Journey of Discipleship: Stages, Community, and Growth

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Discipleship Stage

Understanding where you are in your discipleship journey is crucial for spiritual growth. Each stage, whether observing, participating, leading with support, or leading independently, offers unique opportunities and challenges. By embracing your current stage, you can focus on the specific lessons and experiences that are most relevant to your spiritual development at this time. This approach allows for a more tailored and effective growth process, ensuring that you are neither overwhelmed by tasks that are too advanced nor held back by tasks that no longer challenge you. Recognize and celebrate the stage you are in, as each phase is a step towards deeper faith and greater responsibility in the Kingdom of God. [08:36]

Ephesians 4:11-13: "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."

Reflection: What specific challenges and opportunities does your current discipleship stage present to you today?

Day 2: Community as a Catalyst for Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth flourishes in a community setting where you can share experiences, challenges, and victories with others who are also on a journey of following Jesus. This communal aspect provides support, accountability, and a shared sense of purpose, which are all essential for sustaining and advancing your spiritual journey. Engaging actively with your community allows you to witness the diverse ways in which God works in different lives, which can inspire and challenge you to deepen your own faith. Remember, the Christian walk was never meant to be a solitary endeavor; it thrives on mutual encouragement and collective growth. [13:33]

1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."

Reflection: How can you engage more deeply with your spiritual community this week to foster mutual growth?

Day 3: Adapting Discipleship to Our Times

The context in which we live greatly influences how we practice and perceive discipleship. Being sensitive to the cultural and societal nuances of our times can help us better apply Jesus's teachings in ways that are relevant and impactful. This adaptation requires an understanding of both the timeless truths of the gospel and the specific challenges and opportunities of our contemporary world. By doing so, we can effectively bridge the gap between ancient biblical texts and modern-day applications, making the Christian faith a vibrant and relevant part of our daily lives. [11:57]

1 Chronicles 12:32: "Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, two hundred chiefs, and all their kinsmen under their command."

Reflection: What is one way you can better adapt the teachings of Jesus to your specific cultural or societal context?

Day 4: The Power of Incremental Spiritual Growth

Discipleship is a journey of becoming progressively more like Jesus, which involves regular, small steps that accumulate over time. This incremental growth is crucial because it acknowledges that spiritual maturity does not happen overnight but is a gradual process. Embrace the small steps of reading scripture, praying, serving others, and practicing spiritual disciplines. These daily actions, though they may seem small, are the building blocks of a robust spiritual life. Be patient with yourself and trust in the slow, transformative work of God in your life. [15:06]

Luke 13:20-21: "And again he said, 'To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.'"

Reflection: What small step can you take today that will contribute to your spiritual growth?

Day 5: Engaging in Kingdom Work in All Seasons

No matter what season of life you are in, there is always an opportunity to engage in the work of the Kingdom. Whether you are a busy parent, a student, or in a demanding career, you can find ways to integrate the practices of Jesus into your daily life and interactions. This might look like sharing a word of encouragement, offering to pray for someone, or simply modeling kindness and patience. Each season brings its own unique opportunities to live out your faith in practical ways, contributing to the spread of the Kingdom in diverse environments. [16:39]

Colossians 4:5-6: "Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

Reflection: What is one way you can participate in Kingdom work in your current season of life?

Sermon Summary

In today's sermon, we explored the profound journey of discipleship, reflecting on the pattern Jesus established for his followers. This pattern, deeply rooted in the apprenticeship model, involves four stages: observing, participating, leading with support, and finally leading independently. This model not only emphasizes the gradual progression from learning to leading but also underscores the importance of active participation in the transformative work of the Kingdom of God.

We began by examining the initial call of the disciples by the Sea of Galilee, where ordinary individuals responded to Jesus's invitation to follow him. This call was not just to observe but to engage deeply and personally in the work of the Kingdom. As we traced the narrative through the Gospel of Matthew, we saw how these followers were gradually equipped to carry out tasks such as preaching, healing, and confronting spiritual darkness, all integral aspects of Jesus's ministry.

The climax of this narrative is found in the Great Commission (Matthew 28), where Jesus, having fully prepared his disciples, sends them out with the authority to continue his work. This commissioning highlights the transition from being apprentices to becoming masters in their own right, tasked with making new disciples and perpetuating the cycle of learning and leading.

Throughout the sermon, we delved into the practical implications of this model for our lives today. We discussed the importance of recognizing our current stage in the discipleship journey and the specific season of life we are in. This understanding helps us to engage appropriately and effectively in the work of the Kingdom, without feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task.

We also tackled the cultural and personal challenges that come with living out our discipleship in a post-Christian society. The call to adapt the teachings and practices of the early church to our contemporary context is crucial for effective ministry and witness in our communities.

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Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the immediate responses of Peter, Andrew, James, and John when Jesus called them by the Sea of Galilee? (Matthew 4:18-22)
How did Jesus demonstrate compassion in Matthew 9:35-38, and what did He instruct His disciples to do in response to the plentiful harvest? (Matthew 9:35-38)
What authority and mission did Jesus give to His disciples in the Great Commission? (Matthew 28:18-20)
According to the sermon, what are the four stages of discipleship in the apprenticeship model? [08:36]

Interpretation Questions

What does the immediate response of the first disciples in Matthew 4:18-22 tell us about the nature of Jesus's call and the commitment required to follow Him?
How does Jesus's compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:35-38 reflect His heart for ministry, and what does this imply about our role as His followers?
In the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), Jesus commands His disciples to make new disciples. How does this command relate to the stages of discipleship discussed in the sermon? [08:36]
The sermon mentioned the importance of recognizing our current stage in the discipleship journey. How can understanding our stage help us engage more effectively in the work of the Kingdom? [13:33]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current stage of discipleship. Are you observing, participating, leading with support, or leading independently? How can you embrace and grow in this stage? [08:36]
The sermon emphasized the role of community in spiritual growth. How can you actively engage with your church community to support and be supported in your discipleship journey? [13:33]
Considering the cultural and personal challenges mentioned in the sermon, what are some innovative ways you can adapt Jesus's teachings to your contemporary context? [11:57]
Discipleship involves incremental growth. What small, regular steps can you take this week to become more like Jesus? [15:06]
No matter what season of life you are in, there is always a way to participate in the work of the Kingdom. Identify one specific way you can integrate the practices of Jesus into your daily life this week. [16:39]
The sermon discussed the importance of knowing your stage of discipleship and the season of life you are in. How can you make peace with your current season and still find ways to engage in Kingdom work? [16:39]
What is one simple way you can begin to imitate Jesus this week, such as inviting a neighbor over for dinner or praying for a co-worker? How can you lean into the Holy Spirit's power to help you in this? [19:51]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes Geared for Outreach and Evangelism

1. "In our journey to live a Jesus-shaped life, we've wrestled together with the deep soul-stirring question of, what does it mean to follow Jesus? This is the heartbeat of our exploration here at South Reno, rooted in a three-fold goal, to be with Jesus, to become like Jesus, and to undertake the very work that he did. It's our blueprint for discipleship, our map for the adventure of a lifetime." [01:38](Download raw clip | | )

2. "Imagine now, what would happen if our church became known as a community that practiced radical hospitality? What if we had a reputation of welcoming in the lonely and isolated, eating with those far from God, and demonstrating a whole new way to be human? I think it would be compelling." [19:51]( | | )

3. "Now, how do you do that? You listen to the Holy Spirit. You listen to the community around you. Know your stage of discipleship and your seasons of life and make peace with it." [18:10]( | | )

### Quotes Geared for Members Reminding Them of Key Points

1. "You never graduate past abiding nor changing anymore. You're constantly moving forward in change. And the Holy Spirit is constantly changing you, calling you out, stirring you to go out and do what Jesus did. So the important thing is to know what stage you are in, in your apprenticeship to Jesus right at this moment." [15:06]( | | )

2. "Now, lastly, don't underestimate the power of just practicing the way of Jesus in community. First Peter gives us a simple starting point. People who do not believe are living all around you and might say that you are doing wrong. Live such lives that they see the good things you do and will give glory to God when Christ comes again." [19:51]( | | )

3. "The reality is that some of you just started following Jesus. Or you're just now starting to take on the practices of Jesus. Or you're just now starting to hear God's voice for the first time. And you're just now starting to take on the others of you have had that down and you're starting to look and you're starting to really change." [16:39]( | | )

4. "This is the exact same pattern that we see Jesus map out one story at a time. It means the end goal of discipleship to Jesus is to do what he did. This is a real simple idea that honestly a ton of people, I think in particular in the West, we miss." [10:13]( | | )

5. "Here's my working definition of church. A community of followers of Jesus, seeking to rediscover the teachings of Jesus and the practices of the early church, and apply them to the soil of a post-Christian world. You could say our church is a living laboratory, trying to figure out how do we follow Jesus, be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do what he did in the corrosive soil of our community." [11:57]( | | )

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