Intentional Discipleship: Becoming Apprentices of Jesus
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of being an apprentice under Jesus, emphasizing that everyone is already being discipled by something or someone. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, but we must first understand what it means to be a disciple ourselves. A disciple, or apprentice, is someone who learns from and becomes like their master. In our case, Jesus is our master, and we are called to conform to His image.
We explored how various influences, such as media and culture, can disciple us if we are not intentional about following Jesus. The Great Commission is not just about making converts but about making disciples who are willing to lay down their lives for Jesus. This involves a transformation that goes beyond mere knowledge to include obedience and action.
We also discussed the importance of being intentional in our discipleship. If we are not careful, we can easily become disciples of the culture rather than of Jesus. The analogy of apprenticeship in trades was used to illustrate the levels of learning and growth: apprentice, journeyman, and master. Just as in trades, discipleship involves learning, practicing, and becoming like the master.
The sermon also touched on the importance of prayer and being mission-focused. We are encouraged to pray for our mission fields and to be intentional in our actions and words, as they disciple those around us. The ultimate goal is to become like Jesus and to help others do the same.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intentional Discipleship: We are all being discipled by something, whether it's media, culture, or Jesus. Being intentional about who or what is discipling us is crucial. If we are not careful, we can easily become disciples of the culture rather than of Jesus. [24:35]
2. Definition of a Disciple: A disciple is an apprentice under Jesus, learning from Him and becoming like Him. This involves not just acquiring knowledge but also practicing and obeying His teachings. The goal is to conform to the image of Jesus. [34:16]
3. Obedience Over Knowledge: True discipleship is not just about knowing the right answers but about living them out. James warns that being a hearer only and not a doer is self-deception. Obedience to Jesus' teachings is what builds a solid foundation. [44:23]
4. Practical Steps in Discipleship: To be a disciple of Jesus, one must seek to follow Him, spend time with Him, and obey His commands. This involves daily practices like prayer, reading Scripture, and living out His teachings in our actions and words. [55:15]
5. Making Disciples: Being a disciple of Jesus naturally leads to making disciples. This involves modeling what it means to follow Jesus and inviting others to join in that journey. Our actions and words disciple those around us, whether we realize it or not. [01:01:41]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:39] - Opening Prayer
[20:44] - Excitement About Camp Updates
[21:45] - Introduction to Life on Mission
[22:26] - What is a Disciple?
[24:35] - Influence of Media and Culture
[29:03] - Testimony and Mission Fields
[30:39] - Practical Discipleship
[31:09] - Apprenticeship Analogy
[34:16] - Definition of a Disciple
[35:03] - Becoming Like Jesus
[39:48] - Belief and Obedience
[44:23] - Obedience Over Knowledge
[46:33] - Building on a Solid Foundation
[49:37] - Practicing Righteousness
[52:09] - Direction Over Perfection
[55:15] - Practical Steps in Discipleship
[01:01:41] - Making Disciples
[01:03:59] - The Great Commission
[01:11:33] - Weekly Challenge
[01:12:41] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:18-20 (The Great Commission)
> "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
2. James 1:22-25
> "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do."
3. Luke 6:40
> "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:18-20, what are the key components of the Great Commission?
2. In James 1:22-25, what analogy does James use to describe someone who hears the word but does not act on it?
3. What does Luke 6:40 say about the relationship between a student and their teacher?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 define the role of a disciple?
2. James 1:22-25 emphasizes the importance of doing the word, not just hearing it. How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on obedience over knowledge?
3. Luke 6:40 mentions that a fully trained student will be like their teacher. How does this concept of apprenticeship apply to our relationship with Jesus?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily influences. Are there specific areas where you feel more discipled by culture than by Jesus? How can you shift your focus to be more intentional about following Jesus?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of obedience over mere knowledge. Can you identify a teaching of Jesus that you know well but struggle to live out? What steps can you take to practice this teaching more faithfully?
3. Think about your prayer life. How often do you pray for your mission fields, such as your workplace, neighborhood, or family? What specific prayer can you commit to this week for one of these areas?
4. The analogy of apprenticeship was used to describe discipleship. In what ways can you move from being an "apprentice" to a "journeyman" in your spiritual journey? What practical steps can you take to grow in your faith?
5. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can intentionally disciple. What is one practical way you can start this week?
6. The sermon mentioned that our actions and words disciple those around us. Reflect on a recent interaction where you may have unintentionally discipled someone. How can you be more intentional in your future interactions to reflect Jesus?
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of being mission-focused. What is one mission field in your life that you have neglected? How can you start being more intentional about it this week?
Devotional
Day 1: Intentional Discipleship
We are all being discipled by something, whether it's media, culture, or Jesus. Being intentional about who or what is discipling us is crucial. If we are not careful, we can easily become disciples of the culture rather than of Jesus. [24:35]
In our daily lives, we are constantly influenced by various sources, whether we realize it or not. Media, culture, and even our social circles can shape our thoughts, behaviors, and values. This is why it is essential to be intentional about who or what is discipling us. If we are not careful, we can easily find ourselves conforming to the patterns of this world rather than being transformed by the renewing of our minds in Christ.
Intentional discipleship means making a conscious effort to follow Jesus and allow His teachings to shape our lives. It involves setting aside time for prayer, reading Scripture, and being in fellowship with other believers who can encourage and challenge us in our faith. By being intentional, we can ensure that we are being discipled by Jesus rather than by the culture around us.
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What are some influences in your life that may be discipling you away from Jesus? How can you be more intentional about allowing Jesus to disciple you today?
Day 2: Definition of a Disciple
A disciple is an apprentice under Jesus, learning from Him and becoming like Him. This involves not just acquiring knowledge but also practicing and obeying His teachings. The goal is to conform to the image of Jesus. [34:16]
Being a disciple of Jesus means more than just knowing about Him; it means actively following Him and seeking to become like Him. Just as an apprentice learns from a master by observing, practicing, and applying what they learn, a disciple of Jesus learns from Him by studying His life and teachings and putting them into practice. The ultimate goal of discipleship is to conform to the image of Jesus, reflecting His character and love in our daily lives.
This process of becoming like Jesus involves both learning and doing. It requires us to not only gain knowledge about Jesus and His teachings but also to obey and live out those teachings in our actions and decisions. True discipleship is marked by a transformation that goes beyond mere knowledge to include obedience and action.
Luke 6:40 (ESV): "A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively practice and obey the teachings of Jesus in your daily life? How can you take steps to become more like Him today?
Day 3: Obedience Over Knowledge
True discipleship is not just about knowing the right answers but about living them out. James warns that being a hearer only and not a doer is self-deception. Obedience to Jesus' teachings is what builds a solid foundation. [44:23]
It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that knowing the right answers or having a lot of biblical knowledge is the same as being a true disciple of Jesus. However, true discipleship goes beyond mere knowledge; it involves living out what we know. James warns us that being hearers of the Word without being doers is a form of self-deception. It is not enough to simply know what Jesus teaches; we must also obey and apply His teachings in our lives.
Obedience to Jesus' teachings is what builds a solid foundation for our lives. When we hear His words and put them into practice, we are like a wise person who builds their house on a rock. No matter what storms come our way, we will stand firm because our foundation is secure in Jesus. True discipleship is marked by a life of obedience and action, not just knowledge.
James 1:22 (ESV): "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you know what Jesus teaches but struggle to obey? How can you take practical steps to live out His teachings today?
Day 4: Practical Steps in Discipleship
To be a disciple of Jesus, one must seek to follow Him, spend time with Him, and obey His commands. This involves daily practices like prayer, reading Scripture, and living out His teachings in our actions and words. [55:15]
Discipleship is a daily journey of following Jesus and growing in our relationship with Him. To be a disciple, we must seek to follow Jesus, spend time with Him, and obey His commands. This involves incorporating daily practices that help us stay connected to Him and grow in our faith. Prayer, reading Scripture, and living out His teachings in our actions and words are essential components of discipleship.
Prayer is our way of communicating with God and seeking His guidance and strength. Reading Scripture helps us to know God's will and understand His character. Living out His teachings in our actions and words demonstrates our commitment to following Jesus and allows us to be a witness to others. By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can grow as disciples and become more like Jesus.
Colossians 3:16 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Reflection: What daily practices can you incorporate into your routine to help you follow Jesus more closely? How can you make time for prayer, Scripture reading, and living out His teachings today?
Day 5: Making Disciples
Being a disciple of Jesus naturally leads to making disciples. This involves modeling what it means to follow Jesus and inviting others to join in that journey. Our actions and words disciple those around us, whether we realize it or not. [01:01:41]
As disciples of Jesus, we are called to make disciples of others. This is a natural outflow of our own discipleship journey. Making disciples involves modeling what it means to follow Jesus and inviting others to join us on that journey. Our actions and words have a powerful impact on those around us, and we can disciple others by living out our faith authentically and intentionally.
When we model what it means to follow Jesus, we provide a tangible example for others to see and follow. This can be done through our daily interactions, our commitment to prayer and Scripture, and our willingness to serve and love others. By inviting others to join us in following Jesus, we fulfill the Great Commission and help others grow in their relationship with Him.
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: Who in your life can you invite to join you on your journey of following Jesus? How can you model what it means to be a disciple through your actions and words today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "God answers our prayers. He is so faithful beyond anything we can hope and imagine and even understand, because he's not like us. We're supposed to become like him. But he is faithfully answering prayers and literally changing lives, which I think is incredible." [21:12] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What would God do if his people humbled themselves and prayed like that? I'm hoping to find out with you guys. So that's really exciting. What I like also, though, is, you know, it really captures what we talked about last week. The mission field, he knows what his mission field is. He's going to his mission field. He's praying at his mission field. He's praying for the people there." [29:37] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Christianity is not a religion based on performance, absolutely not. But it is a belief system that affects the way that you live. It's not based on performance. It's not what it is. You can't perform. You can't earn your way into heaven. However, if you are a believer, you aren't just expected. The question isn't, do you believe in Jesus? You know, the demons check that box off. The question is, are you a disciple of Jesus? Is he your master?" [43:22] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are not called just to believe. We are called to believe. We are called. Believing is important. It's important to believe the right things. But we're not called to just believe. You are called to apprentice under your master. He has saved you not just from sin. He has saved you for good works that he has put forth before you." [52:48] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You are fulfilling your purpose, yes, but you are also then with Jesus, your master. I'll tell you, no matter what you're going through today, there is no other place other than being with Jesus that you should want to be. That should be the focal point. Wherever he is, that's where I want to be. That's why we say whatever is his way is our way. That's why. Even if it's a hard way, it's better than the alternative. Always." [01:05:04] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What if I told you that everyone in here is already a disciple? They are already being discipled. You know, like our mission statement says, love God, love people, be discipled, make disciples. What if I told you that you're already being discipled? I could guarantee it. Every single one in here is being discipled. And further to that, I would venture to say that you're not even making disciples." [21:45] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you are not intentional on what or whom is discipling you and what you are discipling others or those around you to become, you can almost guarantee that you are a disciple of the culture or at least moving in that direction or maybe it's a bit of syncretism, a bit of Christian thought, Christian belief mixed with cultural and worldly values." [24:35] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "A disciple of Jesus is someone who apprentices under the authority of Jesus and becomes like Jesus. I'm not saying they become gods themselves, but they become like Jesus. They are conformed to the image of God. Ultimately, we're all being conformed or becoming like our master himself. We're not like our master, whoever, or whatever that is." [35:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Believing in Jesus is important. Don't hear me wrong, right? That is important. Believing is important. And it's important, yes, for salvation. Absolutely, yes. If you don't have correct beliefs, you will not have correct behaviors. But correct belief alone was not the end. That's the start. You have correct belief so that you can adopt new behaviors and have correct behaviors." [40:35] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "An apprentice of Jesus becomes like Jesus by doing a few things. Seeking to follow Jesus wherever he goes. Wherever Jesus goes, the apprentice goes. What we see the disciples doing early on, come follow me, leaving their nets, that is what a disciple does. Now he's not asking all of us to leave our nets in that sense of where we leave our jobs. Right? But he asks us all to go and make disciples of the nations." [54:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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