Empowered Discipleship: Training Warriors for God's Kingdom
Summary
In our gathering tonight, we explored the profound theme of discipleship and the call to be warriors for God's kingdom. We began by celebrating the incredible opportunity God has provided us with a new building, a testament to His provision and the partnership with Brother Philip and Sister Lisa. This partnership is not just about physical space but about expanding our capacity to impact the kingdom of God. As we move forward, we are reminded of the importance of discipleship, a process that transforms us into the likeness of Christ. Discipleship is not merely about conversion but about growing in relationship and community, becoming more like Jesus every day.
We delved into the story of Abram from Genesis 14, where Abram mobilized 318 trained men to rescue his nephew Lot. This narrative serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Just as Abram trained warriors in his household, we are called to be trained in spiritual warfare, equipped to fight the battles of faith. The Christian life is not a passive one; it requires active engagement, training, and readiness to wage the good warfare against spiritual forces. We are reminded that our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers, and we must be prepared to fight with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God.
The call to discipleship is a call to action. It is about being trained and training others, creating a culture of discipleship within our church. This involves making intentional decisions to follow Jesus, to learn from Him, and to teach others. As we look forward to the coming year, we are challenged to embrace this theme of "decisions make disciples," committing ourselves to be both learners and teachers in the faith. We are encouraged to cultivate relationships that foster growth and accountability, ensuring that our church is a place where new believers can thrive and mature in their walk with God.
Key Takeaways:
1. God's Provision and Partnership: The new building opportunity is a divine provision, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in expanding God's kingdom. This partnership is not just about physical space but about fulfilling God's vision for our congregation. [45:05]
2. The Call to Discipleship: Discipleship is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus. It involves intentional decisions and relationships within the community of faith. We are called to be more than converts; we are called to be disciples who make disciples. [50:44]
3. Spiritual Warfare: The Christian life is a battle against spiritual forces. We must be trained and ready to fight with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God. Victory is not automatic; it requires active engagement and readiness. [53:32]
4. Training in the Local Church: Just as Abram trained warriors in his household, we are called to train and be trained within the local church. This training is essential for spiritual growth and for equipping believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. [01:13:05]
5. The Power of Relationships: Discipleship and spiritual growth occur within the context of relationships. We need mentors, peers, and those we can mentor. These relationships are vital for accountability, encouragement, and growth in the faith. [01:19:41]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[45:05] - God's Provision and Partnership
[46:07] - New Building Opportunity
[49:02] - Call to Discipleship
[50:44] - Theme for 2025: Decisions Make Disciples
[52:09] - Spiritual Warfare
[53:32] - Victory in Christ
[54:30] - The Need for Warriors
[57:06] - Holy Ghost Confidence
[58:04] - Embracing the Battle
[59:12] - Lot's Captivity and Our Compassion
[01:01:14] - Abram's Response
[01:06:21] - Training Warriors
[01:13:05] - Training in the Local Church
[01:19:41] - The Power of Relationships
[01:23:30] - Spirit of Discipleship
[01:28:38] - Call to Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Genesis 14:14-16
- 1 Timothy 1:18
- Matthew 11:12
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Observation Questions:
1. In Genesis 14:14-16, what actions did Abram take when he learned about Lot's capture, and what was the outcome of his actions?
2. According to 1 Timothy 1:18, what charge does Paul give to Timothy, and how does it relate to the concept of spiritual warfare?
3. How does Matthew 11:12 describe the nature of the kingdom of heaven, and what does this imply about the attitude of its followers?
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Abram's mobilization of 318 trained men suggest about the importance of preparation and readiness in spiritual battles? [01:06:21]
2. How does the concept of "decisions make disciples" challenge the traditional view of discipleship as merely a passive process? [50:44]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that spiritual warfare is an active and ongoing process for believers? [53:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt unprepared for a spiritual challenge. What steps can you take to be better equipped for future spiritual battles? [01:06:21]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of relationships in discipleship. Identify one person in your life who could benefit from a mentoring relationship. How can you initiate this connection? [01:19:41]
3. Consider the theme "decisions make disciples." What intentional decisions can you make this week to grow in your faith and help others do the same? [50:44]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer and the study of God's Word into your daily routine to strengthen your spiritual readiness? [53:32]
5. The sermon highlights the need for a warrior mentality in the Christian life. What specific area of your life requires a more proactive and courageous approach? [54:30]
6. Reflect on the partnerships in your life that help expand God's kingdom. How can you strengthen these partnerships or form new ones? [45:05]
7. How can you create a culture of discipleship within your local church or community, and what role can you play in this process? [01:13:05]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Provision and Partnership: A Divine Opportunity
The new building opportunity is a testament to God's provision and the power of partnership in expanding His kingdom. This is not merely about acquiring a physical space but about fulfilling a divine vision for the congregation. The partnership with Brother Philip and Sister Lisa highlights the importance of collaboration in ministry, reminding us that we are not alone in this journey. As we embrace this new chapter, we are called to recognize and celebrate the ways God provides for us, often through the people He places in our lives. This provision is a call to action, urging us to use the resources and opportunities given to us to further His kingdom and impact the world around us. [45:05]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the partnerships God has placed in your life to further His kingdom today?
Day 2: The Call to Discipleship: More Than Conversion
Discipleship is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Jesus, involving intentional decisions and relationships within the community of faith. It is not enough to simply convert; we are called to be disciples who make disciples. This process requires commitment and a willingness to grow in relationship with Christ and others. As we engage in discipleship, we are challenged to cultivate a culture of learning and teaching, where each member of the community is both a student and a mentor. This journey is about transformation, as we are continually shaped into the likeness of Christ through our interactions and experiences within the body of believers. [50:44]
"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What intentional steps can you take this week to deepen your discipleship journey and help others in theirs?
Day 3: Spiritual Warfare: Equipped for Battle
The Christian life is a battle against spiritual forces, requiring us to be trained and ready to fight with the weapons of faith, prayer, and the Word of God. Victory in this battle is not automatic; it demands active engagement and readiness. Just as Abram mobilized trained men to rescue Lot, we are called to be spiritual warriors, equipped to face the challenges of faith. Our battles are not against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers, and we must be prepared to stand firm in the face of adversity. This preparation involves a deep commitment to spiritual disciplines and a reliance on God's strength to overcome the forces that seek to hinder our walk with Him. [53:32]
"For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." (2 Corinthians 10:3-4, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you strengthen to better equip yourself for the battles you face in your faith journey?
Day 4: Training in the Local Church: Building Spiritual Warriors
Just as Abram trained warriors in his household, we are called to train and be trained within the local church. This training is essential for spiritual growth and for equipping believers to fulfill their God-given purpose. The local church serves as a training ground where believers can develop their spiritual gifts, grow in their understanding of God's Word, and prepare for the battles of faith. This process involves intentional mentorship, accountability, and a commitment to personal and communal growth. As we invest in training within the church, we are building a community of believers who are ready to impact the world for Christ. [01:13:05]
"And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ." (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to the training and equipping of others in your local church community?
Day 5: The Power of Relationships: Growth Through Community
Discipleship and spiritual growth occur within the context of relationships. We need mentors, peers, and those we can mentor. These relationships are vital for accountability, encouragement, and growth in the faith. As we engage in these relationships, we are challenged to be intentional in our interactions, seeking to build one another up and spur each other on toward love and good deeds. The power of relationships lies in their ability to transform us, as we learn from one another and grow together in our walk with Christ. This communal aspect of faith is essential for creating a thriving church environment where believers can mature and flourish. [01:19:41]
"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 life can you reach out to this week to encourage and support in their spiritual journey?
Quotes
When I tell you, when we were done with lunch, we went over to the new building just to take another look and around and try to make some plans, and I've been testifying that this opportunity is really from God, and really, that was just confirmed today because Brother Philip, he has a heart. He has a heart for the kingdom of God, and they've owned this building for a long time, and it has not been doing a whole lot for the kingdom. His heart is that this building would be a blessing to the kingdom of God, and we basically just, God opened a door for us today. [00:44:28] (37 seconds)
And I believe that God is putting us together with this building owner for a reason. Not only that, but at the end of our meeting, we're shaking hands and he said, you know, the reason I came to church this morning with my wife and my son, he said that we just feel at home in your congregation. And if you would allow us, we'd like to become members of your church. So praise the Lord. Yes, Brother Philip and Sister Lisa. [00:46:07] (29 seconds)
The process that begins when we get saved is the process of discipleship, and that is where we are changing from glory to glory into His likeness and image. Now, you might have been saved for five minutes or for five decades. However long you've been saved, how many know we all are called to become more like Jesus? And that process of becoming more like Jesus is what we call discipleship. [00:51:34] (30 seconds)
Paul saw Timothy, as a warrior in the kingdom of God. He saw him as a fighter. Not fighting against flesh and blood, as it says in Ephesians, but we are fighting against powers and principalities of the air. There's a spiritual battle, isn't there? Every day you are targeted by hell. We have an enemy. And he wants to kill, steal, and destroy. But we are on the winning side. Can you say amen? [00:53:07] (29 seconds)
There have to be some people who are willing to wage the good warfare. There have to be somebody, men and women alike, old and young, who have the capacity, the ability, and the availability to wage a good warfare. The problem is that many Christians are acting like they are on a spiritual vacation. [00:54:01] (29 seconds)
What a powerful thing that is. What a powerful thing the kingdom of God needs is trained warriors. Now, don't get me wrong. I am not talking about taking up. M16s this evening. What we need is some men who are trained in John 316s. Come on. We need some people who are trained in the word of God. Trained in prayer. Trained in discipleship and ministry. [01:07:57] (28 seconds)
And when he began to plant churches, the Prescott Church back in the 1970s, something happened at the time. And still to this day, the expectation is that if you're going to pioneer a church or become a pastor, that we have to send these people off to cemetery. I mean seminary. And we have to train them how to be pastors. [01:13:24] (24 seconds)
And so Pastor Mitchell determined in his heart, he says, you know, when I read the Bible, I don't see Jesus sending his disciples off to another school. I don't see Jesus. I don't see the early church sending them off to some Bible training program. I don't see him sending them off to another school. I don't see Jesus sending them to the temple to train under the Pharisees or the Sadducees. [01:14:16] (21 seconds)
We see Jesus training his men. And we see those men training other men. And that training is occurring in the context of the local church. And what this did for Pastor Mitchell and what it has done for our fellowship over the last 50 years is it has accelerated the work of God. We are approaching now 4,000 churches around the world. 4,000 churches. [01:16:19] (24 seconds)
And unfortunately, I think that there's a breakdown in the church, and even in our church, when it comes to discipleship. We're not just called to get saved and to heap up on ourselves all kind of intelligence and blessing and revelation, and thank God that God helps us. But the reason we get saved is not just for us. It's to be trainers. [01:17:25] (24 seconds)
The army of God relies on relationships. It relies on rank and submission and obedience to commands. All of you who have been in the military, and even if you haven't, you understand the concept that an army cannot function without rank, cannot function without submission and surrender. Not everybody gets to make the calls, right? [01:22:50] (31 seconds)
This is why we have to be a family. I'm so grateful that Brother Philip that I went to lunch with today, he made that statement to me and he said, when I came to your church, I felt like I was home. That was beautiful to me. It spoke to me that there is a spirit in our congregation, a spirit of family. It's more than just a family. It's more than just church on Sunday, hello? It's not just religion. It's not just a facade. It's not just putting up a front and putting on a performance. [01:23:56] (30 seconds)
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