Modeling Christ: The Essence of Discipleship

Summary

Summary:

Good evening, family. Tonight, we delve into the profound topic of "Modeling Heavenly Patterns." As believers, our ultimate goal is to model the life and teachings of Christ, which is the essence of discipleship. This responsibility is not limited to a select few but is a calling for every believer. The prophetic ministry, in particular, is not just about foretelling future events or revealing hidden truths. Instead, its primary purpose is to reveal Christ in His nature, character, and purpose. This revelation is crucial because it allows us to experience Christ deeply and authentically, much like the Apostle John did in the book of Revelation.

The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, as stated in Ephesians 2:20. This foundation is not merely about the prophetic and apostolic ministries but about the people who lived with Christ and the prophetic books of the Old Testament that foretold His coming. These books laid the groundwork for the Messiah's arrival, providing detailed information about His life and mission. The apostles, having witnessed Christ's life, death, and resurrection, confirmed these prophecies, validating the message of salvation.

In the prophetic ministry, the highest revelation is the revelation of Christ Himself. This revelation is essential for building the church, which is not a physical structure but the life and character of Christ in believers. The example of Bezalel in Exodus 31 illustrates how God equips individuals with His Spirit to understand and execute His divine patterns. Similarly, prophetic individuals are called to build Christ in others, requiring a deep, personal revelation of Him.

The prophetic ministry's role is to edify the church by building Christ's nature in believers. This requires a revelation of Christ, which empowers prophetic individuals to speak with authority and authenticity. Without this revelation, the prophetic ministry risks becoming mere divination. Therefore, the true measure of a prophetic ministry is its ability to build Christ in people's lives, not just predict future events.

Key Takeaways:

1. Modeling Christ Through Discipleship: Every believer is called to model Christ's life and teachings, which is the essence of discipleship. This responsibility is not limited to a select few but is a calling for all who follow Jesus. Discipleship involves revealing Christ's nature, character, and purpose to others, allowing them to experience Him deeply and authentically. [07:18]

2. The Foundation of the Church: The church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, as stated in Ephesians 2:20. This foundation is not just about the prophetic and apostolic ministries but about the people who lived with Christ and the prophetic books of the Old Testament that foretold His coming. These books laid the groundwork for the Messiah's arrival, providing detailed information about His life and mission. [11:58]

3. The Role of Prophetic Ministry: The prophetic ministry's primary purpose is to reveal Christ in His nature, character, and purpose. This revelation is crucial because it allows us to experience Christ deeply and authentically, much like the Apostle John did in the book of Revelation. Prophetic individuals are called to build Christ in others, requiring a deep, personal revelation of Him. [08:25]

4. Building the Church Through Revelation: The prophetic ministry's role is to edify the church by building Christ's nature in believers. This requires a revelation of Christ, which empowers prophetic individuals to speak with authority and authenticity. Without this revelation, the prophetic ministry risks becoming mere divination. [19:26]

5. The Importance of Personal Revelation: The true measure of a prophetic ministry is its ability to build Christ in people's lives, not just predict future events. This requires a personal revelation of Christ, which empowers prophetic individuals to speak with authority and authenticity. The more revelation one has of Christ, the more they can impart to others. [40:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [05:56] - Introduction to Prophetic Ministry
- [07:18] - Discipleship and Modeling Christ
- [08:25] - The Purpose of Prophetic Ministry
- [09:26] - Revelation of Christ in Prophetic Ministry
- [10:56] - Foundation of the Church
- [11:58] - Apostles and Prophets in Church Building
- [12:51] - Old Testament Prophecies of the Messiah
- [13:38] - The Role of Apostles
- [14:39] - Validation of Salvation Message
- [16:28] - Prophetic Vision of the Messiah
- [19:26] - Edification of the Church
- [20:25] - Building the Temple of Christ
- [23:14] - Moses and the Tabernacle
- [29:34] - Jesus and the Temple
- [40:01] - Personal Revelation of Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Modeling Heavenly Patterns

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:19-20
2. Exodus 31:1-6
3. Revelation 1:12-16

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Ephesians 2:19-20, what is the foundation of the church, and who are the key figures mentioned in this foundation? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on the role of apostles and prophets? [10:56]

2. In Exodus 31:1-6, what specific qualities did God impart to Bezalel to equip him for building the tabernacle? How does this illustrate the need for divine guidance in fulfilling God’s plans? [25:19]

3. How does the description of Christ in Revelation 1:12-16 reflect the sermon’s message about the importance of a personal revelation of Christ in prophetic ministry? [09:26]

4. What role does the prophetic ministry play in revealing Christ’s nature, character, and purpose, according to the sermon? [08:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the foundation of the apostles and prophets, as described in Ephesians 2:19-20, influence the way the church should be built today? What implications does this have for modern church leadership? [11:58]

2. In what ways does the story of Bezalel in Exodus 31:1-6 serve as a metaphor for the prophetic ministry’s role in building Christ in believers? How does this relate to the need for spiritual revelation? [25:19]

3. How does the vision of Christ in Revelation 1:12-16 challenge or deepen our understanding of who Jesus is? What impact should this have on our personal faith journey? [09:26]

4. The sermon suggests that without a revelation of Christ, prophetic ministry risks becoming mere divination. How can believers ensure their spiritual experiences are rooted in Christ’s revelation? [19:26]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own discipleship journey. How are you currently modeling Christ’s life and teachings to others? What specific steps can you take to improve in this area? [07:18]

2. Consider the foundation of your own faith. How well do you understand the teachings of the apostles and prophets? What resources or practices could help you deepen this understanding? [11:58]

3. Have you ever experienced a personal revelation of Christ that transformed your faith? If not, what steps can you take to seek such an experience? [40:01]

4. In what ways can you contribute to building Christ’s nature in your church community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to support this goal. [19:26]

5. How can you discern between true prophetic revelation and mere predictions? What practices can help you stay grounded in Christ’s teachings? [08:25]

6. Think about a time when you felt called to a specific ministry or role within the church. How did you respond to that calling, and what lessons did you learn from the experience? [28:10]

7. Identify one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to build or create something new. What steps can you take to ensure you are following His divine pattern and guidance? [25:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Modeling Christ Through Discipleship
As believers, the call to discipleship is a universal mandate, not reserved for a select few. Discipleship involves embodying the life and teachings of Christ, allowing His nature, character, and purpose to be revealed through us. This process is not merely about following rules or traditions but about a transformative relationship with Christ that others can witness and experience. By modeling Christ, we invite others into a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him, much like the Apostle John experienced in the book of Revelation. This modeling is a continuous journey of growth and reflection, where we strive to align our lives with the example set by Jesus. [07:18]

"Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." (Colossians 2:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally model Christ to this week, and what specific actions can you take to reflect His character and teachings to them?

Day 2: The Foundation of the Church
The church's foundation is built upon the apostles and prophets, as described in Ephesians 2:20. This foundation is not just about the roles of prophetic and apostolic ministries but about the people who lived with Christ and the prophetic books of the Old Testament that foretold His coming. These scriptures provided a detailed blueprint for the Messiah's arrival, life, and mission. The apostles, having witnessed Christ's life, death, and resurrection, confirmed these prophecies, validating the message of salvation. Understanding this foundation helps us appreciate the continuity and fulfillment of God's plan through Christ, reinforcing the church's mission to embody His teachings and character. [11:58]

"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone." (Ephesians 2:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you contribute to strengthening the foundation of your local church community, and what role can you play in ensuring it remains rooted in the teachings of Christ and the apostles?

Day 3: The Role of Prophetic Ministry
The prophetic ministry's primary purpose is to reveal Christ in His nature, character, and purpose. This revelation is crucial because it allows believers to experience Christ deeply and authentically, much like the Apostle John did in the book of Revelation. Prophetic individuals are called to build Christ in others, requiring a deep, personal revelation of Him. This ministry is not about predicting future events but about edifying the church by fostering a deeper understanding of Christ's nature. The true measure of a prophetic ministry is its ability to build Christ in people's lives, not just foretell events. [08:25]

"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." (Ephesians 4:11-12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you seek a deeper personal revelation of Christ, and how can this revelation empower you to edify others in your community?

Day 4: Building the Church Through Revelation
The prophetic ministry's role is to edify the church by building Christ's nature in believers. This requires a revelation of Christ, which empowers prophetic individuals to speak with authority and authenticity. Without this revelation, the prophetic ministry risks becoming mere divination. The church is not a physical structure but the life and character of Christ in believers. The example of Bezalel in Exodus 31 illustrates how God equips individuals with His Spirit to understand and execute His divine patterns. Similarly, prophetic individuals are called to build Christ in others, requiring a deep, personal revelation of Him. [19:26]

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone." (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts to contribute to the building of Christ's nature in your church community, and what steps can you take to ensure your actions are guided by a true revelation of Christ?

Day 5: The Importance of Personal Revelation
The true measure of a prophetic ministry is its ability to build Christ in people's lives, not just predict future events. This requires a personal revelation of Christ, which empowers prophetic individuals to speak with authority and authenticity. The more revelation one has of Christ, the more they can impart to others. This personal revelation is essential for building the church, which is not a physical structure but the life and character of Christ in believers. By seeking a deeper understanding of Christ, believers can more effectively model His teachings and character to others, fulfilling their role in the prophetic ministry. [40:01]

"For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." (Ephesians 3:14-17, ESV)

Reflection: What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to seek a deeper personal revelation of Christ, and how can this revelation transform your interactions with others?

Quotes

1) "And the thing about prophetic people, they have that, I won't call it advantageous. But they have that grace to have a picture, a clear picture of what Christ looks like. And I always say, and I say so many times, if you call yourself a prophetic person, those that have the Spirit of God, the Spirit of God, the unction of the Holy Ghost in them, and have the ability to see the spiritual world, and those kind of people are not only called to come and tell us about demons, and tell us about the future of people. And there's nothing wrong with that. But prophetic ministry is not limited to that. Because the witch doctors can do that. The Satanists can do that. And people operating in witchcraft can do exactly the same thing. Because they have access to the spiritual world. So the prophetic ministry, according to the Word of God, is primarily, and I believe, is primarily to reveal Christ. Reveal Christ in his nature, in his character, in his purpose, in his destiny." [08:25] (71 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "So through the book of the prophet, experience all the prophecy of the prophet, and the testimony of the apostles, the plan of salvation, the message of the salvation was validated. It was authenticated. It was a true message now that we can believe. And as we believe that, we now become... We now become part of this incredible kingdom called the church. Are you with me? So us as a prophet, based on what we saw in the Old Testament with the prophet in the Bible, is that they have a vision of this Messiah coming. Isaiah had that vision. Ezekiel had that vision. Jonah had that vision. What do you call it? Joel had that vision. Zechariah had that vision. Malachi had that vision. They're whole. The whole. How can I say? The entire book of the prophet was made of this incredible revelation that there's a Messiah coming." [16:28] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "So all these five offices work together. Provide informations and revelations and teachings and experiences that build the life of a believer. So if you don't have all those five offices investing into us, we might grow. But we will not have the full stature that we need as students of God. So now tonight we're just going to focus on the prophets. So the prophet, based on the fact that their gifting and their office is more revelatory. They speak more on revelation. The highest level of all the revelation of a prophet is the fact that they have the revelation of Christ himself. They have this grace to be taken into the spiritual realm and have that revelation of Christ." [18:02] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "So when Moses was in the mountain, we know he got a 10th commandment from the Lord himself. And. But tonight, I'm going to focus more on the temple, you know, the tabernacle that he built. And when he got there, God gave him a blueprint. He gave him a picture of how this tabernacle was going to look like. And God was so specific in it that he even gave him, when you read that, you can read from 31 to 35, Exodus 31 to 35 when you get time. God gave him instruction about. The, the, the, I can say that the measurement of the temple, the material they're going to be used, the furnishing, what they need to be made of. Even the curtain that they need to use is, you know, what the curtain need to be made of. He even gave them the colors of the curtain. God was so specific on everything. Moses needed to build that." [21:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "So here we see a mystery being revealed here. Jesus is revealing a mystery, but we don't know the story of Jesus driving out people out of the temple. And when he was doing that, the people were another Jewish asking, who gives you the authority where you've got authority to do this? And he said, destroy this temple. And in three days I will rebuild it. You know, the reply he has taken 46 years to build this temple. And you are. Going to raise it in three days. So what Jesus was talking about here when he say destroy this temple and I rebuild it in three days is not talking about the physical temple that we see that people were looking at, but he's talking about himself where he will be killed. And after three days, he was up from the day. So here we saw Jesus identified a temple as him." [30:30] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "So the same way Moses and those builders have the spirit of the, they have the revelation and the grace to build, to build that temple who watch, who was a symbol, a shadow, a representation, a representation of Christ, the same way the apostles and the prophet and all the other offices play a role in building Christ in our life as believers. So as a prophetic person, your role is not to go. And tell people is not limited to just tell people their future and the good thing that are going to happen in their lives. But as a prophetic person, your mission is to build Christ into the life of the people. And for you to accurately build Christ into the life of the people, you need that experience of Christ himself." [32:58] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "And the beauty of that experience is what he have seen the glory of the Lord. He have seen the revelation of the Lord. He have seen the plan of relation from his people. So when he was speaking, he was not just speaking as somebody who have received word because the beauty of a revelation is this. When you receive a revelation of the Lord, there is an amount of it, not just anointing. But of light that is releasing to you. You know what the Bible says? You shall know the truth and the truth has set you free. What is he saying? In other words, you shall know the word. You shall know the will of God. You shall have the true revelation of the father, the true revelation of Christ that will set you free. Not just for the sake of going free or of staying free. But as he set you free. As you release that word to the people. The same power that came into you and set you free. The light that came." [36:43] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "So what you call familiar spirit. But what differentiate prophetic people that are full of the Holy Ghost is the fact that they have a revelation of Christ. They have a spiritual revelation of Christ that gives them that advantage. And when they speak, the power that back up that revelation is releasing to people's life. And that's how they build Christ, you know, in the life of the believers. As a prophetic person in these last days. Your role is to build Christ in people's life, not just telling them about a future thing they're going to have. There's nothing wrong with that, but if there's no building of Christ in people's life, your prophetic ministry validation is in question. What validates you is the fact that you have the spirit, you have a revelation of Christ that you receive through the Holy Spirit." [38:46] (61 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "And whatever he's revealed anyway is always confirmed by the word. The character of Christ that he revealed to you can never go against the word. That's why it becomes a rhema word, something that you didn't just read about it, you didn't just learn about it, but you experience it in the spiritual realm. And as a prophetic person, when you speak, oh my goodness, you speak as someone that knows. So you cannot model it if you don't have a revelation of it. You cannot build it. You cannot help in the edification of the believers as a prophetic. If you haven't had the revelation of Jesus. Oh my goodness." [40:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

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