The Journey of Discipleship: Making Biblical Disciples

Devotional

Day 1: The Power and Message of the Cross

The message of the cross may seem foolish to those who do not believe, but for those who have faith, it is the very power of God that brings salvation and transformation. Through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we are no longer bound by the insufficiency of old rituals or sacrifices; instead, we are covered by His blood and set free from sin. This truth is not just a doctrine to be learned but a reality to be lived out, as the cross stands at the center of our hope, forgiveness, and new life. Embrace the power of the cross today, knowing that it is God’s wisdom and strength for you. [28:31]

1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV)
“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to rely on the power of the cross rather than your own strength or wisdom today?

Day 2: The Call to Make Biblical Disciples

God’s will for His church is clear: we are called to make biblical disciples, not just gather or create programs, but to intentionally follow Jesus, be changed by Him, and join Him in His mission. The church’s true “product” is disciples—people who are transformed and sent out to reach others. Every decision, every gathering, and every relationship in the church should point toward this purpose. Ask yourself if you are truly living as a disciple and helping others to do the same, remembering that this is the heartbeat of God’s will for His people. [34:16]

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 is one person God is prompting you to intentionally disciple or encourage in their walk with Christ this week?

Day 3: The Importance of Spiritual Relationships and Mentorship

Discipleship flourishes in the context of genuine relationships, just as Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila journeyed together, mentoring and supporting one another in faith. True spiritual family means caring for each other’s struggles, opening up our groups to new people, and being willing to both teach and be taught. God uses these relationships to expand His kingdom, and sometimes He even moves us out of our comfort zones so that we can reach more people for Christ. Don’t settle for cliques or closed circles—embrace the call to mentor, be mentored, and welcome others into God’s family. [39:53]

Acts 18:24-26 (ESV)
“Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”

Reflection: Is there someone in your church or small group you can invite into deeper fellowship or spiritual mentorship this week?

Day 4: Life Is a Temporary Assignment—Live for God’s Purpose

This life is not our permanent home; it is a temporary assignment given by God, and our true purpose is to follow Jesus and make disciples. While it’s natural to desire comfort, possessions, or stability, these things are fleeting compared to the eternal calling God has placed on your life. Don’t be fooled into living only for what is temporary—anchor your heart in God’s will, which is to be transformed by Christ and to help others know Him. Remember, everything in this world will pass, but what you do for God’s kingdom will last forever. [45:51]

James 4:14 (ESV)
“Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.”

Reflection: What is one temporary thing you are holding onto that you need to surrender to God’s eternal purpose for your life?

Day 5: God’s Presence and Power Are With You Always

No matter where you go or what challenges you face, God’s promise is that He is with you—His presence and power are your constant companions. Even when the enemy tries to discourage or distract you, God’s Word is stronger, and His Spirit empowers you to live victoriously. As you gather with other believers and step out in faith, trust that Jesus is with you, guiding, strengthening, and blessing you for the journey ahead. Hold on to His promises and let His presence give you courage to keep moving forward in your calling. [52:57]

Matthew 18:20 (ESV)
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally remind yourself of God’s presence with you in both ordinary and challenging moments today?

Sermon Summary

Napakabuti ng Diyos na tayo ay muling nagtipon upang sumamba at magpuri sa Kanya. Sa bawat pagtitipon natin, ipinapaalala ng Panginoon na ang ating lakbay bilang mga alagad ay hindi madali, ngunit ito ay simple—sumunod kay Kristo, magbago kay Kristo, at sumama sa misyon ni Kristo. Ang ating buhay ay puno ng pagsubok, sakit, at mga alalahanin, ngunit sa bawat yugto, ang biyaya at kapangyarihan ng Diyos ang nagbibigay sa atin ng lakas at pag-asa. Sa pamamagitan ng Kanyang salita, tayo ay napapalaya mula sa takot, pag-aalala, at bigat ng buhay. Ang ating tagumpay ay hindi nakasalalay sa ating sariling kakayahan, kundi sa katotohanang kasama natin ang Diyos at ang Kanyang Espiritu.

Ang ating pagkakapatiran sa pananampalataya ay higit pa sa simpleng pagkakaibigan. Tinawag tayo upang mahalin at alagaan ang isa’t isa bilang tunay na magkakapatid kay Kristo. Ang bawat isyu at pasanin ng isa ay dapat ding maging pasanin ng lahat, sapagkat tayo ay iisang katawan. Ang layunin ng iglesya ay hindi lang magtipon, kundi gumawa ng mga alagad—mga taong sumusunod, binabago, at sumasama sa misyon ni Kristo. Hindi tayo tinawag upang maging “sari-sari store” na gumagawa ng lahat ng bagay, kundi upang maging tapat sa paggawa ng mga alagad ayon sa Salita ng Diyos.

Sa kwento nina Paul, Priscilla, at Aquila, nakita natin ang kahalagahan ng mentorship at pagpapasa ng pananampalataya. Hindi sapat na tayo-tayo lang ang magkakasama; kailangan nating magbukas ng bagong relasyon, magturo, at magpalago ng iba. Ang tunay na alagad ay handang magpalaya, magturo, at magpadala ng iba upang mas lumawak ang kaharian ng Diyos. Tulad ni Apollos na tinuruan nina Priscilla at Aquila, bawat isa sa atin ay may papel na ginagampanan sa pagpapalaganap ng ebanghelyo. Ang buhay natin dito sa mundo ay pansamantala lamang, ngunit ang misyon ng paggawa ng alagad ay may pangwalang hanggan na epekto.

Ang pangako ni Jesus ay kasama natin Siya hanggang sa katapusan ng panahon. Kaya’t huwag tayong tumigil. Patuloy tayong magpalakas, magtulungan, at gumawa ng mga alagad. Ito ang ating layunin, ito ang ating misyon, at ito ang kalooban ng Diyos para sa atin.

Key Takeaways

1. Brotherhood means shared burdens and care Ang tunay na kapatiran sa pananampalataya ay hindi lang pagkakaibigan, kundi pagbabahagi ng mga pasanin at tagumpay. Kapag ang isyu ng isa ay isyu ng lahat, nagkakaroon ng tunay na malasakit at pagmamahalan. Ito ang larawan ng iglesya na buhay at tapat sa tawag ng Diyos—isang pamilya na nagdadamayan at nagmamalasakit, hindi lang sa salita kundi sa gawa. [32:58]
2. The church’s sole product is disciples Ang iglesya ay hindi tinawag upang maging “sari-sari store” na gumagawa ng lahat ng bagay. Ang tanging layunin at bunga ng iglesya ay ang paggawa ng mga alagad ni Kristo. Lahat ng desisyon, gawain, at programa ay dapat nakatuon sa layuning ito. Kapag malinaw ang direksyon, nagkakaroon ng lalim at saysay ang bawat ginagawa natin para sa Diyos. [35:53]
3. Mentorship and multiplication are essential Ang kwento nina Paul, Priscilla, at Aquila ay nagpapakita ng kahalagahan ng mentorship at pagpapasa ng pananampalataya. Hindi tayo nilikha upang manatili lang sa komportableng grupo; tinawag tayong magbukas ng bagong relasyon at magturo ng iba. Sa ganitong paraan, lumalawak ang kaharian ng Diyos at mas maraming buhay ang naaabot ng ebanghelyo. [39:53]
4. God’s will is for us to be disciples Ang kalooban ng Diyos ay hindi lang para sa ating personal na tagumpay, kundi para tayo ay maging tunay na alagad ni Kristo. Ang pagsunod, pagbabago, at pagsama sa misyon ni Jesus ang sentro ng ating buhay. Ang mga bagay sa mundo ay pansamantala, ngunit ang pagiging alagad ay may pangwalang hanggan na halaga. [45:51]
5. Jesus is with us until the end Ang pangako ni Jesus ay hindi Niya tayo iiwan o pababayaan. Sa bawat pagsubok, tagumpay, at misyon, kasama natin Siya. Ang presensya Niya ang nagbibigay ng lakas at katiyakan na ang ating paggawa ng alagad ay hindi mawawalan ng saysay. Panghawakan natin ang Kanyang salita at pangako, sapagkat Siya ay tapat magpakailanman. [52:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:47] - Announcements and December Plans
[07:08] - Friday Online Group Update
[07:39] - Call to Worship and Heart Check
[08:32] - Opening Prayer and Blessing
[09:45] - Intercession for Healing and Restoration
[24:15] - The Power of God’s Word
[26:39] - Communion and Presence of Christ
[27:12] - The Ultimate Sacrifice Explained
[28:31] - The Message of the Cross
[30:18] - Discipleship Journey Continues
[31:59] - Brotherhood and Shared Burdens
[33:39] - The Church’s Purpose: Making Disciples
[35:53] - The Church’s True Product
[39:53] - Mentorship and Multiplication
[45:51] - God’s Will and Temporary Life
[47:03] - Apollos and the Power of Teaching
[50:36] - Biblical Discipleship in Action
[52:57] - Jesus’ Promise and Our Mission

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 18:18-28 (ESV) — 18 After this, Paul stayed many days longer and then took leave of the brothers and set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae he had cut his hair, for he was under a vow.
19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.
21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.
23 After spending some time there, he departed and went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.
25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.
27 And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed,
28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV) — 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
19 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,
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Observation Questions

Ano ang naging papel nina Priscilla at Aquila sa buhay at ministeryo ni Paul, base sa Acts 18:18-28? ([36:47])
Paano tinulungan nina Priscilla at Aquila si Apollos, at ano ang naging epekto nito sa pagpapalaganap ng ebanghelyo? ([47:03])
Ayon sa sermon, ano ang pangunahing “produkto” o layunin ng iglesya? ([35:53])
Ano ang ipinangako ni Jesus sa Matthew 28:20 tungkol sa Kanyang presensya sa mga alagad? ([51:51])

Interpretation Questions

Bakit mahalaga na ang bawat miyembro ng iglesia ay hindi lang basta magkakaibigan, kundi tunay na magkakapatid na nagbabahagi ng pasanin at tagumpay? ([32:58])
Ano ang ibig sabihin ng “mentorship” at “multiplication” sa konteksto ng kwento nina Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, at Apollos? Paano ito naiiba sa simpleng pagsasama-sama lang ng magkakaibigan? ([39:53])
Sa sermon, binanggit na ang buhay sa mundo ay “pansamantala” at ang misyon ng paggawa ng alagad ay may “pangwalang hanggan na epekto.” Paano dapat nito baguhin ang ating priorities at pananaw sa buhay? ([45:51])
Paano nagbibigay ng lakas at katiyakan ang pangako ni Jesus na “kasama Niya tayo hanggang sa katapusan ng panahon” sa ating pagsunod at paggawa ng alagad? ([52:57])

Application Questions

Sa iyong sariling buhay, paano mo nararanasan ang tunay na kapatiran sa pananampalataya? May mga pagkakataon ba na naging “pasanin” mo ang problema ng iba, o naibahagi mo ang sarili mong pasanin? Ano ang naging epekto nito sa iyo at sa kanila? ([32:58])
Ang iglesya ay hindi “sari-sari store” na gumagawa ng lahat ng bagay, kundi tinawag para gumawa ng mga alagad. Sa anong paraan mo nakikita ang sarili mong partisipasyon sa paggawa ng alagad sa loob o labas ng church? ([35:53])
May mga tao ba sa paligid mo na nangangailangan ng mentorship o pagtuturo tungkol sa pananampalataya? Ano ang isang konkretong hakbang na pwede mong gawin para magbukas ng bagong relasyon o magturo ng iba, tulad ng ginawa nina Priscilla at Aquila kay Apollos? ([47:03])
Sa mga desisyon at plano mo sa buhay, paano mo sinusuri kung ito ay ayon sa “kalooban ng Diyos” at nakatuon sa pagiging alagad ni Kristo? May mga bagay ba na kailangan mong baguhin para mas maging sentro si Jesus sa iyong priorities? ([45:51])
Sa panahon ng pagsubok o bigat ng buhay, paano mo pinanghahawakan ang pangako ni Jesus na “kasama Niya tayo hanggang sa katapusan ng panahon”? May specific na sitwasyon ka ba ngayon na gusto mong ipagkatiwala sa Kanya? ([52:57])
Kung ang bawat isyu ng isa ay isyu ng lahat, paano mo maipapakita ang malasakit at pagmamahal sa isang kapatid sa pananampalataya ngayong linggo? Magbigay ng isang practical na halimbawa na pwede mong gawin. ([32:58])
Ano ang isang bagay na natutunan mo mula sa kwento nina Paul, Priscilla, Aquila, at Apollos na gusto mong i-apply sa iyong spiritual journey ngayong buwan? ([47:03])

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The Journey of Discipleship: Making Biblical Disciples | November 23, 2025