Knowledge: The Foundation of Faith and Discipleship

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound relationship between knowledge and faith, emphasizing the necessity of knowledge in the life of a disciple. We began by reflecting on the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins, which beautifully illustrates the presence of God in the world and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. This sets the stage for understanding how knowledge plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey.

Knowledge is often misunderstood or undervalued in the context of faith. Many people perceive faith as a leap into the unknown, but biblical faith is always grounded in knowledge. The prophet Hosea reminds us that "my people perish for lack of knowledge," highlighting the importance of understanding in our spiritual lives. Knowledge and faith are not opposing forces; rather, they complement each other. Faith is not a blind leap but a step taken with the assurance of what we know about God and His promises.

We discussed the distinction between knowledge, belief, commitment, and profession. Knowledge provides the foundation for belief, which in turn informs our commitment and profession of faith. Without knowledge, our beliefs can be ungrounded and our commitments wavering. As disciples, we are called to act on the basis of what we know, and through our actions, our faith and knowledge grow.

The process of making disciples involves imparting knowledge of Christ and His teachings. This requires us to have a deep understanding of the gospel and to communicate it effectively. Discipleship is not merely about professing faith but about living it out through informed action. It is about being with Jesus, learning to be like Him, and arranging our lives to reflect His teachings.

In conclusion, knowledge is essential for spiritual growth and discipleship. It empowers us to act with confidence and to guide others in their journey of faith. As we seek to make disciples, let us prioritize knowledge, ensuring that our faith is rooted in a deep understanding of God's truth.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Interplay of Knowledge and Faith: Faith is not a blind leap but is deeply rooted in knowledge. Biblical faith is always in an environment of knowledge, as seen in the lives of figures like Abraham and Job, who acted on the basis of their understanding of God. [07:42]

2. The Role of Knowledge in Discipleship: Knowledge is foundational for making disciples. It provides the right and responsibility to act, direct action, and teach. Without knowledge, our beliefs and commitments can be unstable. [19:32]

3. Understanding Belief and Profession: Belief is relative and can be ungrounded, while knowledge is based on truth and evidence. Profession without belief or knowledge can lead to a superficial faith that lacks depth and commitment. [24:55]

4. The Importance of Spiritual Formation: Discipleship involves a commitment to spiritual formation, which is a communal process. It requires a vision of the gospel that motivates us to be with Jesus and learn to be like Him. [41:38]

5. Teaching Obedience to Christ's Teachings: To teach others to follow Jesus, they must first be disciples. This involves understanding the gospel, making a commitment, and arranging one's life to align with Jesus' teachings. [50:41]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:24] - Gerard Manley Hopkins' Poetry
- [01:26] - Christ's Presence in Our Lives
- [02:14] - The Role of Knowledge
- [03:23] - Knowledge vs. Faith
- [05:24] - Commitment and Profession
- [07:42] - Biblical Faith and Knowledge
- [10:32] - Faith as a Gift
- [13:32] - Knowledge and Truth
- [19:32] - Knowledge in Discipleship
- [24:55] - Belief and Profession
- [31:18] - Spiritual Formation
- [41:38] - Communal Discipleship
- [50:41] - Teaching Obedience to Christ
- [59:09] - Discipleship and Commitment

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

1. Hosea 4:6 - "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge."
2. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
3. James 2:17 - "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the sermon describe the relationship between knowledge and faith? [06:22]
2. What role does knowledge play in the process of making disciples according to the sermon? [19:32]
3. How does the sermon differentiate between belief and profession? [24:55]
4. What is the significance of spiritual formation in discipleship as discussed in the sermon? [41:38]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that biblical faith is grounded in knowledge rather than being a blind leap? [07:03]
2. How does the sermon explain the importance of having a deep understanding of the gospel for effective discipleship? [19:32]
3. What are the potential consequences of having a profession of faith without true belief or knowledge, according to the sermon? [24:55]
4. How does the sermon describe the communal aspect of spiritual formation in the context of discipleship? [41:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you acted on faith. Was your decision based on knowledge of God's promises, or was it more of a leap into the unknown? How did that impact the outcome? [07:03]
2. Consider your current understanding of the gospel. How might deepening your knowledge of it affect your ability to disciple others? [19:32]
3. Think about your own profession of faith. Are there areas where your beliefs might be ungrounded or superficial? How can you work towards a more informed and committed faith? [24:55]
4. In what ways can you engage in communal spiritual formation within your church or small group? How can this enhance your discipleship journey? [41:38]
5. Identify one area of your life where you feel your faith is wavering. How can you seek knowledge to strengthen your belief and commitment in that area? [26:20]
6. How can you arrange your daily life to better reflect the teachings of Jesus and grow as His disciple? What practical steps can you take this week? [47:21]
7. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from discipleship. How can you share your knowledge of Christ with them in a meaningful way? [19:32]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?