Growing Together: The Journey of Discipleship

Devotional

Day 1: The Marks of Spiritual Maturity

True spiritual maturity is marked by sober-mindedness, dignity, self-control, and being sound in faith, love, and steadfastness. These qualities are not about how much knowledge one has accumulated, but about the transformation of character that reflects Christ to the world. A mature believer is not easily swayed by internal passions or external circumstances, but instead lives with an inner security and a commitment to do what is right, cultivating a life that honors God and serves as an example to others. Growth in these areas is a journey, not a destination, and taking spiritual inventory helps us see how far God has brought us and where He is still working in us. [36:34]

Titus 2:2 (ESV)
"Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness."

Reflection: Looking back over the past year, in which of these areas—sober-mindedness, dignity, self-control, faith, love, or steadfastness—have you seen the most growth, and where do you sense God inviting you to grow next?

Day 2: The Power of Investing in Others

Discipleship flourishes when mature believers intentionally invest in those who are younger in the faith, coming alongside them to encourage, guide, and help them avoid pitfalls. This investment is not about superiority, but about sharing lessons learned, offering support, and believing in the potential God has placed in others. When someone says, "I believe in you and want to help you," it motivates lasting change and growth, creating a culture where everyone is encouraged to pursue Christ more fully together. [35:56]

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)
"And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally encourage or invest in this week, and what is one practical step you can take to come alongside them in their walk with Christ?

Day 3: Self-Control: Channeling Strength for God’s Purposes

Self-control is not about suppressing who you are, but about channeling your God-given strengths, passions, and energy in a focused direction that honors Him. Like a powerful horse guided by a bit, a life under the Spirit’s guidance is not diminished but maximized for impact. Younger believers especially benefit from the wisdom of those who have gone before, learning to avoid unnecessary pain and to direct their lives toward what truly matters. [54:20]

Titus 2:6 (ESV)
"Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where your energy or ambition tends to scatter, and how can you invite God (and perhaps a mentor) to help you focus it for His purposes?

Day 4: The Abundant Life in Christ

Jesus offers a life that is full, rich, and abundant, in contrast to the enemy who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. Many have experienced loss, disappointment, or destruction, but Christ’s invitation is to a new way of living—one marked by hope, joy, and purpose. Those who have walked with Jesus can testify to His faithfulness and want to help others find this life, sharing their stories and walking together toward the fullness God intends. [58:15]

John 10:10 (ESV)
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

Reflection: What is one area where you feel the enemy has tried to steal your joy or hope, and how can you invite Jesus to restore and lead you into His abundant life today?

Day 5: The Call to Make Disciples Together

The church is called to be a family where everyone is growing and helping others grow, not just through sermons or studies, but through intentional, relational discipleship. Real transformation happens as we walk together, sharing what we’ve learned, holding each other accountable, and encouraging one another to pursue Christ. Whether you are ready to mentor or need to be mentored, stepping into these relationships is a powerful way to experience and extend the life-changing love of Jesus. [01:02:43]

Matthew 28:19-20 (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, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."

Reflection: Are you currently walking with someone in a discipling relationship—either as a mentor or being mentored? If not, what is one step you can take this week to seek out or offer such a relationship?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the call to spiritual maturity and the vital role of discipleship within the church family. Drawing from Paul’s letter to Titus, we see that the marks of a mature follower of Christ are not measured by knowledge alone, but by the transformation of character. Paul’s instructions to older men—sobriety of mind, dignity, self-control, soundness in faith, love, and steadfastness—are not just for men, but for every believer who desires to grow in Christ. These qualities are cultivated over time, through both internal alignment and external perseverance, and they are meant to be shared with others.

Discipleship is not simply about accumulating information or completing Bible studies; it is about allowing the truth of the gospel to shape who we are at the deepest level. True growth is seen when our faith moves us to action, when our love is sacrificial and wise, and when we persevere through hardship, trusting God’s timing over our own. The church is called to be a place where mature believers invest in those who are younger in the faith, not out of superiority, but out of a desire to help others avoid the pitfalls and bear traps that life inevitably brings.

Younger believers, in turn, are encouraged to seek out and receive this guidance, to allow their energy and ambition to be focused and directed for God’s purposes. The process of coming alongside one another—encouraging, challenging, and walking together—is where real transformation happens. This is the heart of making disciples: not just teaching, but sharing life, wisdom, and the journey of faith.

Everyone has a part to play. Whether you are further along and able to mentor, or just starting out and in need of guidance, the invitation is to step into these relationships. In doing so, we not only grow ourselves, but we help others experience the abundant life Jesus offers, and we build a church family marked by love, growth, and purpose.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual maturity is measured by character, not just knowledge. Paul’s call to be sober-minded, dignified, and self-controlled is about an inner security and alignment that resists being driven by internal passions or external pressures. True discipleship is seen in who we are becoming, not just what we know. [39:06]
2. Self-control is both a defensive and offensive discipline. It means saying “no” to the things that would derail us, but also saying “yes” to the direction of the Spirit and the truth of Scripture. This is salvation at the core—letting the gospel shape our responses and our pursuits, so that our lives are focused and fruitful. [44:08]
3. Love, as Paul describes, is sacrificial and wise, not permissive. Sometimes love means saying “no” for the good of another, even when it is misunderstood. Mature love seeks what is best, drawing from hard-won lessons and a desire to spare others unnecessary pain, always acting from a place of genuine care. [47:59]
4. Perseverance is a mark of maturity that trusts God’s timing. Life will bring setbacks, delays, and disappointments, but steadfastness means not giving up or growing frustrated in the waiting. It is the willingness to keep moving forward, believing that God’s purposes are worth the wait and that growth often happens in the slow, faithful steps. [49:49]
5. Discipleship is a relational journey, not a solo endeavor. Older believers are called to invest in the younger, sharing both successes and failures, helping them avoid the “bear traps” of life. Younger believers are invited to seek out this guidance, allowing their gifts and energy to be focused for God’s glory. In this mutual investment, the church becomes a family where everyone is growing and helping others grow. [56:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[32:36] - Worship: What He’s Done
[34:04] - Introduction to Titus 2 and Discipleship
[35:18] - Motivations: Negative and Positive
[36:34] - Reading Titus 2:2, 2:6
[37:12] - The Call to Make Disciples
[37:52] - Ambassadors of the Kingdom
[39:06] - Character Over Knowledge
[40:22] - Sober-Mindedness Explained
[42:12] - Dignity and Character
[43:29] - Self-Control: Salvation at the Core
[44:45] - Sound in Faith, Love, and Steadfastness
[47:59] - The True Nature of Love
[49:49] - Perseverance and Spiritual Inventory
[51:43] - The Power of Coming Alongside
[54:20] - Focusing the Energy of the Young
[56:24] - Avoiding Life’s Bear Traps
[57:34] - The Enemy and the Abundant Life
[59:32] - Passing It On: Becoming a Mentor
[60:48] - Responding: Mentoring and Being Mentored
[62:06] - The Power of One-on-One Discipleship
[63:26] - Invitation to New Life in Christ
[64:42] - Commitment and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Titus 2:2, 6 — “Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. … Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.”

- John 10:10
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”

Observation Questions

According to Titus 2:2, what specific qualities does Paul say should mark the lives of older men?
In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between being “sober-minded” and being “self-controlled”? [[44:08]]
What is the main instruction Paul gives to younger men in Titus 2:6?
How does Jesus describe the difference between the enemy’s work and his own purpose in John 10:10?

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul focuses on character qualities like sobriety, dignity, and self-control, rather than just knowledge or Bible study? [[39:06]]
The sermon says that self-control is both defensive (saying “no”) and offensive (saying “yes” to the Spirit). What does it look like for someone to live this out in daily life? [[44:08]]
The pastor describes mature love as sometimes saying “no” for the good of another, even if it’s misunderstood. Why is this kind of love hard to practice, and why is it important? [[47:59]]
The sermon talks about perseverance as “not giving up or growing frustrated in the waiting.” How does trusting God’s timing help someone grow in maturity? [[49:49]]

Application Questions

The sermon says spiritual maturity is measured by character, not just knowledge. Looking back over the past year, in what area of your character have you seen the most growth? Where do you still want to grow? [[50:27]]
The pastor shared that self-control means saying “no” to things that derail us and “yes” to the Spirit’s direction. What is one thing you need to say “no” to this week? What is one thing you sense God is asking you to say “yes” to? [[44:08]]
Think of a time when someone older in the faith helped you avoid a “bear trap” in life. How did their guidance make a difference? Is there someone younger you could help in a similar way? [[56:24]]
If you are a younger believer, what keeps you from seeking out guidance or mentorship? If you are further along, what holds you back from investing in someone else? [[01:00:48]]
The sermon describes discipleship as “coming alongside” someone, not just teaching but sharing life. Who is one person you could intentionally walk with in the next month—either to mentor or to be mentored by? [[51:43]]
Jesus said he came to give us abundant life, but the enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy. What is one area where you feel the enemy has tried to steal your joy or purpose? How can you invite Jesus into that area for restoration? [[57:34]]
The pastor encouraged taking “spiritual inventory.” What is one practical step you can take this week to pursue growth in faith, love, or perseverance? [[50:27]]

Sermon Clips

This is a letter that Paul wrote to a young preacher starting in ministry, encouraging him and guiding him and directing him, Titus, and in Mother’s Day we notice that he gave instructions about how older women are to mentor younger women and what that would look like. He gives the same approach to men. It’s a little different but the same idea and so on Father’s Day we’ll look at what he says to older men to mentor younger men. [00:34:04]

The truths that we’re going to talk about are applicable to being a disciple. It doesn’t matter if you’re male or female or young or old, these are the marks of maturity and growing in the faith. So there’s a certain aspect that it applies to all of us. [00:34:39]

There are two things that really motivate me one is negative and one is positive. There’s a negative side that if you want me to do something here’s what you say you’ll never do that and there’s something in me that goes “Oh really just watch.” And I’ll get motivated to do it but I do it out of anger, I do it out of pride, I do it to prove something. It’s really not a good motivation for it but then there are other people who’ve come alongside me and said “I believe in you, I think you have potential and I want to invest in you.” Now that’s positive and that lasts. [00:35:18]

Our preparation in praying for the kingdom of God is to serve and represent the kingdom of God for we are counted among the royal family. Now think about that, we know that as we accept Christ we become heirs with him, we’re included in this divine royal family. [00:37:46]

If you were to go back and look at what Paul just told Titus you’ll discover he does not instruct him on how much knowledge he needs. He doesn’t talk about how many studies they’ve done or how much of the Bible they know. Everything that Paul is talking to Titus about is about who you are. It’s about character, it’s about your nature and it is built on this: you can know a lot about the Bible and it not change your character, but if your character starts to get changed you know something about the Bible. [00:39:06]

For a long time I thought discipleship was a book, it was a workbook. You read the book, you did the workbook, you did the questions, you showed up in a class, you answered a bunch of questions, you had great discussion, you batted around theological ideas in an intellectual way and it was great. And then after it was over, you know what I did? I put that book on a shelf and I waited for the next study. [00:39:30]

What God’s interested in is who we are and our character and our nature changing. It’s one thing to know, there’s nothing wrong with knowing, but knowing should lead to a difference and that’s what Paul wants us to get. [00:40:00]

When he’s talking about us being soberminded he’s looking inward and outward, this confidence in who we are that allows us not to be driven internally by negative things that don’t need to drive our life and not to be manipulated by outside things that assault our life. [00:41:50]

Dignified isn’t like he thinks he’s better than everyone else. It means no, I live by character, it matters, it’s important and I’ll cultivate it. He also talks about self-control here. I think we’ve talked about this before, this Greek word shows up several times, sopheran, and it is built on two different words: soo, which is the root word for what we understand as salvation, and phren, which is from the core of something or the center of something. [00:42:56]

Understanding that the gospel changes us on the inside, the outside, and forever, it drives things forward. Now when he says they’re soberminded, he comes at that from a negative perspective: don’t let internal things manipulate you, don’t let external things manipulate you, know where they go and know that’s not the path you want and say no. [00:43:48]

When he talks about this thing about self-control he’s talking about a positive direction. You know who you are in Christ, you know what you should do, you know where the spirit leads, you know what the truth of scripture is, so live that way, go that direction. One is saying no, I’m not going to be controlled by everything else and another one is saying yes, I’ll follow the spirit, I’ll go where God’s word leads me. [00:44:21]

Your faith should change you. You should live in such a way where you say “Because I believe what the Bible says I do this, because I know Jesus this is how I behave.” There’s an action to it, it drives something and so your faith isn’t just what you believe in an intellectual sense. [00:45:49]

Love here is the agape form of love. It is sacrificial love, it is love that cares about what is best for another person. We have this problem in our culture with this word love, we struggle with love because for most of our world love means you’ll let me do what I want. [00:47:02]

Sometimes love says because I love you I won’t let you do whatever you want, but it does it not out of legalism, it doesn’t do it out of being right and superiority, it does it because it loves the person and it wants what is best for them and it’s learned a few lessons in life. [00:47:59]

There’s going to be hardships, there’s going to be difficulties, things aren’t going to go the way you planned, and in those difficulties you don’t throw in the towel. You don’t go and try once and fail and go “Well that’s it, I tried, I quit.” You persevere. [00:48:54]

It’s how you believe in them, it’s how you equip them, it’s how you disciple them. It’s us saying we want to do that. And you see that that creates this picture of the church being a place where we want everyone to grow that way. [00:57:05]

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