Journey of Discipleship: Connect, Cultivate, Contribute
Summary
In the exploration of spiritual growth and discipleship, the focus is on the transformative journey of becoming fully devoted followers of Jesus. This journey is not exclusive to those with theological education or long-standing Christian experience; it is a universal call to all individuals, regardless of their background or tenure in faith. The process of discipleship is most effective within the context of relationships, aligning with the mission to assist ordinary people in their spiritual development.
The vision for the upcoming years is encapsulated in three core elements: connecting with God and others in genuine community, cultivating spiritual maturity at every stage of life, and contributing to God's kingdom. These elements are referred to as the three C's of discipleship: connect, cultivate, and contribute. This vision is not merely a catchy phrase but is deeply rooted in biblical principles.
The biblical foundation for this vision is exemplified in the calling of Jesus' first disciples, as narrated in Matthew chapter 4. Jesus invites Simon Peter and Andrew to follow Him, promising to transform them into fishers of men. This invitation to discipleship is a process that begins with a connection to Jesus, followed by spiritual growth and culminating in active contribution to God's work.
The journey of discipleship is likened to learning a language, where one starts as a spiritual infant, learning through connection with others. As one practices and grows, they eventually become capable of teaching others, thus contributing to the broader community. This process is gradual and often occurs within the context of a community, much like how one learns to drive a car with the guidance and support of others.
The initial step in discipleship is connecting with Jesus and others. This connection is not a one-time event but an ongoing relationship. The primary call is not to do something for Jesus but to be with Him, emphasizing the importance of intimacy with God over mere task completion. This connection is the foundation for spiritual growth and service.
Cultivating spiritual maturity is the next step, where individuals are encouraged to grow in their faith and character. This growth is not a measure of God's love, as His love remains constant regardless of one's spiritual maturity. However, God desires for individuals to grow closer to Him, transforming into what He has already declared them to be—righteous. This transformation is a slow and sometimes clumsy process, akin to a Crockpot rather than a microwave, requiring patience and time.
The final aspect of the vision is contributing to God's kingdom. Individuals are created with unique gifts and talents, intended to be used for the benefit of others and the advancement of God's work. The goal is not to become spiritually mature and then remain inactive but to use one's transformed life to make a difference in the world.
In summary, the vision for spiritual growth involves a holistic approach to discipleship, starting with a personal connection with Jesus, growing in spiritual maturity, and actively contributing to God's kingdom. This journey is a communal process, where individuals support and learn from one another, ultimately leading to a life of purpose and service.
Key Takeaways:
- Discipleship is a universal calling that transcends educational background or duration of faith. It is a journey best navigated within the context of relationships, where individuals can support and learn from one another as they grow closer to God and each other. [05:02]
- The process of becoming a devoted follower of Jesus is gradual and requires patience, much like the slow cooking of a Crockpot. Spiritual maturity is not a quick fix but a lifelong journey of transformation, where individuals become what God has already declared them to be. [17:35]
- The primary call in one's spiritual life is to be with Jesus, not just to do things for Him. Intimacy with God is foundational, and from this relationship flows the desire and ability to serve and contribute to His kingdom. [10:32]
- Each person is uniquely equipped with gifts and talents meant to be used in service to others. The body of Christ is diverse, and when each member contributes their abilities, the church functions effectively and beautifully, reflecting God's design for community. [25:04]
- The vision of connecting, cultivating, and contributing is not just a conceptual framework but a practical approach to discipleship. It calls for active engagement in one's faith journey, encouraging individuals to not only grow personally but also to impact the world around them. [29:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 4:18-20 (ESV)
> "While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him."
2. Mark 3:13-14 (ESV)
> "And he went up on the mountain and called to him those whom he desired, and they came to him. And he appointed twelve (whom he also named apostles) so that they might be with him and he might send them out to preach."
3. Colossians 3:10 (ESV)
> "And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."
#### Observation Questions
1. What were Simon Peter and Andrew doing when Jesus called them to follow Him? (Matthew 4:18-20)
2. According to Mark 3:13-14, what was the primary reason Jesus called the twelve apostles?
3. In Colossians 3:10, what does Paul say about the new self and its renewal process?
4. How does the sermon describe the process of becoming a fully devoted follower of Jesus? ([04:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "follow" Jesus according to the context of Matthew 4:18-20? How does this initial call relate to the concept of discipleship?
2. How does the idea of being with Jesus before being sent out to preach (Mark 3:13-14) emphasize the importance of relationship in discipleship? ([09:17])
3. What does Paul mean by "putting on the new self" in Colossians 3:10, and how does this relate to the sermon’s analogy of spiritual growth being like a Crockpot rather than a microwave? ([17:35])
4. How does the sermon’s vision of "connect, cultivate, and contribute" align with the biblical passages discussed? ([05:39])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. Do you feel more like you are "doing things for Jesus" or "being with Jesus"? How can you shift towards a deeper intimacy with Him this week? ([10:32])
2. Think about your spiritual growth journey. Are there areas where you have been impatient, expecting quick results? How can you embrace a more patient, Crockpot-like approach to your spiritual maturity? ([17:35])
3. Identify one way you can connect more deeply with your church community. Is there a small group or ministry you can join to foster genuine relationships? ([12:18])
4. What unique gifts and talents do you believe God has given you? How can you use these to contribute to His kingdom in a practical way this month? ([23:06])
5. Have you ever experienced "roommate syndrome" in your relationship with God, where your interactions feel more like business transactions than a loving relationship? What steps can you take to rekindle that initial passion and intimacy? ([12:49])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually stagnant. What changes did you make, or can you make, to cultivate ongoing spiritual growth? ([19:06])
7. How can you actively engage in making disciples in your daily life? Identify one person you can mentor or share your faith journey with this week. ([21:37])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Universal Discipleship
Discipleship is an inclusive journey, inviting everyone to grow closer to God, regardless of their prior knowledge or experience with faith. It emphasizes the importance of community and relationships in fostering spiritual development, recognizing that growth occurs best when shared with others. This journey is not a solitary endeavor but a collective pursuit of deeper connection with the divine. [05:02]
Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: Who has been instrumental in your spiritual journey, and how can you foster relationships that encourage mutual growth in discipleship?
Day 2: Patience in Spiritual Formation
The path to spiritual maturity is a gradual and patient process, akin to the slow and intentional cooking of a Crockpot. It is a journey that requires time, dedication, and the understanding that transformation into what God has declared us to be unfolds over a lifetime. This process is not about instant results but about steady, faithful growth in character and faith. [17:35]
James 1:4 - "Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to exercise more patience to allow God's transformative work to mature you spiritually?
Day 3: Intimacy with God as Foundation
The essence of spiritual life is not found in the multitude of tasks done for Jesus but in cultivating a deep and personal relationship with Him. Intimacy with God is the bedrock upon which all aspects of service and discipleship are built. From this close relationship flows the strength and inspiration to serve and contribute meaningfully to His kingdom. [10:32]
Psalm 42:1-2 - "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?"
Reflection: How can you prioritize your relationship with Jesus today to deepen your intimacy with Him?
Day 4: Uniquely Gifted for Service
Each individual is uniquely crafted with gifts and talents that are meant to be used in service to others. The body of Christ thrives when each member contributes their abilities, allowing the church to function effectively and beautifully. This diversity in gifting reflects God's design for a vibrant and supportive community. [25:04]
1 Peter 4:10 - "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."
Reflection: What unique gifts or talents do you possess, and how can you use them this week to serve others in your community?
Day 5: Engaged in Active Discipleship
The vision of connecting, cultivating, and contributing calls for an active engagement in one's faith journey. It is a practical approach that encourages individuals not only to grow personally but also to impact the world around them. This vision is about living out one's faith in tangible ways that demonstrate the love and power of God's kingdom. [29:46]
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can actively engage in your faith journey this week to make a positive impact on those around you?
Quotes
1) "God desires for us to connect with him and with others. Like yes, there is a place for Spiritual formation, there is a place for Hands-On action, but before any of that, the starting place is that we connect with God intimately and personally." [12:18]
2) "The primary call on my life is not to do something for Jesus, it is to be with Jesus. The primary call on your life is not to do something for Jesus, it is to be with Jesus." [10:32]
3) "Often growing in Christ is a slow and clumsy process. Discipleship and following Jesus is more of a Crockpot than a microwave." [17:02]
4) "God desires to cultivate spiritual maturity in our lives. That's the next idea, that God desires to see that sort of transformation happen." [16:30]
5) "God desires for us to become contributors in his kingdom. God made us to contribute with our time, with our talent, and with our Treasures." [23:06]
6) "We all start out as spiritual infants... how do we learn to do this thing called the Christian Life? Well, it starts by connecting with others... then through practicing and repetition, and through humility, we grow." [27:12]
7) "Our mission is to help ordinary people become fully devoted followers of Jesus. That's the what, how are we going to do that?... It's in this direction... to connect people with God and others in genuine Community." [05:02]
8) "Jesus says follow me and I will make you Fishers of Men. Connect, cultivate, contribute. Let's look at that first one, Jesus says follow me, what he wants is he wants them to connect with him." [08:42]
9) "God says I've got so much more for you. Now again, often growing, growing in Christ is a slow and clumsy process. It is a process by which we put on the character of Christ." [17:02]
10) "The Bible says that we are all made with a purpose... the body of Christ is that it is a body where some of us are hands and some of us are eyes and some of us are feet and we come together to make something beautiful." [25:04]
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