Living in Jesus' Love: Communion, Apprenticeship, and Hospitality
Summary
In today's gathering, we reflected on the profound love of Jesus, who loved us first, even when we were undeserving. This love is beautifully commemorated through the act of communion, a practice Jesus established before His betrayal. Communion serves as a reminder of His sacrifice, His body broken, and His blood shed for our salvation and healing. It is a call to remember His love and mercy daily, not just during our monthly gatherings.
We also delved into the concept of apprenticeship under Jesus, inspired by the book "Practicing the Way of Jesus." To be an apprentice is to become like the master, Jesus, by being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. This process is a four-stage training: "I do, you watch," "I do, you help," "You do, I help," and "You do, I watch." This model, exemplified by Jesus, is still relevant today, as we are called to follow His example and rely on the Holy Spirit for guidance and empowerment.
Jesus' ministry was marked by making space for the gospel through hospitality, preaching the gospel, and demonstrating the gospel. He engaged with sinners and outcasts, showing that hospitality is a powerful tool for sharing the gospel. Preaching the gospel is about sharing God's love, not condemning others. We are called to be witnesses, sharing what Jesus has done in our lives, while the Holy Spirit convicts hearts.
Demonstrating the gospel involves living out the teachings of Jesus, allowing our actions to reflect His love and power. Miracles often accompanied Jesus' ministry, and we are encouraged to share the gospel more intentionally to witness more of God's miraculous work in our lives. The presence of the Holy Spirit is crucial in this endeavor, as it empowers us to love and serve others, even those who are difficult to love.
Finally, we explored the concept of a "rule of life," a set of practices and rhythms that create space for us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did. This rule of life should guide and guard our habits, helping us align our lives with our deepest desires and God's purpose for us. It requires intentionality and balance between freedom and discipline, allowing us to live at the right pace and experience peace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Communion as a Daily Reminder: Communion is not just a monthly ritual but a daily reminder of Jesus' love and sacrifice. It calls us to remember His mercy and grace every morning, as His mercies renew each day. This practice helps us stay connected to the profound love that Jesus demonstrated on the cross. [19:14]
2. Apprenticeship Under Jesus: Being an apprentice of Jesus involves a four-stage process of learning and doing. It requires us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. This model, supported by the Holy Spirit, empowers us to live out our faith authentically and effectively. [35:37]
3. Hospitality as a Gospel Tool: Jesus used hospitality as a means to share the gospel, engaging with sinners and outcasts. This approach teaches us that sharing a meal can break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful gospel conversations. Hospitality is both a rhythm and a heart posture towards others. [46:02]
4. Preaching and Demonstrating the Gospel: Preaching the gospel is about sharing God's love, not condemning others. We are called to be witnesses, sharing our personal experiences with Jesus. Demonstrating the gospel involves living out Jesus' teachings, allowing our actions to reflect His love and power. [52:47]
5. The Rule of Life: A rule of life is a set of practices and rhythms that guide and guard our habits, helping us align our lives with God's purpose. It requires intentionality and balance between freedom and discipline, allowing us to live at the right pace and experience peace. [01:08:06]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:47] - Communion: A Reminder of Love
[19:14] - Daily Remembrance of Sacrifice
[35:37] - Apprenticeship Under Jesus
[41:25] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[42:48] - Jesus' Ministry Model
[43:42] - Hospitality as a Gospel Tool
[46:02] - Sharing the Gospel Through Meals
[47:16] - Preaching and Demonstrating the Gospel
[52:47] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[54:17] - Being Witnesses, Not Judges
[55:11] - Miracles and the Gospel
[56:07] - Recognizing Spiritual Intruders
[58:11] - Love and Serve Through the Holy Spirit
[01:08:06] - The Rule of Life: Intentional Living
[01:17:52] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Mark 1:17 - "Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men."
2. Luke 4:18 - "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor."
3. John 5:19 - "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he does only what he sees the Father doing."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Jesus' invitation to Simon and Andrew in Mark 1:17 imply about the nature of discipleship? [35:37]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate the gospel through his actions, according to the sermon? [55:11]
3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in Jesus' ministry as described in Luke 4:18? [41:25]
4. How is the concept of a "rule of life" described in the sermon, and what purpose does it serve? [01:08:06]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the four-stage apprenticeship model described in the sermon apply to modern discipleship? [35:37]
2. In what ways does hospitality serve as a tool for sharing the gospel, according to the sermon? [46:02]
3. How does the sermon suggest we balance freedom and discipline in our spiritual lives? [01:15:26]
4. What does it mean to be a witness for Jesus, and how does this differ from being a judge, as discussed in the sermon? [54:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate a daily reminder of Jesus' love and sacrifice, similar to the practice of communion? [19:14]
2. Consider the four-stage apprenticeship model. Which stage do you feel you are currently in with your walk with Jesus, and what steps can you take to progress? [35:37]
3. When was the last time you used hospitality as a means to share the gospel? What practical steps can you take to create more opportunities for gospel-centered hospitality? [46:02]
4. Think about a recent situation where you had the opportunity to share the gospel. How did you approach it, and what might you do differently next time to ensure you are sharing God's love rather than condemning? [47:16]
5. Identify one area of your life where you feel out of balance between freedom and discipline. What specific changes can you make to bring more balance in this area? [01:15:26]
6. Reflect on your current "rule of life." Is it working for you or against you? What adjustments can you make to align it more closely with your spiritual goals? [01:05:39]
7. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit in your daily life to empower you to love and serve others, especially those who are difficult to love? [58:11]
Devotional
Day 1: Communion as a Daily Practice
Communion is more than a monthly ritual; it is a daily practice that calls us to remember Jesus' love and sacrifice. This act of remembrance is a profound way to stay connected to the love Jesus demonstrated on the cross. By reflecting on His body broken and His blood shed, we are reminded of His mercy and grace that renew each morning. This daily practice helps us to live in gratitude and awareness of His presence in our lives. [19:14]
"For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes." (1 Corinthians 11:26, ESV)
Reflection: How can you incorporate a moment of remembrance into your daily routine to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and love?
Day 2: The Journey of Apprenticeship
Being an apprentice of Jesus involves a transformative journey of learning and doing. This four-stage process—"I do, you watch," "I do, you help," "You do, I help," and "You do, I watch"—invites us to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do what He did. Supported by the Holy Spirit, this model empowers us to live out our faith authentically and effectively, growing in our relationship with Jesus and reflecting His character in our actions. [35:37]
"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29, ESV)
Reflection: In which stage of apprenticeship do you find yourself currently, and how can you take the next step in your journey with Jesus?
Day 3: Hospitality as a Means of Sharing the Gospel
Hospitality is a powerful tool for sharing the gospel, as demonstrated by Jesus' engagement with sinners and outcasts. By sharing meals and opening our homes, we can break down barriers and create opportunities for meaningful gospel conversations. This approach teaches us that hospitality is not just a rhythm but a heart posture towards others, inviting them into a space of love and acceptance. [46:02]
"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you invite into your home or share a meal with to demonstrate the love of Jesus?
Day 4: Living Out the Gospel
Preaching the gospel is about sharing God's love, not condemning others. We are called to be witnesses, sharing our personal experiences with Jesus. Demonstrating the gospel involves living out Jesus' teachings, allowing our actions to reflect His love and power. By doing so, we create a space for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those around us, drawing them closer to God. [52:47]
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: What specific action can you take today to demonstrate the love and teachings of Jesus to someone in your life?
Day 5: Establishing a Rule of Life
A rule of life is a set of practices and rhythms that guide and guard our habits, helping us align our lives with God's purpose. It requires intentionality and balance between freedom and discipline, allowing us to live at the right pace and experience peace. By establishing a rule of life, we create space to be with Jesus, become like Him, and do as He did, aligning our lives with our deepest desires and God's calling. [01:08:06]
"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to create a rule of life that aligns with God's purpose for you?
Quotes
"I love the first Sunday when we come together because we have the opportunity to have communion together. If you don't have the emblems, please raise your hand and we'll have Paul bring them to you. But I love this process, if you want to call it, this opportunity that actually Jesus established." [00:16:17] (23 seconds)
"Help us to remember it, not just once a month, but every morning, as your mercy renews every morning, help us to remember every morning that you went to the cross for us to be made whole again. Amen." [00:19:14] (20 seconds)
"Apprenticeship is framed as a four-stage training process so just go through those quick first one it's I do you watch we do some other watch so first in I do you watch second I do you help third you do I help and the fourth you do and I watch actually this was Jesus model if you look through the New Testament." [00:37:03] (33 seconds)
"Jesus' secret to making space for the gospel, actually, if you look through the New Testament, was hospitality. Was eating and drinking with other people. Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. And prostitutes and fraud people. And so on and on and on." [00:43:30] (21 seconds)
"Hospitality, it's both a rhythm we calendar into our rule of life, right? But in the same way... But also, it's a way of being. Being in the world, it's a heart posture towards others. Caring for others. By the way, there is no better place to get to know someone than over a meal." [00:46:02] (24 seconds)
"Preaching it's about sharing God's love, it's not about telling them what is wrong with them what they are doing wrong in their lives in today's culture we are also socially conditioned from a young age to keep our mouth shut about Jesus how many of you heard the saying faith is private right?" [00:50:35] (26 seconds)
"Many of us think that we have to get people to cross the line. We have to get people to surrender their life to Christ. We need to get people to follow our principles, to follow our ways. No. Jesus is calling us to be witnesses. That means sharing what He did in our lives. What He did for each one of us." [00:53:57] (24 seconds)
"Wherever Jesus went, the Kingdom went, the Gospel went. Looking back to all the healing, actually, that Jesus did, a very high percentage of those healings actually were done to non-believers. To non-follower. I'm not saying all of them. Some of them happened to believers. And healing is for both." [00:55:11] (24 seconds)
"To be honest with you, in my opinion, especially those. Because the enemy is going to create all kinds of barriers for you to not love those people. And to be honest with you, the more the enemy fights, the bigger miracle is going to be in your life." [00:58:11] (19 seconds)
"Healthy spiritual life is not going to happen by accident, but is possible through good work and Holy Spirit. See, following Jesus, in my opinion, it's sometimes like playing golf. Okay. I know nothing about playing golf, okay? The only couple times I played golf was mini-golf, which has nothing to do with real golf." [01:08:42] (26 seconds)
"Being with Jesus will empower us to become like Jesus which will lead us to do what Jesus did. But everything starts with the desire to apprentice under Him. If we can have everyone please stand up." [01:18:10] (18 seconds)
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