Living as True Disciples: Surrender, Spirit, and Eternity
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus, not just in name or religious activity, but in a life that is fully surrendered and aligned with Christ. Looking back on the journey of our church—from a vision in an empty field nearly 30 years ago to a thriving community today—I am reminded that God delights in using ordinary, even broken people to accomplish extraordinary things. The heart of following Jesus is not about holding onto our own plans or simply identifying as “spiritual,” but about daily laying down our own way, taking up our cross, and embracing His call.
We revisited the events of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit was poured out and the church was born. Jesus’ command to His disciples was clear: wait for the power of the Holy Spirit, then go and be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This power is not just for the apostles or the early church, but for every believer today. It is the Spirit who enables us to live victoriously, to share our faith boldly, and to walk in true freedom.
Peter’s sermon on Pentecost laid out a simple but profound pattern: repent, be baptized, receive the Holy Spirit, and be planted in the community of believers. Repentance is more than a feeling—it’s a turning of heart and mind that leads to real change. Baptism is a public declaration and a spiritual act where our old life is buried and we rise to new life in Christ. The gift of the Holy Spirit empowers us to live beyond our own strength, and being part of a local church roots us in the support and accountability we need to flourish.
Ultimately, the call is to live as true disciples—serving, giving, and reaching others for Jesus. Life is fleeting, and the only thing that will matter in the end is whether we are ready to stand before our Savior, face to face. My deepest desire is that each of us would be prepared for that moment, living every day in the light of eternity, and helping as many as possible to do the same.
Key Takeaways
- Surrendering Our Version for Christ’s Vision
True discipleship means continually laying down our own plans, desires, and self-made visions for our lives, and embracing the path Jesus sets before us. The world tells us to “follow your heart,” but Scripture warns that our hearts can be deceptive. Real life and fulfillment are found not in clinging to our own way, but in daily surrender to Christ’s leadership and wisdom. [04:06]
- The Power and Necessity of the Holy Spirit
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in our own strength. Jesus instructed His followers to wait for the empowering of the Holy Spirit before stepping into their mission. The Spirit’s power transforms fear into boldness, enables us to overcome sin, and gives us the courage to witness to others—without Him, we are left frustrated and powerless. [10:20]
- Repentance: The True Starting Point
Repentance is not just feeling sorry or making a one-time decision; it is a deep, ongoing turning from sin and self toward God. This change of heart and mind must lead to a change in behavior, marking a clear moment when we say “yes” to Jesus and begin a new life. Without genuine repentance, the rest of the journey cannot begin. [17:44]
- Baptism and New Identity
Water baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a spiritual milestone where our old life is buried and we are raised to newness in Christ. It is a public declaration of faith and a powerful moment of freedom from the chains of the past. While the struggle with sin continues, baptism marks the legal and spiritual breaking of sin’s hold, and the beginning of a new identity as a child of God. [22:45]
- Living Ready for Eternity
All of life is preparation for the moment we stand before Jesus, face to face. The only thing that will matter is whether we have truly known Him and lived as His disciples. Living with eternity in view shapes our priorities, relationships, and daily choices, compelling us to serve, give, and reach others so that we—and as many as possible—are ready for that day. [29:36]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:38] - The Vision: From Empty Field to Thriving Church
[03:13] - What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
[04:06] - Jesus’ Call: Deny Yourself and Follow
[08:14] - Pentecost: Waiting for the Promise
[10:20] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[12:16] - Peter’s Pentecost Sermon
[14:30] - Personal Story: The Word That Pierced My Heart
[15:29] - The Reality of Eternal Consequences
[16:43] - The Holy Spirit: Our Advocate in Failure
[17:44] - The One-Two-Three-Follow Pattern
[21:16] - Baptism: Meaning and Practice
[22:45] - Freedom from Sin and New Identity
[25:21] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[26:49] - The Importance of Church Community
[29:36] - Living Ready to See Jesus Face to Face
[31:57] - A Vision of Eternity: Face to Face with Christ
[32:58] - Invitation and Prayer for Salvation
[34:37] - Closing and Next Steps
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “One, Two, Three, Follow”
---
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 16:24-26
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
2. Acts 2:36-41
“Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
3. Romans 10:9-10
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 16, what are the specific steps someone must take to truly follow Him?
(see [04:06])
2. In Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, what was the crowd’s response after hearing the message about Jesus?
(see [12:16])
3. What four steps did Peter lay out for those who wanted to respond to the gospel in Acts 2?
(see [17:44])
4. What does Paul say is required for someone to be saved in Romans 10:9-10?
(see [17:44])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasizes denying yourself and taking up your cross as the starting point for following Him? How does this challenge the idea of “following your heart”?
(see [04:06])
2. Peter’s sermon led to a deep conviction in the listeners’ hearts. What does it mean for someone to be “cut to the heart” by the gospel, and why is this important for real change?
(see [12:16])
3. The sermon described repentance as more than just a feeling. In your own words, what is the difference between feeling sorry and true repentance?
(see [17:44])
4. The Holy Spirit’s power was described as essential for living the Christian life. Why is it not enough to just try harder in our own strength?
(see [10:20])
---
### Application Questions
1. The sermon talked about surrendering our own plans and dreams for Christ’s vision. Is there an area of your life where you are still holding onto your own way instead of surrendering to Jesus? What would it look like to lay that down this week?
(see [04:06])
2. Jesus said to “wait for the power of the Holy Spirit” before stepping into the mission. Are you living with the power of the Holy Spirit, or do you feel like you’re trying to follow Jesus in your own strength? What’s one step you could take to invite the Holy Spirit’s help?
(see [10:20])
3. Repentance was described as a turning point that leads to real change. Can you remember a time when you truly repented and saw a change in your life? Is there something now that you need to turn away from or confess to God?
(see [17:44])
4. Baptism is more than a symbol—it’s a spiritual milestone. If you’ve been baptized, what did that moment mean to you? If you haven’t, what’s holding you back from taking that step?
(see [22:45])
5. The sermon emphasized being planted in a local church community. How connected do you feel to this group and to the church as a whole? What’s one way you could take a deeper step into community or accountability?
(see [26:49])
6. Living ready for eternity means making daily choices in light of meeting Jesus face to face. If you knew you would see Jesus soon, what is one thing you would want to change or prioritize in your life?
(see [29:36])
7. The call to be a disciple includes serving, giving, and reaching others. Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which is most challenging? What’s one practical way you can grow in serving, giving, or reaching out this month?
(see [26:49])
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person take their next step in following Jesus—whether that’s surrender, repentance, baptism, seeking the Holy Spirit, or living with eternity in view.
Devotional
Day 1: Deny Yourself and Follow Jesus Daily
To truly follow Jesus means surrendering your own plans, desires, and ambitions, and embracing His call to take up your cross every day. This is not a one-time decision but a continual process of laying down your version of life and trusting that Christ’s way is better, even when it challenges your comfort or understanding. The world may tell you to follow your heart, but Scripture reminds us that our hearts can be deceptive; instead, Jesus invites you to trust Him with your future, your choices, and your identity. As you let go of your own way and follow Him, you discover a life of purpose and fulfillment that only He can give. [04:06]
Matthew 16:24-26 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are still holding on to your own way instead of surrendering it to Jesus? What would it look like to give that area over to Him today?
Day 2: Receive the Power of the Holy Spirit
God never intended for you to follow Jesus in your own strength. The Holy Spirit is given to empower you to live victoriously, to overcome sin, and to boldly share your faith with others. Just as the early disciples waited and received power on Pentecost, you are invited to seek and receive the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in your life. This power is not just for spiritual experiences but for real transformation and effective witness, enabling you to make a difference in your family, workplace, and community. [08:14]
Acts 1:8 (NLT)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
Reflection: When was the last time you asked the Holy Spirit to fill and empower you? How can you invite Him to use you to impact someone’s life this week?
Day 3: Repent, Be Baptized, and Live Free
The journey of following Jesus begins with repentance—a true change of heart and mind that leads to a transformed life. Baptism is the outward sign of this inward change, symbolizing your old life being buried and your new life in Christ beginning. Through repentance and baptism, you are set free from the power of sin and welcomed into God’s family, no longer defined by your past but by the new identity Jesus gives you. This freedom is not just legal but spiritual, empowering you to live as an overcomer every day. [22:45]
Romans 6:4-7 (NLT)
For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives. Since we have been united with him in his death, we will also be raised to life as he was. We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin.
Reflection: Have you experienced a moment of true repentance and baptism? If so, how are you living out your freedom from sin today? If not, what is holding you back from taking this step?
Day 4: Get Planted in Community and Grow
God’s design is not for you to follow Jesus alone, but to be planted in a local church where you can grow, serve, and be encouraged. Being part of a church family provides the support, accountability, and opportunities you need to flourish in your faith. When you commit to serving, giving, and reaching others together, you discover a life of purpose and fulfillment, and you are prepared to meet Christ when He returns. [26:49]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: Are you actively involved in a local church community? What is one step you can take this week to deepen your connection and service within your church family?
Day 5: Live Ready to See Jesus Face to Face
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to be ready to stand before Jesus, face to face, and hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” This eternal perspective shapes every decision, every act of service, and every moment of surrender. Living with the end in mind motivates you to love well, serve faithfully, and keep your heart focused on what truly matters—knowing Christ and making Him known. [29:36]
Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46 (NLT)
“But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.’ ... Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.’ ... And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Reflection: If you were to stand before Jesus today, would you be ready to see Him face to face? What is one thing you can do today to prepare your heart for that moment?
Quotes
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