, as discussed in the sermon? [03:08]
2. How did the first disciples respond to Jesus' call to "Follow me," and what did this signify about their commitment? [06:19]
3. According to the sermon, what does it mean to have a full-time commitment to discipleship? [09:04]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of community and support in the journey of discipleship? [30:46]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to focus on discipleship over membership in the church, and how does this align with Jesus' teachings? [03:08]
2. What does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ, and how should this transformation be evident in a disciple's life? [05:25]
3. How can the concept of "forsaking all" to follow Jesus be applied in modern-day discipleship? [07:14]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that discipleship involves both learning from Jesus' teachings and observing His actions? [19:09]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current commitment to discipleship. Are there areas in your life where you are more of a member than a disciple? How can you shift your focus? [03:08]
2. Consider the idea of being a "new creation" in Christ. What old habits or mindsets do you need to leave behind to fully embrace your new life in Christ? [05:25]
3. How can you make a full-time commitment to discipleship in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are following Jesus 24/7? [09:04]
4. Think about the role of community in your spiritual journey. How can you better support others in their discipleship, and how can you seek support for yourself? [30:46]
5. Identify one teaching of Jesus that you find challenging to live out. What steps can you take this week to better align your actions with this teaching? [19:09]
6. How can you actively participate in the Great Commission by teaching and spreading the message of Jesus in your community? [33:33]
7. Reflect on a time when you faced challenges in your discipleship journey. How did you persevere, and what can you learn from that experience to help you in future challenges? [09:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Discipleship as a Transformative Journey
Discipleship is not merely about being a member of a church; it is about a profound transformation that begins from within. This transformation involves a deep commitment to learning from Jesus and living according to His teachings. Unlike membership, which can be passive, discipleship requires active engagement and a willingness to be changed by the teachings of Christ. As we approach the year 2025, it is crucial to reflect on our roles as followers of Christ and prioritize nurturing true discipleship over simply increasing church membership. This journey is about becoming new creations in Christ, as 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us, and allowing this transformation to be evident in our thoughts, actions, and lives. [03:08]
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively engage in your spiritual transformation today, allowing Christ's teachings to reshape your thoughts and actions?
Day 2: The Call to Full-Time Commitment
Being a disciple of Jesus is not a part-time job; it requires a full-time dedication to follow Him, learn from Him, and emulate His ways. This commitment involves leaving behind the past and embracing a new life in Christ. When Jesus called His first disciples, He simply said, "Follow me," which required them to leave everything behind and focus on the mission ahead. Similarly, we are called to forsake our past and embrace the new life in Christ. This journey is not without challenges, but it is essential to persevere and complete the course. As disciples, we are on call 24/7, ready to serve and follow Christ's example. [09:04]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can increase your commitment to following Jesus more fully today?
Day 3: Learning from the Actions of Jesus
Discipleship involves learning from Jesus, not just through His words but by observing His actions. Our focus should be on understanding and living out His teachings, ensuring that our lives reflect His love and grace. Jesus' life was a testament to His teachings, and as His disciples, we are called to emulate His example. This means not only listening to His words but also observing how He lived and applying those lessons to our own lives. By doing so, we can ensure that our lives are a reflection of His love and grace. [19:09]
"Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked." (1 John 2:6, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate one specific action of Jesus into your daily routine to better reflect His love and grace?
Day 4: Building a Supportive Community
Discipleship is about community and support. We are called to walk together, supporting one another in our spiritual journeys. This involves being there for each other, sharing burdens, and encouraging one another in faith. As we strive to be true disciples, let us commit to learning, growing, and serving together, embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in all that we do. A supportive community is essential for spiritual growth, as it provides accountability, encouragement, and a sense of belonging. [30:46]
"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." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community can you reach out to today to offer support or encouragement in their spiritual journey?
Day 5: Teaching and Spreading the Message of Jesus
As disciples, we are called to teach and spread the message of Jesus. This involves a commitment to understanding His teachings and sharing them with others, ensuring that our lives are a testament to His love and grace. The Great Commission highlights the importance of teaching and spreading Jesus' message, and as His disciples, we are tasked with this mission. By living out His teachings and sharing them with others, we can help others experience the transformative power of His love and grace. [33:33]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can share the teachings of Jesus with someone in your life today?
Quotes
1) "When I look around the world today, particularly in churches of minority, there's so much emphasis being placed upon membership that they're neglecting discipleship. And I think it's important for us to understand that throughout the New Testament scriptures, nowhere do we find Jesus saying, by this shall all men know that you are my members. But he refers to us as disciples. And if we are to be his disciples, we must know what's commanded and demanded of us to walk in unison with him in discipleship." [03:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "Being a disciple of the Lord Jesus. Jesus means that we learn from him. Okay? And we learn from him in order to stay close to him. If we are walking with him, if we are learning of him, it should impact our lives. It first of all should impact the way we think. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. So if we think like Jesus, it stands to reason that we should act like him. And in our practice." [04:22] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ, hear me well, is not a part-time job. And if you really want to get deep into it, you don't get sick days. You don't get vacation days. You don't get I don't feel good days. You on call 24-7 because you're following him. And if you're crazy enough to accept the call, to accept the call, to accept the call, to accept the call, to accept the call, to accept the call, to accept the call, to get past to his sheep, you don't get no time off." [08:02] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "By agreeing to follow Jesus, we today are consenting to be his students. In the clarion call, He says, take my yoke upon you and learn of me. Not the pastor, not the association, not the convention. Learn of me. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. You see, that's because every time we get bogged down with stuff putting on us, he takes it off the plate for us. He eases the road for us if we stay on the journey." [10:05] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "It's interesting to know that the first directive that Jesus gave Peter and those other three fishermen were to follow him. How many of you know that the last thing he said to Peter, James, and John in John chapter 21 was, follow me? First time was to do as I show you. The second time was to, do as I've done. As disciples of Jesus Christ, we're to continue the work right here in Canton that he started in Nazareth." [11:03] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "We have to learn from Jesus by obeying his commands and doing the things he said to do. And you can do, you can do probably out of 613 commands given on Mount Sinai, you can cover 610 of them just with one word. Love. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples. When? When you have love one for another. You can't hurt people you love. You can't talk about people you love. You can't scheme on people you love." [19:59] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "The concept of teaching is teaching you something you don't know. If I teach you how to drink water, I'm not teaching you. I'm just confirming what you already know. But if I tell you something that you don't know, and the Holy Spirit puts it upon you to believe it, and when two or three gather together, touching and agreeing and in the midst is Christ, what we see and should have truth, look for it, it's coming." [24:53] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "Learn scripture. Not just so you can quote it, but so somebody else can't misquote it to you. Learn it for yourself. Become a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Don't merely listen to the word. But in James 1 and 22, he says do it. And not deceive yourself. Because a lot of times, we know some scripture. It's the doing part that we come short of the glory." [28:15] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9) "Let me tell you what a real friend is. A real disciple. A real disciple is not that person you come to them and share your burdens with them and they say, well, I'm going to pray for you. That ain't a real disciple. A real disciple said let me get in the battle with you. And we're going to come out together. That's a real disciple. Another real disciple is knowing enough about the one in there with you to share your problem with." [30:46] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10) "Christ expects his disciples to follow him, to learn from him, because that's what he wants them to do. Be like him. And here's the crazy part. I need three people to tell me I'm with you, Pastor, when I say. Jesus told us in John 14 and 12. If you believe in me and the things I do, greater works shall you do. Who's ready? Who's ready? Because to do those greater works, we got to change some things." [35:06] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?