Living as Citizens of the Kingdom: Discipleship Focus
Summary
Grant Agler begins by emphasizing the unique identity of Christians as members of the Kingdom of God, which is distinct from any earthly kingdom. He underscores that this kingdom is not of this world, as Jesus declared to Pilate, and that Christians are called to live differently, with different priorities than those commonly pursued in the world. Agler stresses that Christians are citizens of heaven, and their mission on earth is different from worldly pursuits.
The core mission for Christians, as outlined by Jesus in Matthew 28, is to make disciples. This mission is not just for church leaders but for every individual who is part of the Kingdom of God. Agler points out that this mission involves helping to restore relationships with God and spreading the message of Christ. He reassures that in this daunting task, Christians are not alone; Jesus promised to be with them always.
Agler then addresses the issue of what is broken in humanity, which he identifies as sin and disobedience. He asserts that only those who are part of the Kingdom of God truly understand this problem and that Jesus came to solve it by dying for everyone's sins. The solution offered is for individuals to choose and believe in Jesus, leading to a restored relationship with God.
The cultural context in which Christians are to carry out their mission has shifted significantly. Agler describes three cultural eras: pre-Christian, Christian, and post-Christian. In a pre-Christian culture, the gospel spreads rapidly as people hear the message of grace for the first time. In a Christian culture, there is a general acceptance of Christianity and the Bible's authority. However, in a post-Christian culture, which is where Agler believes the United States is heading, the Bible and the church no longer hold the same authority for many people.
Agler warns against two main threats within the church that can lead people astray: progressive theology and Christian nationalism. Progressive theology, according to Agler, avoids identifying sin as the problem with humanity and seeks a utopian society through inclusion, which he argues is not the gospel. Christian nationalism, on the other hand, aims to impose Kingdom values on those who do not believe in Jesus, which Agler also criticizes as missing the true mission of making disciples.
Agler emphasizes the importance of personal discipleship, which involves knowing the fundamentals of faith, being on mission with Christ, and being part of a biblical community. He encourages individuals to focus on these aspects to grow in their relationship with Christ. He also outlines the church's role in supporting this discipleship journey, which includes weekend services, mission teams, and community groups.
In conclusion, Agler calls for a renewed focus on discipleship and making it a priority in the coming year. He invites everyone to participate in an 11-week discipleship journey called Rooted, which aims to help individuals grow in their faith and become disciples who make disciples.
Key Takeaways:
- The identity of a Christian is rooted in being part of a Kingdom that is not of this world, which requires a different set of priorities and a mission that is distinct from earthly pursuits. This understanding is crucial for living out the Christian faith authentically and effectively. [28:04]
- Making disciples is the central mission given by Jesus to all Christians, not just church leaders. This mission involves sharing and living out the gospel, which addresses the core issue of sin in humanity. Understanding and embracing this mission is essential for fulfilling the purpose of the Kingdom of God. [32:32]
- The cultural shift to a post-Christian context requires Christians to adapt their approach to discipleship. The assumption that others share the same values or respect for the Bible is no longer valid, and personal, relational evangelism becomes increasingly important. Christians must be intentional in how they live out and share their faith in this new cultural landscape. [41:21]
- Progressive theology and Christian nationalism are identified as two significant threats that can distort the gospel message within the church. Recognizing and avoiding these distortions is vital for maintaining the integrity of the Christian mission and ensuring that the focus remains on making true disciples of Jesus. [48:13]
- Personal growth in discipleship is a continuous process that involves understanding the fundamentals of faith, engaging in the mission of Christ, and being part of a biblical community. These elements are foundational for a robust and growing relationship with Christ and are necessary for the health and effectiveness of the church. [58:59]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 18:36 - "Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'"
2. Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Matthew 28:18-20 - "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "My kingdom is not of this world" in John 18:36? How does this statement set the tone for Christian identity? [28:04]
2. According to Philippians 3:20, where is the citizenship of Christians, and how should this influence their behavior and priorities? [29:19]
3. In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific mission does Jesus give to His followers, and what assurance does He provide them? [32:32]
4. What are the two main threats within the church that Grant Agler identifies, and how do they distort the gospel message? [48:13]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that Christians are part of a kingdom "not of this world" affect their daily lives and decisions? [28:04]
2. What are the implications of being a "citizen of heaven" in a world that often prioritizes earthly achievements and values? [29:19]
3. How can the mission to "make disciples" be practically carried out in a post-Christian culture where the Bible and church no longer hold the same authority for many people? [41:21]
4. Why is it important to recognize and avoid the distortions of progressive theology and Christian nationalism within the church? [48:13]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: In what ways do you see yourself living as a citizen of heaven rather than a citizen of this world? Are there areas where you need to shift your priorities? [29:19]
2. Jesus calls all Christians to make disciples. Identify one person in your life who you can begin to disciple. What steps will you take this week to start that process? [32:32]
3. Considering the cultural shift to a post-Christian context, how can you adapt your approach to sharing your faith with others who may not respect the Bible or the church? [41:21]
4. Have you encountered progressive theology or Christian nationalism in your church or community? How did it affect your understanding of the gospel, and what steps can you take to ensure your faith remains grounded in biblical truth? [48:13]
5. Personal discipleship involves knowing the fundamentals of faith, being on mission with Christ, and being part of a biblical community. Which of these areas do you need to focus on more in your life, and what specific actions will you take to grow in that area? [58:59]
6. Grant Agler emphasizes the importance of being part of a biblical community. How can you become more involved in your church's community groups or other forms of fellowship? [58:59]
7. Reflect on the idea of being a disciple who makes disciples. What challenges do you face in this mission, and how can you overcome them with the assurance that Jesus is with you always? [33:47]
Devotional
Day 1: Kingdom Identity Transcends Earth
Our identity as Christians is anchored in a heavenly Kingdom, calling us to live with eternal perspectives and divine purposes that contrast with earthly ambitions. This identity shapes our values, decisions, and the way we interact with the world around us. [28:04]
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: How can you align your daily priorities with your identity as a citizen of heaven?
Day 2: Discipleship: A Collective Commission
The mandate to make disciples is not reserved for a select few but is the collective responsibility of all who follow Christ. This mission is about more than just sharing beliefs; it's about transforming lives and restoring broken relationships with God. [32:32]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: Who in your life could you actively mentor or encourage in their spiritual journey this week?
Day 3: Navigating a Post-Christian Society
In a post-Christian era, Christians must rethink how to effectively share the gospel. The cultural shift requires a more relational and personal approach to evangelism, as traditional assumptions about shared values and biblical authority no longer hold. [41:21]
Acts 17:22-23 - "Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: 'People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.'"
Reflection: How can you engage with someone in your community who may have different beliefs or values, and share your faith in a way that is respectful and meaningful?
Day 4: Guarding the Gospel from Distortion
It is crucial to remain vigilant against teachings that distort the gospel, whether it be through progressive theology that dismisses sin or Christian nationalism that misapplies Kingdom values. Upholding the true message of Christ ensures the integrity of our mission. [48:13]
2 Timothy 4:3-4 - "For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths."
Reflection: Have you encountered any teachings or beliefs that seem to distort the gospel message? How can you seek wisdom and discernment to stay true to the core message of Christ?
Day 5: Cultivating Personal Discipleship
Personal discipleship is an ongoing journey that involves deepening one's understanding of faith, actively participating in Christ's mission, and engaging with a biblical community. This process is essential for growth and effectiveness in the Christian life. [58:59]
Ephesians 4:14-15 - "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ."
Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to deepen your personal discipleship and grow in your relationship with Christ?
Quotes
1) "Jesus has all authority in heaven on Earth and... I think what Jesus is saying is you should pay attention to what I say next what he says next is therefore go and make disciples." [32:32] (Download)
2) "The gospel is addressing what's actually broken with humanity... people who are part of the kingdom of God are the only ones who know what's actually wrong with humanity." [34:17] (Download)
3) "We're not called to save America, we are called to make disciples... we can only restore people with their heavenly father and give them eternity forever with him." [52:33] (Download)
4) "Discipleship... it's so simple it's three things: knowing the fundamentals of your faith... being on the same mission that [Christ] is... and community, biblical Community." [55:34] (Download)
5) "You can't grow in a relationship with Christ, you can't grow deeper in your faith if you're not on the same mission that he is." [57:15] (Download)
6) "We have the only mission that matters because we focus on the spirit which lives forever and ever." [59:31] (Download)
7) "The purpose of weekends is... to hit the fundamentals... I am committed to punching you in the mouth every weekend with the gospel and hitting flush for you." [01:00:41] (Download)
8) "Our strategy is you... the kingdom workers are going to have to be Kingdom workers and you're going to have to step into uncomfortable conversations." [43:51] (Download)
9) "The only reason that church leaders exist is to equip you guys to be better disciples... my job is to make sure that you are growing in your relationship with Christ." [45:39] (Download)
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