Exploring Our Desires: The Call to Discipleship
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the profound question Jesus asked in John 1:38, "What do you want?" This question, though simple, cuts to the heart of our motives and desires. We began by reflecting on the fatigue and decision-making we face daily, likening it to the deeper spiritual questions Jesus poses to us. When Jesus asks, "What do you want?" He isn't seeking information but inviting us to examine our true desires and motivations.
We delved into the context of John the Baptist's ministry and how his declaration of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" led two of his disciples to follow Jesus. When Jesus turned and asked them what they wanted, their response was to know where He was staying, indicating a desire to be with Him and learn from Him. This interaction highlights the essence of discipleship: being with Jesus, being transformed by Him, and then going out to share Him with others.
Our church has been focusing on discipleship, emphasizing the importance of being with Jesus before doing for Jesus. We discussed the dangers of a shallow faith, likened to a drained lake that appears vast but lacks depth. True discipleship requires a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus, where we allow Him to transform us from the inside out.
We also touched on the challenges of unmet expectations and the temptation to turn away from Jesus when things get tough. However, like Peter, who declared, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," we are called to remain steadfast, trusting in Jesus' goodness and faithfulness.
Finally, we were reminded that discipleship is a lifelong journey of deeper commitment and dependence on Jesus. Whether we are new believers or have been following Jesus for years, there is always more to learn and experience in our walk with Him. Let us strive to be a church known for our deep love and surrender to Jesus, allowing Him to transform us and, through us, the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Jesus' Question of Desire: When Jesus asks, "What do you want?" He is inviting us to examine our deepest desires and motivations. This question is not about providing information to Jesus but about revealing our hearts to ourselves. It challenges us to consider whether our desires align with His will and purpose for our lives. [39:43]
2. The Essence of Discipleship: True discipleship involves being with Jesus, being transformed by Him, and then sharing Him with others. It is not about doing for Jesus out of our own strength but about abiding in Him and allowing His presence to bear fruit in our lives. This deep, abiding relationship is the foundation of a fruitful Christian life. [45:02]
3. The Danger of Shallow Faith: A faith that is broad but shallow is like a drained lake—vast in appearance but lacking depth. We must prioritize depth in our relationship with Jesus over mere activity. This means spending quality time with Him, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, and not just going through the motions of religious activity. [43:40]
4. Responding to Unmet Expectations: When our expectations of Jesus are unmet, we face the temptation to turn away. However, like Peter, we must recognize that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. In moments of disappointment and frustration, we should remind ourselves of Jesus' faithfulness and goodness, trusting that He is working all things for our good. [01:05:54]
5. A Lifelong Journey of Deeper Commitment: Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires deeper commitment and dependence on Jesus. Regardless of how long we have been following Him, there is always more to learn and experience. We are called to continually choose Jesus, allowing Him to transform us and, through us, the world. [01:12:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[39:06] - The Question of Motives
[39:43] - Jesus' Deeper Question
[40:19] - John the Baptist's Declaration
[40:55] - Listening to Jesus' Questions
[41:39] - Series on Discipleship
[42:17] - The Danger of Doing Before Being
[42:59] - The Shallow Lake Analogy
[43:40] - Depth in Discipleship
[44:15] - Abiding in Jesus
[45:02] - Fruitfulness Through Abiding
[45:41] - Formation by Christ
[46:11] - God's Purpose for Us
[46:45] - Transformation by the Holy Spirit
[47:18] - Why Are You Following Jesus?
[47:59] - Honest Answers to Jesus' Question
[48:44] - The Challenge of Lukewarm Faith
[49:20] - Welcoming Stephanie McAllister
[49:58] - Deeper Call to Follow Jesus
[53:17] - Prayerful Assessment and Simplification
[53:47] - Reorienting Our Lives Around Jesus
[55:27] - The Practice of Discipleship
[56:00] - No Compromise in Discipleship
[56:38] - The Danger of Lukewarm Faith
[57:26] - The Challenge of Total Surrender
[58:15] - Setting Our Minds on the Spirit
[59:24] - The Bread of Life
[01:00:53] - Jesus' Grand Finale
[01:02:35] - Abiding in Jesus
[01:04:20] - Trusting Jesus for This Life
[01:05:54] - Responding to Unmet Expectations
[01:07:29] - Vision for Discipleship
[01:09:04] - The Path of Discipleship
[01:10:42] - Jesus' Question to Peter
[01:12:32] - A Call to Deeper Discipleship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 1:35-39 (NIV)
> "The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, 'Look, the Lamb of God!' When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, 'What do you want?' They said, 'Rabbi' (which means 'Teacher'), 'where are you staying?' 'Come,' he replied, 'and you will see.' So they went and saw where he was staying, and they spent that day with him. It was about four in the afternoon."
2. John 15:5 (NIV)
> "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."
3. Romans 8:28-29 (NIV)
> "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters."
### Observation Questions
1. What was the response of the two disciples when Jesus asked them, "What do you want?" (John 1:38)
2. According to John 15:5, what is the result of remaining in Jesus?
3. In Romans 8:28-29, what is God's purpose for those who love Him?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked the two disciples, "What do you want?" instead of directly inviting them to follow Him? [40:55]
2. How does the analogy of the vine and branches in John 15:5 illustrate the concept of true discipleship? [45:02]
3. What does it mean to be "conformed to the image of his Son" as mentioned in Romans 8:29, and how does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on transformation? [46:45]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Jesus' question, "What do you want?" What are your deepest desires and motivations in following Jesus? How do they align with His will and purpose for your life? [39:43]
2. The sermon mentioned the danger of a shallow faith, likened to a drained lake. How can you prioritize depth in your relationship with Jesus over mere activity? What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your faith? [43:40]
3. When faced with unmet expectations, how do you typically respond? Like Peter, can you declare, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life"? How can you remind yourself of Jesus' faithfulness in difficult times? [01:05:54]
4. Discipleship is described as a lifelong journey of deeper commitment and dependence on Jesus. What specific areas of your life require a deeper commitment to Jesus? How can you cultivate this commitment daily? [01:12:32]
5. The sermon emphasized being with Jesus before doing for Jesus. How can you ensure that your actions and service are rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with Him? What changes might you need to make in your daily routine to prioritize time with Jesus? [42:17]
6. Think about a time when you felt spiritually drained or shallow. What contributed to that feeling, and how did you address it? How can you avoid falling into the same pattern in the future? [42:59]
7. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your journey with Jesus. How can you share your experience and encourage them to seek a deeper relationship with Him? [01:09:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Examining Our Deepest Desires
When Jesus asks, "What do you want?" He is not seeking information but inviting us to examine our deepest desires and motivations. This question challenges us to consider whether our desires align with His will and purpose for our lives. It is a call to introspection, urging us to look beyond surface-level wants and to uncover the true longings of our hearts. By doing so, we can better understand ourselves and our relationship with Jesus, allowing Him to guide us towards a life that reflects His love and purpose.
Jesus' question is a profound invitation to self-examination. It asks us to pause and reflect on what truly drives us. Are our desires rooted in selfish ambition, or do they align with the values and mission of Jesus? This process of introspection can be uncomfortable, as it may reveal areas of our lives that need transformation. However, it is through this honest self-assessment that we can grow closer to Jesus and allow His will to shape our lives. [39:43]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"
Reflection: What are the deepest desires of your heart? Take a moment to reflect and ask God to reveal whether these desires align with His will and purpose for your life.
Day 2: The Essence of Discipleship
True discipleship involves being with Jesus, being transformed by Him, and then sharing Him with others. It is not about doing for Jesus out of our own strength but about abiding in Him and allowing His presence to bear fruit in our lives. This deep, abiding relationship is the foundation of a fruitful Christian life. Discipleship is a journey of transformation, where we are continually shaped and molded by Jesus' love and teachings.
Being a disciple means prioritizing our relationship with Jesus above all else. It requires us to spend quality time with Him, listening to His voice, and allowing His words to penetrate our hearts. As we abide in Jesus, we are transformed from the inside out, and this transformation naturally leads to a desire to share His love and truth with others. True discipleship is not about religious activity but about a deep, personal connection with Jesus that impacts every aspect of our lives. [45:02]
John 15:4-5 (ESV): "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with Jesus today? What steps can you take to ensure that you are abiding in Him and allowing His presence to transform you?
Day 3: The Danger of Shallow Faith
A faith that is broad but shallow is like a drained lake—vast in appearance but lacking depth. We must prioritize depth in our relationship with Jesus over mere activity. This means spending quality time with Him, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out, and not just going through the motions of religious activity. Shallow faith can lead to burnout and a lack of true spiritual growth, as it is not rooted in a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus.
To cultivate a deep faith, we must be intentional about our spiritual practices. This includes regular prayer, studying the Bible, and seeking to understand and apply Jesus' teachings in our daily lives. It also means being honest about our struggles and seeking support from our faith community. By prioritizing depth over activity, we can develop a faith that is resilient and capable of withstanding the challenges of life. [43:40]
Colossians 2:6-7 (ESV): "Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving."
Reflection: In what areas of your life might your faith be shallow? How can you cultivate a deeper, more meaningful relationship with Jesus?
Day 4: Responding to Unmet Expectations
When our expectations of Jesus are unmet, we face the temptation to turn away. However, like Peter, we must recognize that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. In moments of disappointment and frustration, we should remind ourselves of Jesus' faithfulness and goodness, trusting that He is working all things for our good. Unmet expectations can be a test of our faith, challenging us to trust in Jesus even when we do not understand His ways.
It is natural to feel disappointed when our prayers are not answered in the way we hoped or when we face unexpected challenges. However, these moments are opportunities to deepen our trust in Jesus. By focusing on His character and promises, we can find the strength to persevere. Like Peter, we can declare, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," and choose to remain steadfast in our faith. [01:05:54]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: Think of a time when your expectations of Jesus were unmet. How did you respond? How can you choose to trust in His faithfulness and goodness in the face of disappointment?
Day 5: A Lifelong Journey of Deeper Commitment
Discipleship is a lifelong journey that requires deeper commitment and dependence on Jesus. Regardless of how long we have been following Him, there is always more to learn and experience. We are called to continually choose Jesus, allowing Him to transform us and, through us, the world. This journey involves ongoing growth and a willingness to be shaped by Jesus' teachings and the work of the Holy Spirit.
As we grow in our faith, we may encounter new challenges and opportunities for growth. It is important to remain open to the ways Jesus is calling us to deeper commitment. This may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, serving others in new ways, or deepening our spiritual practices. By continually choosing Jesus, we can experience the fullness of life He offers and become more effective in sharing His love with the world. [01:12:32]
Philippians 3:12-14 (ESV): "Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel Jesus is calling you to deeper commitment? How can you respond to this call and take steps towards greater dependence on Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When a waiter asks what you want to eat, it's a question about what motivates your choice for physical nourishment. But what if Jesus is the one asking that question? Suddenly, what do you want feels like a much deeper question." [39:43] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We should be with Jesus, be transformed, be with people, and be on message. When Stephanie, Jake, and I first started talking last fall, we all shared a belief that the American church had become fixated on doing for Jesus." [42:17] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We've defined discipleship here at Freshwater as learning to live every moment of our lives in Jesus's presence and then following his ways. But too often, we try to follow him, to obey the commands that we read in the Bible in our own strength." [44:15] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The question is, are you being formed by the world or formed by Christ? The first one, worldly formation, it's actually deformation. Because the more we look like the world around us, the less we look like the image of God that Genesis 1 says we are created to be." [45:02] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Why are you following Jesus? That's a question that demands an answer. Is it to pursue his deepest purpose for your life, transformation more and more into his image? Or is it just to get the good stuff that he offers while still dabbling in that sin or entertaining that idol or repeatedly giving into that secret lust of the flesh?" [57:26] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So much activity to expand the breadth of everything that I'm doing for Jesus, but with a dangerous lack of depth in my relationship with Jesus. Last week, Jake talked about how the church has mirrored society and become a culture of doers, and so we naturally gravitate toward doing things that we don't do." [43:40] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you've ever asked God, what do you want as you search for the deepest purpose in your life? That's the answer. He wants you to look more and more like Jesus. Because looking like Jesus is not only for our good, but for the good of the whole world." [46:11] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Most of us in this room have trusted Jesus for our eternal lives, but are you actively trusting him for this life right now, today? Jesus said the work of God is to believe. If you believe Jesus died to forgive your sins and give you eternal life, do you also believe?" [01:04:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Several years ago, our leadership established a vision for our church to see disciples making disciples who bring transformation to the world through the presence and power of God. We cannot make disciples if we aren't disciples ourselves." [01:07:29] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "After the question comes an invitation, come. Spend the day with me. Abide with me under my roof. Learn from me. Come see just how good I really am. And what happens next? Well, the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon, or Peter, and tell him, we have found the Messiah, that is the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus." [01:09:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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