Growing Together: Discipleship in Community and Faith
Summary
Growing together is at the heart of our calling as a church family. This growth is not just about numbers or programs, but about deepening our relationships with Christ and with one another. The word “grows” in our vision statement is central, and it’s rooted in the biblical call to be disciples—followers of Jesus whose lives are shaped by Him. Discipleship is not something we achieve by our own strength; it is the work of the Holy Spirit, who initiates, sustains, and completes our journey of faith. As Paul writes in Ephesians, we are strengthened by the Spirit so that Christ may dwell in our hearts, and we come to know a love that surpasses knowledge.
This journey of growth begins with God’s action. We cannot even begin to know or love God unless He first moves toward us. The Holy Spirit’s work of sanctification—making us holy—is the ongoing process of being molded and changed to reflect Christ. This process is unique for each of us, as God works in our lives in different ways and at different times, but there are common means through which He shapes us.
Baptism is the first step, where we are united with Christ’s death and resurrection, freed from sin and death, and welcomed into God’s family. Worship, especially what we call the “divine service,” is another key way God serves us with His gifts of grace through Word and Sacrament. In these moments, God is the primary actor, giving us forgiveness and new life.
The Holy Spirit also draws us into the study of God’s Word, where we grow in knowledge of His promises and learn to recognize His work in our lives. Service is another avenue of growth; as we serve others, we encounter God’s heart and are transformed ourselves. Leadership, too, is a form of discipleship, as God equips us to guide and support others in their faith journeys. In all these things, God works through people—pastors, teachers, musicians, tech teams, and every member of the community—to disciple one another.
Ultimately, growth in Christ is always communal. Every aspect of discipleship—baptism, worship, study, service, and leadership—happens in relationship with others. As we grow in our relationship with God, we inevitably grow in our relationships with one another, becoming a true family of faith that supports, encourages, and loves each other as we follow Jesus together.
Key Takeaways
- Discipleship Begins with God’s Initiative
We are incapable of knowing or loving God on our own; it is the Holy Spirit who makes the first move, drawing us into relationship and giving us the capacity to respond. This truth humbles us and reminds us that our faith is always a gift, not an achievement. The journey of growth starts with God’s action, not ours. [03:10]
- Sanctification Is an Ongoing, Spirit-Led Process
Sanctification—being made holy—is not a one-time event but a continual work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. God shapes us through various experiences, molding us to reflect Christ more fully. This process is unique for each person, yet always directed by God’s loving hand. [06:16]
- God’s Means of Grace Are Central to Growth
Baptism and the divine service are not mere rituals but powerful moments where God acts to change us. Through Word and Sacrament, we receive forgiveness, new life, and the presence of Christ. These gifts are the foundation of our growth and the means by which the Spirit disciples us. [10:28]
- Service and Leadership Transform Both Giver and Receiver
When we serve others, we are drawn out of ourselves and into the heart of God, seeing His love for the world in action. Leadership in the church is not about status but about being a vessel through which God blesses others. In both serving and leading, we are changed and drawn deeper into God’s purposes. [15:50]
- Growth in Christ Is Inseparable from Community
Every aspect of discipleship is designed to be lived out with others. Whether in baptism, worship, study, service, or leadership, we are called into deeper relationship with the family of God. Our growth in faith is always intertwined with our growth in love and unity with one another. [18:50]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Trinity’s Vision: Growing Together
[01:30] - The Meaning of “Grows”
[02:05] - What Is a Disciple?
[03:10] - The Holy Spirit Makes Disciples
[04:12] - Understanding Sanctification
[06:16] - The Journey of Faith
[07:20] - Baptism: The First Step
[08:23] - The Power of Baptism
[09:40] - Divine Service: God Serving Us
[10:28] - Word and Sacrament as Means of Grace
[12:36] - Service: Seeing God’s Heart
[14:35] - Leadership in Discipleship
[15:50] - God Works Through People
[16:46] - Everyone Has a Role
[17:46] - Discipleship in Community
[18:50] - Growing Together as God’s Family
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Growing Together as Disciples
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### Bible Reading
Ephesians 3:14-19
> For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 3:14-19, what does Paul pray for believers to experience and understand?
2. In the sermon, what are some of the ways the Holy Spirit works to disciple us? ([06:16])
3. What is the significance of baptism as described in the sermon? ([08:23])
4. How does the sermon describe the purpose of the “divine service” or worship gathering? ([09:40])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul say that knowing the love of Christ “surpasses knowledge”? What does this mean for our relationship with God? ([02:05])
2. The sermon says that discipleship begins with God’s initiative, not ours. How does this shape the way we view our faith journey? ([03:10])
3. The process of sanctification is described as ongoing and unique for each person. How might this affect the way we view our own growth and the growth of others? ([06:16])
4. The sermon emphasizes that all aspects of discipleship happen in community. Why do you think God designed it this way? ([18:50])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon says that we cannot even begin to know or love God unless He first moves toward us. Have you ever experienced a moment where you realized God was pursuing you before you pursued Him? What did that look like? ([03:10])
2. Baptism is described as the first step in our journey of faith, where we are united with Christ and welcomed into God’s family. If you have been baptized, how has that shaped your sense of belonging in the church? If you haven’t, what questions or thoughts do you have about baptism? ([08:23])
3. The “divine service” is described as a time when God serves us with His gifts. How does this change your perspective on attending worship? Do you come expecting to receive from God, or do you see it more as something you do for Him? ([09:40])
4. The sermon talks about the importance of studying God’s Word together. What has been your experience with group Bible study versus studying alone? Is there a next step you could take to grow in this area? ([10:28])
5. Serving others is said to transform both the giver and the receiver. Can you share a time when serving someone else changed you or helped you see God’s heart in a new way? ([12:36])
6. Leadership is described as a form of discipleship, not about status but about helping others grow. Where do you see opportunities to lead or support others in their faith journey, even in small ways? ([15:50])
7. The sermon says that growth in Christ is inseparable from community. Is there someone in your church family you could encourage or support this week as you both grow together? What might that look like? ([18:50])
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Devotional
Day 1: Growing in Christ Through the Power of the Holy Spirit
True growth in our relationship with God begins not with our own efforts, but with the Holy Spirit making the first move in our hearts. We are incapable of knowing or loving God on our own, but God graciously comes to us, changes us, and gives us the opportunity to respond to His love. As we are rooted and grounded in love, the Spirit strengthens us to comprehend the vastness of Christ’s love—a love that surpasses all knowledge—and fills us with the fullness of God. This is the foundation of discipleship: God’s initiative and our response, empowered by His Spirit. [02:05]
Ephesians 3:14-19 (ESV)
"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."
Reflection: Where in your life do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to deeper trust and openness to His work, rather than relying on your own strength or understanding?
Day 2: Baptism—The Beginning of New Life and Discipleship
Baptism is not merely a ritual, but the powerful work of God in which we are brought into His family, united with Christ’s death and resurrection, and given a new identity. Through baptism, sin, death, and hell lose their power over us, and we are freed by God’s promises. This is the first step in our journey of faith, the moment when God claims us as His own and begins to shape us as disciples. In baptism, we receive both the gift of new life and the assurance that we belong to the community of faith. [07:20]
Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: How does remembering your baptism shape the way you see yourself and your place in God’s family today?
Day 3: The Divine Service—Receiving God’s Grace Together
When we gather for worship, it is not only an act of service to God, but a time when God Himself serves us through His Word and Sacraments. In the Divine Service, God gives us His grace, forgiveness, and newness of life through the proclamation of His Word and the sharing of Christ’s body and blood. Each time we come together, the Holy Spirit is at work, shaping and discipling us through these means of grace. Our weekly gathering is a vital part of our spiritual growth, as God continually renews and strengthens us in community. [09:40]
Acts 2:42 (ESV)
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers."
Reflection: What is one way you can approach worship this week with a greater awareness of God’s desire to serve and shape you through His gifts?
Day 4: Growing Through God’s Word and Service
The Holy Spirit draws us into the study of God’s Word, where we grow in knowledge of His promises, His works, and His character. As we dive deeper into Scripture, we become more familiar with who God is and how He is at work in our lives. At the same time, God calls us to serve others, using the gifts He has given us to meet the needs of those around us. In serving, we see God’s heart for people and are changed ourselves, as the Spirit works through our acts of love and compassion. [12:36]
2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Reflection: Who is someone you can serve this week, and how might God use that act of service to shape your own heart?
Day 5: Discipleship Happens in Community
God never intended for us to walk the journey of faith alone. From baptism to worship, from studying His Word to serving and leading, every aspect of discipleship is meant to be lived out in relationship with others. In community, we support and encourage one another, learn from each other, and together grow as the family of God. The Holy Spirit equips each of us uniquely to lead and disciple others, making us part of God’s work in the lives of those around us. As we grow in our relationship with God, we also deepen our relationships with one another, becoming a true community of faith. [18:50]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
"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."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to strengthen your connection with your church family or encourage someone else in their faith journey?
Quotes
The simple and most important answer to that question is that we are discipled by the Holy Spirit. Now, this is a simple answer, but I want to point out I'm not being flippant with this one. Sometimes I do do that, and I give a simple, straightforward answer and then show the complexity. But no, the Holy Spirit making us disciples is the complexity of the answer to that question. [00:03:34]
To know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge. How can you know something that you cannot know, to know the love of Christ that surpasses our ability to know this thing? The answer is very simple: the Holy Spirit. God makes the first move because we are incapable of doing this on our own. We are not able to know, to grow in a relationship with God, to even begin a relationship with God, not until he makes the first move. [00:04:06]
Sanctification is God the Holy Spirit coming into our lives and making us holy. By his work, by his power, he changes us. He molds us. He disciples us so that we grow in our relationship with God and with one another. [00:05:41]
Because baptism is the work of God in the lives of his people. This is something St. Paul talks about in the book of Romans. He talks about how in baptism we are brought into the family of God. And he talks about a newness of life, that we are fundamentally changed by the waters of baptism. [00:07:57]
Because in baptism, what we receive is we receive the death and resurrection of Jesus. This means that sin and death and hell have no power over you any longer, that you are freed by the power and the promises that you received in those waters. [00:08:18]
This is what the Holy Spirit does in our lives. This is the power of baptism. This is the gift of God, that we are changed in who we are because of what He has done. And this is the first step in us growing in our faith, the first step in us becoming disciples. [00:08:39]
But we have another name for this time that we are gathered together. It's called the divine service. And that really changes our perspective, because in the divine service, the divine, God himself, is serving us. [00:09:40]
During this divine service, he is giving us his grace through what we call the means of grace. The means of grace, we talk about, are the word and the sacrament. That God gives us his grace, he gives us his forgiveness of sins. When we hear the proclamation of his word, and we eat and drink the body and blood of Christ. [00:09:57]
And when we receive these gifts, God shapes us, changes us. He disciples us through these gifts. And so we gather together every week because every time we come, the Holy Spirit is working on us, giving us these means of grace, giving us the forgiveness of sins and the newness of life through these gifts. [00:10:37]
The next thing that I want to discuss in how the Holy Spirit works is how he draws us together into the study of his word. We go back to the great commission and Jesus says go and make disciples and the first thing you do is baptize them in the name of the father son and holy spirit but the next thing he tells us to do is to teach. [00:12:01]
When you dive deep into the word of God you're going to grow in your knowledge of him, his promises, his works in the world around you, his work in your own life, and he's going to make you familiar with who he is and what he has done for you. [00:12:31]
The study of God's word is another way that the Holy Spirit works on our lives to disciple us and to help us grow in our relationships with our God. [00:13:04]
Now here's the interesting thing about service. When we look at service, when we do it right, we're not thinking about ourselves at all. Instead, we're looking at the other people and saying, what do they need? And how has God blessed me to be able to fulfill that need? [00:13:32]
But what's amazing is God takes that moment when I'm not looking at myself at all and uses it to change me. That when we are serving the people around us, what we get to see is we get to see the heart of God. [00:13:51]
The Holy Spirit will work on us through our service to other people to help us see God and be changed by Him. [00:14:22]
God is at work discipling people through people. And he has a place for you too. He has blessed you to be a leader in some place in your life to be able to help disciple the people of his church. [00:16:58]
And what's amazing is when we do this, when we help, we become a part of the process of discipling other people, what we get to see is we get to see God working through even someone like me. God working amazing things for the glory of his church. [00:17:22]
So this is what it means to be a disciple, to have the Holy Spirit molding us, shaping us, changing our lives so that we grow in our relationship with Him and with one another. [00:17:46]
Everything is directed back to Him. Everything is done in relationship to Him, and so we are growing in that relationship to Him. [00:18:12]
But I also want you to consider how all of these things are always done in relationship with His church. Think about baptism. In baptism, we receive the newness of life, but we also receive adoption into the family of God, that God welcomes us into the community of faith. [00:18:21]
Think about the divine service, that in the divine service, we receive these gifts together, that we have come together, hear his word, that we're going to receive communion together here in communion the word community, that this is done with one another. [00:18:42]
Discipleship is done with one another. That as we grow in our faith, as we grow in our relationship with God, we are going to grow in our relationship with one another. And together we will be able to support one another to be a community of faith, to be the family of God that cares for one another and helps each other grow in our love and our relationship with God our Father. [00:19:50]
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