Jesus: The Cornerstone of Sanctification and Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Cornerstone of Our Sanctification

Our spiritual journey is deeply rooted in the understanding that Jesus is the cornerstone of our sanctification. He is the visible image of the invisible God, the embodiment of divine holiness, and the source of boundless grace. Our spiritual growth is not merely for personal holiness but for the glory of Jesus, who reconciles us to God through His sacrifice. As we delve into scriptures like Colossians 1:15-20, we see Jesus as the cosmic Christ, holding all things together and reconciling us to God. This understanding should transform how we view our spiritual growth, seeing it as a reflection of Jesus' glory and His work in our lives. [01:19]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively acknowledge Jesus as the cornerstone of your spiritual growth today? How can this perspective change your approach to daily challenges?

Day 2: Mission as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth

Engaging in God's global mission is a powerful catalyst for overcoming spiritual stagnation. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing both outreach and deepening our faith. This dual focus ensures that our spiritual growth is not isolated but actively engaged in spreading the gospel. By participating in God's mission, we are propelled beyond our comfort zones, experiencing growth that is both personal and communal. This engagement with the mission of God is not just an obligation but a pathway to deeper faith and understanding. [09:31]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV): "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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: How can you participate in God's mission today, even in small ways, to help propel your spiritual growth? What specific action can you take to share the gospel with someone in your life?

Day 3: Disciple-Making as Mutual Growth

Disciple-making is a two-way street that benefits both the disciple and the discipler. It challenges us to live holistic Christian lives, balancing intentionality with relationality. As we invest in others, we are reminded of our smallness and God's greatness, pushing us to rely more on Jesus and His grace. This process of disciple-making is not just about the growth of the disciple but also significantly benefits the discipler, as it encourages both parties to grow in their faith journey. By engaging in disciple-making, we are participating in a divine exchange that enriches our spiritual lives. [38:56]

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 someone you can invest in as a disciple? How can you intentionally create opportunities for mutual growth in your relationship with them?

Day 4: Holiness and Engagement with the World

True holiness involves engaging with the world while maintaining our purity. Jesus' life exemplifies this as He associated with sinners not to conform but to call them to repentance. This intentional engagement with the world, while maintaining our holiness, is a reflection of true compassion and a testament to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives. As Christians, we are called to be in the world but not of it, sent into the world to rescue others with the message of the gospel. This balance of holiness and mission is crucial for living out our faith authentically. [21:55]

John 17:15-18 (ESV): "I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world."

Reflection: How can you engage with the world today in a way that reflects both holiness and compassion? What practical steps can you take to maintain your purity while reaching out to those who need the gospel?

Day 5: Reliance on Jesus in Disciple-Making

Disciple-making will reveal our shortcomings, teaching us to lean more on Jesus and His grace. Our failures as disciplers are covered by Jesus, who is the perfect discipler. This reliance on Him is crucial for effective disciple-making. As we engage in this mission, we are reminded of our dependence on Jesus, who empowers us to fulfill His calling. By acknowledging our weaknesses and relying on His strength, we can be effective in making disciples and growing in our own faith journey. [47:58]

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Reflection: In what areas of disciple-making do you feel inadequate? How can you intentionally rely on Jesus' strength and grace to overcome these challenges today?

Sermon Summary

In our journey of faith, it is crucial to remember that Jesus is the cornerstone of our sanctification. Often, we overlook the profound impact of Jesus in our spiritual growth, which is a tragedy given that He is the embodiment of divine holiness and the source of boundless grace. As we delve into the scriptures, particularly Colossians 1:15-20 and Matthew 28, we see Jesus as the cosmic Christ, the visible image of the invisible God, and the head of the church. Our sanctification is not just for personal holiness but for the glory of Jesus, who holds all things together and reconciles us to God through His sacrifice.

Our mission as Christians is deeply intertwined with our sanctification. Engaging in God's global mission can be the catalyst that propels us past spiritual stagnation. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 calls us to make disciples of all nations, emphasizing both outreach and deepening our faith. This dual focus ensures that our spiritual growth is not isolated but actively engaged in spreading the gospel.

Furthermore, disciple-making is not just about the growth of the disciple but also significantly benefits the discipler. It challenges us to live holistic Christian lives, balancing intentionality with relationality. As we invest in others, we are reminded of our smallness and God's greatness, pushing us to rely more on Jesus and His grace. This process of disciple-making is a two-way street, where both the discipler and the disciple grow in their faith journey.

In essence, our sanctification and mission are profoundly about Jesus. He is the model, the power, and the comfort in our disciple-making efforts. As we engage in this mission, we are called to be in the world but not of it, sent into the world to rescue others with the message of the gospel. This intentional engagement with the world, while maintaining our holiness, is a reflection of true compassion and a testament to the transformative power of Jesus in our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus as the Foundation of Sanctification: Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God and the standard of our sanctification. Our spiritual growth is not just for personal holiness but for the glory of Jesus, who reconciles us to God through His sacrifice. [01:19]
2. Mission as a Catalyst for Growth: Engaging in God's global mission can propel us past spiritual stagnation. The Great Commission calls us to make disciples, emphasizing both outreach and deepening our faith, ensuring our spiritual growth is actively engaged in spreading the gospel. [09:31]
3. Disciple-Making as a Two-Way Street: Disciple-making benefits both the disciple and the discipler. It challenges us to live holistic Christian lives, balancing intentionality with relationality, and reminds us of our smallness and God's greatness. [38:56]
4. Holiness and Engagement with the World: True holiness involves engaging with the world while maintaining our purity. Jesus' life exemplifies this as He associated with sinners not to conform but to call them to repentance, showing that holiness and mission go hand in hand. [21:55]
5. Reliance on Jesus in Disciple-Making: Disciple-making will reveal our shortcomings, teaching us to lean more on Jesus and His grace. Our failures as disciplers are covered by Jesus, who is the perfect discipler, and this reliance on Him is crucial for effective disciple-making. [47:58]
** [47:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - Introduction to Jesus in Sanctification
[01:04] - The Cosmic Christ in Colossians
[03:03] - Jesus in Our Sanctification
[04:06] - Forgotten Factors in Mission and Disciple-Making
[05:03] - The Authority of Jesus in Matthew 28
[07:13] - Mission and Nurture in the Great Commission
[09:31] - Mission as a Catalyst for Sanctification
[12:14] - Engaging with Non-Believers
[15:14] - Compassion and Holiness
[20:19] - Befriending Sinners
[27:20] - Christians Sent into the World
[32:30] - Intentionality in Local Evangelism
[36:00] - Disciple-Making and Personal Growth
[47:58] - Reliance on Jesus in Disciple-Making
[49:26] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:15-20
- Matthew 28:16-20
- Philippians 2:14-16

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Observation Questions:

According to Colossians 1:15-20, how is Jesus described in relation to God and creation? What does this imply about His role in our sanctification? [01:19]
In Matthew 28:16-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to His disciples, and how do these instructions relate to the concept of mission and disciple-making? [06:41]
Philippians 2:14-16 mentions living as "lights in the world." What does this passage suggest about the relationship between holding fast to the gospel and engaging with the world? [13:32]
The sermon mentions that engaging in God's global mission can help overcome spiritual stagnation. What examples were given to illustrate this point? [09:46]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the description of Jesus as the "visible image of the invisible God" in Colossians 1:15-20 shape our understanding of His authority and role in our lives? [01:19]
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20 emphasizes both outreach and discipleship. How might this dual focus impact a believer's approach to spiritual growth and mission? [06:41]
Philippians 2:14-16 speaks about living blamelessly in a "crooked and twisted generation." What challenges might believers face in trying to live out this calling, and how can they overcome them? [13:32]
The sermon suggests that disciple-making benefits both the disciple and the discipler. In what ways might this mutual growth occur, and why is it significant for the Christian community? [38:56]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are there areas where you have overlooked the role of Jesus as the cornerstone of your sanctification? How can you refocus on Him this week? [01:19]
The sermon highlights the importance of engaging in God's global mission to overcome spiritual stagnation. What steps can you take to actively participate in this mission, either locally or globally? [09:46]
Consider the relationships you have with non-believers. How can you intentionally engage with them in a way that reflects true compassion and holiness, as exemplified by Jesus? [21:55]
Disciple-making is described as a two-way street. Identify someone in your life whom you can invest in spiritually. What practical steps can you take to begin or deepen this relationship? [38:56]
The sermon mentions the importance of balancing intentionality with relationality in disciple-making. Which of these areas do you find more challenging, and how can you work on improving it? [43:07]
Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. How might engaging more deeply in mission and disciple-making have helped you during that period? What can you do differently now? [09:46]
Jesus' life exemplifies engaging with the world while maintaining holiness. What specific actions can you take this week to be "in the world but not of it," as you interact with others? [27:20]

Sermon Clips

Jesus is the visible image of the invisible God, the perfect picture of the Unseen God, the embodiment of what divine Holiness looks like in human form. Jesus is the standard of our sanctification. Jesus is the one in whom and through whom and for whom all things were created. [00:01:19]

Jesus is the one who's before all things; in Jesus, all things hold together, including our energetic pursuit of godliness and Holiness in sanctification. Jesus is the head of the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent for his glory. [00:02:23]

Getting on board with God's Global mission may be the very thing to get you over the hurdles in your stalled sanctification. Have you considered that perhaps your spiritual sluggishness might be because you're keeping your distance from the missional front lines? [00:09:31]

When these lethargic Believers break out of spiritual isolation and meet some non-believers, something incredible begins to happen. As they experience the high stakes conversations that tend to happen with unchurched people, they begin to notice a sort of inner renewal taking place. [00:11:25]

True compassion takes great risk to enter Darkness to bring light to others, knowing that any compromise of the light is a muting of the very thing they need to be rescued. It happens through sustained intentionality and an attention to connect with non-believers where they are. [00:16:32]

Befriending sinners for the right reasons is a product of true Holiness, not an obstacle to it. In other words, true Holiness befriends Sinners, and I'm getting that from the life of Jesus. Here's Matthew 11:19. There Jesus calls himself a friend of tax collectors and sinners. [00:19:59]

Jesus is not going with the flow; he's not trying to get in with the hip crowd. He's not just looking for a good time, not trying to drown his sorrows. He's not just tagging along for the Social Scene or to grow his reputation. There's no passivity in Jesus' approach. [00:21:04]

Jesus' followers are not only crucified to the world but raised to New Life and sent back in to rescue others with this message of his gospel. Christians are not of this world but sent into it. Maybe you've heard the phrase "in but not of." [00:27:20]

The starting place in the way of Jesus, the way Jesus is figuring things in John 17, is that his disciples are not of the world. They have embraced him; they have been given a new heart by the Holy Spirit. They are believing in him; they have been set apart. [00:30:38]

Disciple making is the process in which a maturing believer invests himself for a particular period of time in one or just a few younger Believers in order to help their growth in the faith and to teach them to invest themselves in others who will invest in others. [00:38:56]

Disciple making will make you feel like a failure and teach you to lean more on Jesus in his grace. To be a good discipler, you have to learn how to deal well with failure. In the Christian way to deal well with failure is to take it to the cross. [00:47:58]

Jesus, the Sovereign wine of Colossians 1 and of Matthew 28, who promises that he will build his church, loves to fulfill his Great Commission with half-baked substandard disciple making because it makes him look good as the power for the Great Commission, not us feeble failing disciplers. [00:49:33]

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Jesus: The Cornerstone of Sanctification and Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Cornerstone of Our Sanctification

Day 2: Mission as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth

Day 3: Disciple-Making as Mutual Growth

Day 4: Holiness and Engagement with the World

Day 5: Reliance on Jesus in Disciple-Making

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Jesus: The Cornerstone of Sanctification and Mission

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