Glorifying God Through Faithful Discipleship and Community
Summary
In today's message, we delved into the core mission and vision of our church, emphasizing the importance of glorifying God by helping people faithfully follow Jesus. Our mission is not just a statement but a call to action, urging us to live out our faith by leading others to Christ. The vision we hold is not about numbers or growth for the sake of growth, but about who we are becoming as a community of believers. We are called to be a church that is faithfully following Jesus and intentionally leading others to Him, not for our glory, but for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel.
We explored the biblical foundation of our mission and vision, drawing from Matthew 22:36-40, where Jesus commands us to love God and love our neighbors. This dual command forms the basis of our vision, which is a picture of the future we are striving towards—a future where we are found faithful in following Jesus and making much of Him. Unlike many vision statements that focus on numerical goals, ours is centered on spiritual growth and transformation, both individually and collectively.
We also discussed the importance of having a strategy to achieve our vision. A vision without a strategy is merely a dream. We need a game plan, a carefully thought-out strategy, to guide us in becoming who God calls us to be. This involves equipping the saints for the work of ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4. Our strategy is not about maintaining traditions or entertaining the masses, but about equipping each member of our church to grow in their faith and serve others.
As we move forward, we are committed to helping each person in our church faithfully follow Jesus. This involves being known by Jesus, walking with Him, and living in community with others. We are called to deny ourselves daily, take up our cross, and follow Him wholeheartedly. Our church is dedicated to providing opportunities and resources to support this journey, ensuring that every person is connected, growing, and serving.
Key Takeaways:
- Mission and Vision Alignment: Our mission is to glorify God by helping people faithfully follow Jesus, and our vision is to see every member of our church intentionally leading others to Christ. This alignment is crucial for our spiritual growth and the spread of the gospel. [00:54]
- Biblical Foundation: Our vision is rooted in scripture, specifically Matthew 22:36-40, which calls us to love God and our neighbors. This forms the basis of our mission to faithfully follow and lead others to Jesus. [01:46]
- Strategy Over Tradition: A vision without a strategy is just a dream. We must have a clear plan to equip the saints for ministry, focusing on spiritual growth rather than maintaining traditions or entertaining. [04:22]
- Equipping the Saints: Ephesians 4 outlines the strategy for a biblical church, which is to equip the saints for ministry. This involves growing in unity, maturity, and knowledge of Christ. [11:56]
- Faithful Following: Being a faithful follower of Jesus means being known by Him, walking with Him, and living in community. It requires daily self-denial and a commitment to spiritual growth. [22:55]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [00:54] - Mission and Vision Overview
- [01:46] - Biblical Foundation of Our Vision
- [02:47] - Vision Focus: Who We Are Becoming
- [03:40] - Impact of a God-Centered Vision
- [04:22] - Strategy: Vision Without Action
- [05:21] - The Importance of a Game Plan
- [06:03] - Tradition vs. Transformation
- [06:52] - Lessons from the 400 Years of Silence
- [07:45] - Autonomy and Unity in the Church
- [08:33] - Challenges of Church Traditions
- [11:04] - Entertainment vs. Equipping
- [11:56] - Ephesians 4: Equipping the Saints
- [15:09] - Reverse Engineering Ephesians 4
- [18:53] - The Call to Follow Jesus
- [22:55] - Marks of a Faithful Follower
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 22:36-40
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- Luke 9:23-27
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus in Matthew 22:36-40, and how do they relate to the church's mission and vision? [01:46]
2. In Ephesians 4:11-16, what roles are mentioned, and what is their purpose within the church community?
3. According to Luke 9:23-27, what does Jesus say is required to follow Him, and how does this relate to the concept of self-denial mentioned in the sermon? [27:32]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between maintaining traditions and equipping the saints for ministry? [06:03]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the dual command to love God and love our neighbors form the basis of the church's mission to faithfully follow and lead others to Jesus? [01:46]
2. What does it mean for a church to focus on "who we are becoming" rather than "what we are doing," and how might this impact the church's approach to growth and ministry? [02:47]
3. In what ways does the strategy outlined in Ephesians 4:11-16 challenge the idea of a church built on entertainment or tradition? [11:56]
4. How does the call to deny oneself and take up one's cross daily, as mentioned in Luke 9:23-27, reflect the commitment required to be a faithful follower of Jesus? [27:32]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal alignment with the church's mission to glorify God by helping others follow Jesus. What steps can you take to intentionally lead someone to Christ this week? [00:54]
2. Consider the vision of becoming a community that faithfully follows Jesus. What specific changes can you make in your life to focus more on spiritual growth rather than numerical achievements? [02:47]
3. How can you contribute to the church's strategy of equipping the saints for ministry? Identify one area where you can serve or support others in their spiritual journey. [11:56]
4. In what ways can you practice self-denial and take up your cross daily? Identify a specific habit or mindset you need to change to follow Jesus more wholeheartedly. [27:32]
5. Think about your current involvement in community and group activities within the church. How can you deepen your relationships with others to encourage mutual growth in faith? [30:20]
6. Reflect on the sermon’s emphasis on being known by Jesus. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with Him, ensuring that He knows you as one of His own? [22:55]
7. Identify a distraction in your life that prevents you from focusing on Jesus. What practical steps can you take this week to minimize that distraction and prioritize your walk with Him? [27:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Mission and Vision Alignment
Our mission is to glorify God by helping people faithfully follow Jesus, and our vision is to see every member of our church intentionally leading others to Christ. This alignment is crucial for our spiritual growth and the spread of the gospel. [00:54]
The mission and vision of a church are not just statements to be displayed on a wall; they are calls to action that guide the community in its spiritual journey. The mission to glorify God by helping people faithfully follow Jesus is a profound commitment that requires intentionality and dedication. It is about living out one's faith in a way that leads others to Christ, not for personal glory, but for the glory of God and the spread of the gospel. This mission is deeply rooted in the understanding that our ultimate purpose is to honor God in all that we do.
The vision of seeing every member of the church intentionally leading others to Christ is a picture of the future we are striving towards. It is not about numerical growth for the sake of growth but about who we are becoming as a community of believers. This vision emphasizes spiritual growth and transformation, both individually and collectively. It calls for a community that is faithfully following Jesus and actively leading others to Him, ensuring that the gospel is spread and God is glorified.
1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."
Reflection: How can you align your daily actions with the mission of glorifying God and helping others faithfully follow Jesus? What specific steps can you take today to lead someone closer to Christ?
Day 2: Biblical Foundation
Our vision is rooted in scripture, specifically Matthew 22:36-40, which calls us to love God and our neighbors. This forms the basis of our mission to faithfully follow and lead others to Jesus. [01:46]
The biblical foundation of our mission and vision is found in the greatest commandments given by Jesus in Matthew 22:36-40. These verses call us to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. This dual command forms the core of our vision, emphasizing that our love for God should naturally extend to loving others. It is through this love that we faithfully follow Jesus and lead others to Him.
Loving God and our neighbors is not just a theoretical concept but a practical way of living. It involves daily actions and decisions that reflect our commitment to these commandments. By loving God, we prioritize our relationship with Him, seeking to know Him more and to live according to His will. By loving our neighbors, we demonstrate the love of Christ through acts of kindness, compassion, and service. This holistic approach to love is the foundation of our mission to glorify God and lead others to Jesus.
1 John 4:20-21 (ESV): "If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: In what ways can you show love to God and your neighbors today? How can you make these actions a regular part of your life to faithfully follow and lead others to Jesus?
Day 3: Strategy Over Tradition
A vision without a strategy is just a dream. We must have a clear plan to equip the saints for ministry, focusing on spiritual growth rather than maintaining traditions or entertaining. [04:22]
A vision without a strategy is merely a dream, and for a church to fulfill its mission, it must have a clear and actionable plan. This strategy involves equipping the saints for the work of ministry, as outlined in Ephesians 4. The focus is on spiritual growth and transformation rather than maintaining traditions or entertaining the masses. It is about creating a game plan that guides the community in becoming who God calls them to be.
Equipping the saints means providing the necessary tools, resources, and opportunities for each member to grow in their faith and serve others. It involves teaching, mentoring, and creating an environment where spiritual growth is prioritized. This approach ensures that the church is not just a place of tradition but a dynamic community where individuals are actively engaged in their spiritual journey and in leading others to Christ.
Colossians 1:28-29 (ESV): "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take to grow in your faith and serve others in your church community? How can you contribute to the church's strategy of equipping the saints for ministry?
Day 4: Equipping the Saints
Ephesians 4 outlines the strategy for a biblical church, which is to equip the saints for ministry. This involves growing in unity, maturity, and knowledge of Christ. [11:56]
Ephesians 4 provides a clear strategy for a biblical church, emphasizing the importance of equipping the saints for the work of ministry. This involves fostering an environment where individuals can grow in unity, maturity, and knowledge of Christ. The goal is to build up the body of Christ so that each member can contribute to the church's mission and vision effectively.
Equipping the saints means more than just providing resources; it involves intentional discipleship and mentorship. It requires creating opportunities for individuals to develop their spiritual gifts and to serve in various capacities within the church. By focusing on unity, the church can work together harmoniously, supporting one another in their spiritual journeys. Maturity in faith ensures that individuals are grounded in their beliefs and can withstand challenges. Knowledge of Christ deepens their relationship with Him, enabling them to lead others more effectively.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (ESV): "Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: How can you actively seek to grow in unity, maturity, and knowledge of Christ within your church community? What steps can you take to be better equipped for the work of ministry?
Day 5: Faithful Following
Being a faithful follower of Jesus means being known by Him, walking with Him, and living in community. It requires daily self-denial and a commitment to spiritual growth. [22:55]
Faithful following of Jesus involves a deep, personal relationship with Him, characterized by being known by Him, walking with Him, and living in community with other believers. This journey requires daily self-denial, taking up one's cross, and a wholehearted commitment to spiritual growth. It is about prioritizing one's relationship with Jesus above all else and allowing that relationship to transform every aspect of life.
Being known by Jesus means having an intimate relationship with Him, where He knows your heart, desires, and struggles. Walking with Him involves daily communion through prayer, reading the Word, and seeking His guidance in all decisions. Living in community means engaging with other believers, supporting one another, and growing together in faith. This holistic approach to following Jesus ensures that individuals are not only growing personally but also contributing to the growth of the church community.
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 daily self-denial and taking up your cross look like in your life? How can you deepen your relationship with Jesus and engage more fully in your church community today?
Quotes
1) "The mission of our church is that we exist to glorify God by helping people faithfully follow Jesus. And that's what we're all about. If you were to strip down anything and everything all the way to the core of who we are and what we do, the reason that the local church exists, the reason that as a Christian, God hasn't just taken you to heaven yet. It's so that we can glorify him by helping other people follow Jesus." [00:54] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "We have just been led and really have felt in this season as we've been praying that our vision should be more about who we're becoming, not what we're doing. And this is for me as well as it is for you. It's the vision's more about who are we becoming in the future and a little bit less about what are we doing right now in the present. Look, and like I said, there's nothing wrong. And it's not like we have a de-emphasis on baptisms and salvation." [02:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "A vision without a strategy is simply a dream. I'll say it again because it's early and some of you guys are only one cup of coffee and normally you're a pot end by now, all right? A vision without a strategy is only a dream. What I mean by that is if you have this lofty goal, this idea of something that you hope comes true in the future, if there's no strategy or plan of action and execution to that, then it's simply a dream. Man, it's a wish." [05:21] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And so for us, as we break down our vision of faithfully following and intentionally leading, we're going to look at each of these over the next two weeks. And our strategy is that we're going to equip you to be followers of Jesus. And it may not be the flashiest vision of all, but it's the most biblical one that we've been praying through. And we want to see this church, every person from the youngest to the oldest, sold out to Jesus and making much of him." [17:25] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "And today as we talk about following Jesus, this is a life-changing conversation that each and every single one of us has the opportunity to accept. And do we follow Jesus or do we not? And there's no middle. There's no, follow Jesus with some of my life, but I don't follow him with my finances. I follow Jesus with some of my life. I don't follow him with my dating. I follow Jesus with some of my life, but I don't follow him with the things that I do for a hobby. Like there's no separation. You can't compartmentalize your soul. He either has it or he doesn't." [21:38] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "And we see that a faithful follower is someone who is known by Jesus. And we want every person to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If you're confused about what our aim is, that's it. And we desire for every person to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. And it's the same desire that God has. In 2 Peter 3 9, it says, the Lord does not delay in his promise as some understand delay, but he's patient with you. Why he's not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to repentance and faith." [22:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "And salvation is not the finish line of our spirituality. It's not that you just get dunked in the baptistry and you've confessed Jesus and now you just float for the rest of your life until he comes back or you go see him. And there is spiritual growth. There are disciplines. And look, we are laser focused to help you, to resource you, to encourage you, to connect with you so that you can walk with Jesus. And we know how difficult it is, how distracting it can be in our culture, but man, we are sold out as a church. I want to help you walk with Jesus." [27:32] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "And we as a church want every person to be in a group. Look, and I know right now some of you guys are like, uh-uh, not me. I've done that. I'm burned by that. Well, I don't want people to know my business. Well, I know there's an emotional reaction. Look, you're all for being known by Jesus and walking with him, but nowhere in the Bible does it say that the Christian faith is a private, personal faith. Yes, it's personal that I have to make the sacrifice of my life so that I can have the life of Jesus, but it doesn't say that I keep it to myself. It says that we live in community with other people." [30:20] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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