Enduring Discipleship: A Call to Faithfulness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to delve into the essence of discipleship, exploring the profound question: "Will we go to the end with Him?" This question is crucial as we navigate our faith, especially in these challenging times where many are falling away from their faith. Discipleship is more than just acknowledging Jesus as our Savior; it is a lifelong journey of transformation, marked by obedience, love, and the relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness.
We began by reflecting on the importance of understanding the preciousness of our salvation, a free gift that came at a high cost. This understanding should propel us from being mere believers to becoming true disciples who not only know God but also obey His Word. The journey of discipleship involves carrying our cross, facing challenges, and remaining steadfast in our faith.
We shared a touching story of an 80-year-old man who, despite his initial reluctance, came to understand and accept the gospel, demonstrating the transformative power of true discipleship. This story serves as a reminder that the ground is fertile for sharing the gospel, and we are called to be the salt and light of the world.
We also discussed the difference between being a believer and a disciple, emphasizing that discipleship requires a deeper commitment and a willingness to endure hardships. The writer of Hebrews rebukes those who remain spiritual infants, urging them to mature and take on the responsibilities of discipleship.
The sermon highlighted the importance of living out our faith in the marketplace and being visible examples of Christ's love and truth. We are called to create a new world with godly kingdom values, and our lives should reflect this mission.
In conclusion, we are encouraged to have a persistent faith, one that endures to the end. This faith is not just about overcoming challenges but also about maintaining a deep, unwavering trust in God. As we continue our journey of discipleship, let us strive to be faithful, impactful, and true to our calling.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Preciousness of Salvation: Understanding the high cost of our free gift of salvation is crucial. It should move us from being mere believers to true disciples who obey God's Word and live out His teachings. This transformation is essential for fulfilling our calling as followers of Christ. [56:23]
2. Persistent Faith: Discipleship requires a faith that endures to the end. This persistent faith is not just about overcoming challenges but maintaining a deep, unwavering trust in God. We must be willing to face opposition and remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. [01:24:10]
3. Living as Salt and Light: Our lives should visibly reflect Christ's love and truth. Being the salt and light of the world means living out godly kingdom values in our daily interactions, whether in the marketplace, at home, or in our communities. [01:03:14]
4. The Call to Discipleship: Discipleship is a lifelong journey marked by obedience, love, and the relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness. It involves carrying our cross, facing challenges, and remaining steadfast in our faith. This journey is essential for creating a new world with godly kingdom values. [01:06:08]
5. Impacting the Next Generation: Our actions and lives have a significant influence on the next generation. By living out our faith authentically and visibly, we can help root their understanding of the faith in truth and inspire them to pursue a genuine relationship with Christ. [01:26:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:43] - Opening Prayer and Introduction
[48:20] - Personal Update and Gratitude
[48:56] - Introduction to Discipleship
[49:38] - The Challenge of End Times
[50:18] - Falling Away from Faith
[51:01] - Personal Story of Perseverance
[51:40] - Role of the Holy Spirit
[52:21] - Acknowledging Sermon Writers
[53:11] - Essence of Discipleship
[54:02] - Call to Action and Evangelism
[54:41] - Radical Call of Discipleship
[55:16] - Rediscovering Discipleship
[55:51] - Renewed Understanding of Discipleship
[56:23] - Preciousness of Salvation
[56:54] - From Believer to Disciple
[57:16] - Story of an Elderly Convert
[58:19] - The Vision of Discipleship
[59:02] - The Man in White
[59:43] - The Call to Evangelize
[01:00:09] - Invitation to Alpha
[01:00:34] - Hebrews 5:12 and Spiritual Maturity
[01:01:28] - Believer vs. Disciple
[01:02:25] - Being Salt and Light
[01:03:14] - Visibility and Persecution
[01:04:14] - More Than Being Nice and Moral
[01:05:00] - Marketplace Ministry
[01:05:47] - Recap of Pastor Tan's Message
[01:06:08] - Greater Purpose of Discipleship
[01:06:50] - Roadmap to Discipleship
[01:07:08] - Reality Check
[01:07:26] - Relating to Others
[01:08:00] - Forgiveness and Love
[01:08:31] - Cost of Discipleship
[01:09:10] - Who Do You Say I Am?
[01:09:50] - Bearing Fruit
[01:10:07] - Will We Go to the End with Him?
[01:10:24] - Today's Text: Luke 18:1-8
[01:10:40] - Persistency in Prayer
[01:10:56] - Will He Find Faith on Earth?
[01:11:59] - Understanding Faith in Luke 17
[01:12:30] - Offenses Will Come
[01:13:01] - Forgiveness and Faith
[01:13:57] - Appeal for Increased Faith
[01:14:51] - Overcoming Faith
[01:15:34] - Role of Disciples and Faithfulness
[01:16:11] - Duty of Disciples
[01:17:19] - Story of the Ten Lepers
[01:18:25] - Faith in God
[01:19:27] - Kingdom of God and End Times
[01:20:26] - Surrendering All
[01:21:05] - Parable of the Widow
[01:22:23] - Persistent Faith
[01:23:11] - Facing Opposition
[01:24:10] - Understanding Discipleship
[01:24:52] - Influence and Impact
[01:25:18] - Trampoline Club Initiative
[01:26:39] - Living Out Kingdom Values
[01:27:19] - Impacting All Generations
[01:28:13] - Genuine and Reliable Faith
[01:29:00] - Will We Go to the End with Him?
[01:30:15] - Living as Disciples
[01:31:15] - Just One Touch
[01:32:29] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:33:21] - Impacting the Nation
[01:34:13] - Surrendering All
[01:35:04] - Blessing and Commitment
[01:35:35] - Divine Exchange and Persistent Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow
2. Hebrews 5:12 - Spiritual Maturity
3. Matthew 5:13-16 - Salt and Light
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8 teach us about prayer and faith?
2. According to Hebrews 5:12, what is the writer's rebuke to the believers, and what does it imply about spiritual maturity?
3. In Matthew 5:13-16, what does Jesus mean when He calls His followers the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world"?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the persistent widow illustrate the concept of persistent faith as discussed in the sermon? [22:45]
2. What are the implications of remaining spiritual infants as described in Hebrews 5:12, and how does this relate to the call to discipleship? [01:00:59]
3. How can living as the salt and light of the world impact our daily interactions and the broader community? [01:03:14]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the preciousness of your salvation. How does understanding the high cost of this free gift motivate you to move from being a mere believer to a true disciple? [56:23]
2. Discipleship requires a faith that endures to the end. What are some specific challenges you face in maintaining a persistent faith, and how can you overcome them? [01:24:10]
3. In what ways can you be more visible as the salt and light in your workplace, home, or community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to reflect Christ's love and truth. [01:03:14]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of impacting the next generation. How can you authentically live out your faith to inspire younger people around you? [01:26:39]
5. Consider the story of the 80-year-old man who transformed from a reluctant believer to a disciple. How can this story encourage you to share the gospel with someone in your life who may be hesitant or resistant? [57:16]
6. Reflect on the difference between being a believer and a disciple. What steps can you take to deepen your commitment and willingness to endure hardships for the sake of Christ? [01:06:08]
7. How can you cultivate a deeper, unwavering trust in God amidst opposition and challenges? Share a personal experience where you had to rely on persistent faith. [01:24:10]
This guide aims to foster a deeper understanding of discipleship and encourage practical steps towards living out one's faith authentically and persistently.
Devotional
Day 1: The Preciousness of Salvation
Understanding the high cost of our free gift of salvation is crucial. It should move us from being mere believers to true disciples who obey God's Word and live out His teachings. This transformation is essential for fulfilling our calling as followers of Christ. Salvation is not just a one-time event but a continuous journey of growing in faith and obedience. Recognizing the immense sacrifice Jesus made for us should inspire a deeper commitment to live according to His teachings and to share this precious gift with others.
The story of the 80-year-old man who came to understand and accept the gospel later in life is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of true discipleship. It shows that it is never too late to embrace the fullness of what it means to follow Christ. This understanding should propel us to move beyond mere acknowledgment of Jesus as our Savior to a life marked by obedience, love, and the relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness. [56:23]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: Think about the cost of your salvation. How does understanding this cost change the way you live your daily life? What steps can you take to move from being a mere believer to a true disciple?
Day 2: Persistent Faith
Discipleship requires a faith that endures to the end. This persistent faith is not just about overcoming challenges but maintaining a deep, unwavering trust in God. We must be willing to face opposition and remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. Persistent faith is about holding on to God's promises even when circumstances are difficult and trusting that He is faithful to fulfill His word.
The journey of discipleship is marked by trials and tribulations, but it is through these challenges that our faith is strengthened. The writer of Hebrews rebukes those who remain spiritual infants, urging them to mature and take on the responsibilities of discipleship. This call to maturity is a call to develop a faith that is resilient and unwavering, a faith that can withstand the storms of life and remain anchored in Christ. [01:24:10]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond in faith? What can you do to cultivate a more persistent and unwavering faith in your daily walk with God?
Day 3: Living as Salt and Light
Our lives should visibly reflect Christ's love and truth. Being the salt and light of the world means living out godly kingdom values in our daily interactions, whether in the marketplace, at home, or in our communities. This visibility is not just about being morally upright but about actively demonstrating the love and truth of Christ in tangible ways.
Living as salt and light involves being a positive influence in the world, preserving what is good and illuminating the darkness with the light of Christ. It means being intentional about our actions and words, ensuring that they align with the values of the kingdom of God. This call to be salt and light is a call to live out our faith in a way that impacts those around us and points them to Christ. [01:03:14]
Matthew 5:13-16 (ESV): "You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: In what areas of your life can you be more intentional about being salt and light? How can you actively demonstrate Christ's love and truth in your daily interactions?
Day 4: The Call to Discipleship
Discipleship is a lifelong journey marked by obedience, love, and the relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness. It involves carrying our cross, facing challenges, and remaining steadfast in our faith. This journey is essential for creating a new world with godly kingdom values. Discipleship is not just about personal growth but about contributing to the transformation of the world around us.
The call to discipleship is a call to a deeper commitment to Christ. It requires us to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him. This means being willing to endure hardships and make sacrifices for the sake of the gospel. It is through this journey of discipleship that we become more like Christ and are able to impact the world with His love and truth. [01:06:08]
Luke 9:23-24 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'"
Reflection: What does taking up your cross daily look like in your life? What sacrifices are you willing to make to follow Christ more closely and impact the world with His love and truth?
Day 5: Impacting the Next Generation
Our actions and lives have a significant influence on the next generation. By living out our faith authentically and visibly, we can help root their understanding of the faith in truth and inspire them to pursue a genuine relationship with Christ. The way we live our lives serves as a powerful testimony to those who come after us.
Impacting the next generation involves being intentional about modeling Christ-like behavior and values. It means investing in the spiritual growth of others and creating an environment where they can encounter God and grow in their faith. Our commitment to living out kingdom values can inspire and equip the next generation to carry on the mission of Christ and make a lasting impact in the world. [01:26:39]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you be more intentional about impacting the next generation with your faith? What steps can you take to model Christ-like behavior and values to those around you?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Discipleship embodies the commitment to follow Jesus with everything you've got. It's more than a mere acknowledgement of Jesus as our savior. It's a life-long journey of transformation. With pillars of obedience, love, and the relentless pursuit of Christ-likeness. It's a journey." [53:11] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "There is hope. There's a better way. A way of rediscovering the heart of discipleship and rekindling the fire of devotion to our Lord. It begins with a renewed commitment to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, to prioritize intimacy with Jesus through prayer, study of His word, and fellowship." [55:16] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are called to be the sword and light, the hope of the world. And if we missed it and give up our way, we would have lost the call of God upon our lives. And there will be such a pity." [01:24:31] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Your life has influence. As the saying goes, actions speak louder than words. Kingdom values cannot be passed down solely through words. The quality of young people's life cannot be built solely through teaching. Our next generation needs to witness the example of Christ in the lives of their loved ones and their church community." [01:25:18] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Will we go to the end with Him? Will we be found faithful in all that God has called us to be and to do? Some of us, you may not be in a full-time ministry. You may be serving as a leader. Some of us, you're not a leader. You're serving in a cell group. Many of us, we are out in the marketplace, in the home." [01:29:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The end times will call for falling away from the faith. And this falling away is not only people who don't believe. You can only fall away when you're part of the original group. And yet there are people of the faith who will fall away from the faith. And we begin to ask ourselves, is that really possible? How can we make sure that we don't fall away from the faith?" [50:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "At the core of discipleship is first of all, us understanding the preciousness, the preciousness of salvation. You see, Alpha Omega, He's the author and finisher of our faith. When what Jesus did on the cross was something very precious. It was a free gift to each one of us, but at a high cost." [56:23] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are called to be a believer. To be people who will respond differently. We are called to be a people who will respond differently. And he says that all the hardship that you go through, hang on. There is the promise of a reward at the end. Our life here is temporal. We can live to 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 years old. It's still temporary compared to eternity." [01:07:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus healed ten lepers. On the way to the priest to show them the physical healing. One returned giving thanks to God and acknowledgement of who God is. And then Jesus says, your faith has made you well. Wasn't he already well physically? I believe that not only was he well physically but he was well spiritually because he had faith in God." [01:18:25] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Discipleship is about understanding and knowing who we are and our purpose here on earth. There's something greater that awaits every disciple of Christ. Our time here on earth is temporal. And whilst we are here, we've been called to create a new world with godly kingdom values. Our reward, our reward is ahead of us." [01:24:10] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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