Embracing True Discipleship: The Presence of God

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that a church's vibrancy and spiritual health are not determined by the number of attendees or the frequency of meetings, but by the presence of the Lord among its people. We reflected on the sobering reality that many churches, despite their activities, may lack the true presence of God. This absence is often unnoticed by those who are spiritually blind, much like a blind man cannot perceive whether a light is on or off. However, those with spiritual sensitivity can discern when the Lord is no longer present, and they are called to be overcomers, devoted to Christ and committed to becoming like Him.

We examined the example of the seven churches in Revelation, where only a few remained faithful. This illustrates that even if the majority of Christians fail, God will always have a remnant of true believers who are committed to His ways. The call to discipleship is not just about seeking forgiveness or the promise of heaven, but about a daily commitment to follow Jesus in every aspect of life. This commitment may set us apart from others, whether in school, work, or any other environment, but it is a testament to our dedication to living as Christ did.

We also discussed the importance of following Jesus' example in all areas of life, from personal relationships to professional conduct. Jesus serves as the ultimate model for us, demonstrating how to live in submission to God's will. This includes the way women are called to submit to their husbands, as Christ submitted to the Father. Ultimately, our task as believers is to teach and live out every command of Christ, ensuring that our lives reflect His teachings in every way.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Spiritual Sensitivity and God's Presence: True spiritual sensitivity allows believers to discern the presence or absence of God in their midst. This awareness is crucial for maintaining a vibrant relationship with God, as it prompts us to seek His presence earnestly and avoid complacency in our spiritual walk. [21:27]
• 2. The Remnant of Overcomers: Throughout history, God has always preserved a remnant of faithful believers, even when the majority have strayed. This remnant is characterized by their unwavering devotion to Christ and their commitment to living out His teachings, serving as a beacon of hope and truth in a world that often drifts away from God. [24:18]
• 3. The Call to True Discipleship: Being a disciple of Christ goes beyond seeking personal salvation; it involves a daily commitment to follow Jesus and emulate His life. This path may lead to being different from those around us, but it is a testament to our dedication to living out the gospel in every aspect of our lives. [27:51]
• 4. Jesus as Our Ultimate Example: In every area of life, Jesus serves as our perfect example. Whether in personal relationships, professional conduct, or spiritual devotion, His life provides a model for us to follow, demonstrating how to live in submission to God's will and in harmony with His teachings. [32:02]
• 5. Teaching and Living Christ's Commands: Our responsibility as believers is to teach and embody every command of Christ. This involves not only understanding His teachings but also applying them in our daily lives, ensuring that our actions reflect His love, grace, and truth to the world around us. [33:22]
  ** [33:22]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [19:21] - Spiritual Sensitivity and God's Presence
• [20:33] - The Call to Overcomers
• [21:27] - Recognizing God's Absence
• [22:00] - The Remnant of Faithful Believers
• [23:21] - Meeting with the Lord
• [24:18] - The Example of Revelation's Churches
• [25:24] - Routine vs. True Christianity
• [26:33] - The Narrow Path of Discipleship
• [27:13] - The Great Commission
• [27:51] - Daily Commitment to Follow Jesus
• [28:35] - Being Different in the World
• [30:02] - Jesus as Our Example
• [32:02] - Submission and Leadership
• [33:22] - Teaching and Living Christ's Commands

1. Revelation 2-3 (The Seven Churches)
2. Matthew 28:19-20 (The Great Commission)
3. 1 Corinthians 11:3 (Christ as the Head)

1. What does the sermon suggest about the presence of God in a church, and how can it be discerned by believers? [21:27]
2. According to the sermon, what distinguishes the remnant of faithful believers from the majority who may have strayed? [24:18]
3. How does the sermon describe the daily commitment required of a disciple of Christ? [27:51]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest Jesus serves as an example for believers in their personal and professional lives? [32:02]

1. How does the concept of spiritual sensitivity relate to the health and vibrancy of a church community? What might this look like in practice? [21:27]
2. The sermon mentions the remnant of overcomers. What characteristics define these individuals, and why are they important in the context of the church? [24:18]
3. What does the sermon imply about the challenges and rewards of living as a true disciple of Christ in today's world? [27:51]
4. How does the sermon interpret the role of Jesus as an example for submission and leadership, particularly in the context of personal relationships? [32:02]

1. Reflect on your own spiritual sensitivity. How do you discern the presence or absence of God in your church or personal life? What steps can you take to enhance this sensitivity? [21:27]
2. Consider the idea of being part of the remnant of overcomers. In what ways can you demonstrate unwavering devotion to Christ in your daily life? [24:18]
3. The sermon emphasizes a daily commitment to follow Jesus. What specific actions can you take this week to deepen your discipleship and emulate Christ's life? [27:51]
4. Think about a personal relationship where you can apply Jesus' example of submission and leadership. How can you model Christ's teachings in this relationship? [32:02]
5. The sermon challenges believers to teach and live out Christ's commands. Identify one command of Christ that you find challenging to live out. What practical steps can you take to better embody this command in your life? [33:22]
6. Reflect on your professional conduct. How can you incorporate Jesus' example into your work life, ensuring that your actions reflect His teachings? [30:02]
7. The sermon discusses being different in the world as a testament to one's faith. In what specific ways can you stand out as a follower of Christ in your community or workplace? [28:35]