Move To One Sunday - Tim Birdwell

Devotional

Day 1: We Are Not Meant to Do Life Alone

God created us for community, not isolation. Even before sin entered the world, God declared, “It is not good for man to be alone.” No matter how much we know, how put-together we appear, or how many spiritual disciplines we practice, we are designed to need one another. True transformation and freedom from cycles of sin often come not just from our personal relationship with God, but from locking arms with others who pursue us with the grace and truth of Jesus. You are invited to step out of isolation and into intentional, Christ-centered relationships that bring healing, encouragement, and growth. [03:20]

Genesis 2:18 (ESV)
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Reflection: Who is one person you can reach out to this week to begin building a deeper, Christ-centered friendship, even if it feels uncomfortable or vulnerable at first?

Day 2: The Mission: Make Disciples Together

Jesus’ Great Commission is not just a call to personal faith, but to a shared mission—making disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey all He has commanded. This mission is not about filling rooms or going through religious motions, but about moving together as a community, living out devotion, community, and mission. When we lock arms and step into this calling, we become the light that pushes back the darkness in our city and beyond. [09:19]

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV)
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to intentionally help someone else grow as a disciple of Jesus—whether through encouragement, prayer, or inviting them into community?

Day 3: Discipleship Is Rooted in Your Identity, Not Your Activity

Our ability to live as disciples and enter into deep relationships is not based on how much we do, but on who we are in Christ. The enemy’s greatest weapon is to distort our identity, making us believe we are disqualified, too broken, or too busy. But Scripture affirms that if you know Jesus, you are forgiven, you have overcome the evil one, and you are a beloved child of God. Discipleship flows from this secure identity, not from striving or shame. [32:10]

1 John 2:12-14 (ESV)
I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake. I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Reflection: What is one lie about your identity that you need to reject today, and what truth from God’s Word will you choose to believe instead?

Day 4: The Power of Spiritual Rhythms and Community

Building spiritual rhythms—like gathering with the church, reading God’s Word, prayer, and serving—anchors us in God’s truth and connects us to others. These practices are not just for Sundays, but are meant to spill over into every part of our week, helping us resist the lies of the enemy and experience the fullness of life God intends. When we prioritize these rhythms and do them with others, we grow as disciples and help others do the same. [15:46]

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: What is one spiritual rhythm you can intentionally practice with someone else this week—such as praying together, reading Scripture, or serving side by side?

Day 5: Extending the Father’s Love to Others

God reveals Himself as our perfect Father, loving us unconditionally and calling us His children. When we truly embrace this love, it not only transforms us but compels us to extend that same love to others. Discipleship relationships are about more than curriculum or programs—they are about sharing the love, affirmation, and encouragement of the Father with those around us, especially those who may feel unseen or unworthy. [40:15]

1 John 3:1 (ESV)
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear or experience the Father’s love through you this week, and how can you intentionally show them that they are seen, valued, and loved?

Sermon Summary

Today’s message is a deeply personal reflection on the transforming power of Jesus and the essential role of community in the Christian life. Years ago, I was lost, searching for meaning in all the wrong places, and found myself more broken and alone than ever. It was only when I responded to the Spirit’s prompting and came to church—alone and desperate—that I encountered the hope of the gospel. Yet, even after that encounter, real change didn’t happen overnight. I kept coming back, wrestling with sin and loneliness, until a few faithful people pursued me with the grace and truth of Jesus. Through intentional relationships—studying Scripture, sharing meals, and honest conversations—God broke the cycles of sin and isolation in my life.

This isn’t just my story; it’s the way God designed all of us. From the very beginning, God declared it’s not good for man to be alone. No matter how much we know or how “together” we appear, we are created for deep, intentional relationships with others who point us to Jesus. Even now, in seasons of both immense joy and deep sorrow, it’s the Word of God, the Spirit of God, the Son of God, and the people of God who sustain me. We are not meant to do life alone.

Our mission, rooted in the Great Commission, is to make disciples—followers of Jesus who help others follow Him. This takes shape through three movements: devotion (personal commitment to Christ, starting with baptism), community (moving from rows on Sunday to circles of real relationship), and mission (serving together for the sake of others). Discipleship is not about programs or checklists, but about intentional, vulnerable, accountable, and missional relationships that help us become more like Jesus.

Yet, many of us are held back by the enemy’s lies: that we’re too busy, not good enough, or don’t know enough. But our identity is not rooted in what we do, but in who we are in Christ—children of a perfect Father, forgiven, and victorious over the evil one. When we embrace this truth and lock arms with others, we experience the fullness of God’s design for us and become a light in a dark world. The invitation is simple: move toward intentional discipleship relationships, break the lies of isolation, and experience the life-changing power of community in Christ.

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Key Takeaways

1. Transformation Happens in Community, Not Isolation No matter how much we know or how hard we try, lasting change and freedom from sin come when we allow others to walk with us, speak truth, and extend grace. God designed us to need one another, and it’s through intentional relationships that cycles of brokenness are truly broken. Even the most mature believers never outgrow their need for the people of God. [02:56]
2. Discipleship Is Rooted in Identity, Not Activity The enemy’s most effective weapon is to distort our sense of who we are, convincing us that our failures or busyness disqualify us from deep relationships or meaningful service. But Scripture affirms that our identity as forgiven, beloved children of God is secure because of Christ’s finished work. Discipleship flows from this identity, not from our performance or knowledge. [33:28]
3. The Mission of Jesus Is Lived Out Through Devotion, Community, and Mission Following Jesus is not a solo journey or a Sunday event; it’s a movement of devotion to Christ, authentic community with others, and active participation in God’s mission. Each movement is essential: personal rhythms of faith, real relationships that go beyond surface-level, and serving together to bring light to the world. This holistic approach is how disciples are made and matured. [12:46]
4. Intentional Relationships Break the Power of Lies and Isolation The enemy’s lies—“I’m too busy,” “I don’t know enough,” “If people really knew me…”—keep us from the very relationships that would bring healing and growth. When we step into vulnerable, accountable, and missional relationships, we expose these lies and experience the truth of God’s love and acceptance, both from Him and through His people. [30:35]
5. The Love of the Father Is the Foundation for All Discipleship At the core of our need for community and transformation is the deep longing to be known and loved by a perfect Father. God intentionally reveals Himself as Father, offering us the affirmation, pride, and unconditional love that earthly relationships often lack. When we receive this love, we are empowered to extend it to others, creating a culture of grace and growth. [39:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Searching for Meaning and Hitting Rock Bottom
[01:45] - The Power of Persistent Community
[02:56] - Why We Need the People of God
[04:13] - Joy and Sorrow: The Role of Community in Every Season
[06:32] - Vision for a Church of Disciples
[08:13] - The Move to One Initiative
[08:56] - The Great Commission: Our Unchanging Mission
[12:46] - Three Movements: Devotion, Community, Mission
[16:17] - From Rows to Circles: The Power of Groups
[19:14] - Mission: Serving Together Changes Lives
[22:09] - Generational Discipleship and Youth Ministry
[24:32] - What Is a Discipleship Relationship?
[29:25] - Lies That Keep Us Isolated
[31:51] - 1 John 2: Identity Over Activity
[34:55] - Victory Over the Evil One
[39:58] - The Love of the Father
[41:19] - Invitation to Move Toward Discipleship
[41:37] - Prayer and Response

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 John 2:12-14 (ESV) — > I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.
> I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
> I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one.
> I write to you, children, because you know the Father.
> I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning.
> I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Genesis 2:18 (ESV) — > Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.”

Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV) — > Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Observation Questions

In 1 John 2:12-14, what are the different affirmations John gives to “children,” “fathers,” and “young men”? What do these affirmations have in common?
According to Genesis 2:18, what did God say about man being alone, and why is this significant for how we live today?
In Matthew 28:19-20, what three actions does Jesus command his followers to do as part of making disciples?
The sermon described how the pastor’s life changed not just through hearing the gospel, but through intentional relationships with others. What were some specific things these people did for him? [[02:31]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does John focus on identity (“you are forgiven,” “you know the Father,” “you have overcome the evil one”) rather than giving instructions or commands in 1 John 2:12-14? How does this relate to the sermon’s point about discipleship being rooted in identity, not activity? [[33:28]]
The sermon says, “It is not good for man to be alone” is true for everyone, not just Adam. Why is community so essential for spiritual growth and breaking cycles of sin and isolation? [[02:56]]
According to the sermon, what are some of the lies the enemy uses to keep us from intentional relationships, and how do these lies affect our willingness to engage in community? [[30:35]]
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is described as the unchanging mission of the church. How does the sermon suggest this mission is lived out practically through devotion, community, and mission? [[12:46]]

Application Questions

The pastor shared that even after encountering Jesus, real change didn’t happen until he was pursued by others in intentional relationships. Can you think of a time when someone pursued you with grace and truth? How did it impact your faith journey? [[02:31]]
The sermon highlights that many people feel “too busy,” “not good enough,” or “don’t know enough” to engage in discipleship relationships. Which of these lies do you most relate to, and what would it look like to challenge that lie this week? [[30:35]]
The message says, “Transformation happens in community, not isolation.” Are there areas of your life where you are trying to change or grow alone? What would it look like to invite someone else into that process? [[02:56]]
The pastor described three movements: devotion, community, and mission. Which of these do you feel strongest in right now? Which one do you want to grow in, and what is one step you could take this month? [[12:46]]
The sermon talks about the importance of moving from “rows to circles”—from just attending church to building real relationships. What is one practical way you could move toward deeper community this week (e.g., joining a group, inviting someone for coffee, serving on a team)? [[16:17]]
The love of the Father is described as the foundation for all discipleship. Do you struggle to believe that God is a perfect Father who is proud of you? How might embracing this truth change the way you relate to others in the church? [[39:58]]
The invitation at the end of the sermon was to “move toward intentional discipleship relationships.” What is one specific action you can take this week to respond to that invitation? (e.g., fill out a form, reach out to someone, ask for prayer, start a Bible study) [[41:19]]

Sermon Clips

It wasn't just enough for me to have the Word of God, and the Spirit of God, and the Son of God. I needed the people of God, and that's not just unique to your jacked up, broken pastor. You know, we're all created that way. Genesis 2, before sin, pre-fall, do you know what God says? It is not good for man to be alone. You are not meant to do this life alone. [00:03:02] (26 seconds) #CreatedForConnection

I don't care who you are, or where you've been, or what you've done. You were designed for a relationship like that. And I am too. And it didn't just stop when I was like 20 years ago, and a jacked up college student, and now I've graduated because I'm a pastor. No, I still need this. [00:03:50] (18 seconds) #DesignedForRelationship

I have zero interest in playing the game of church and going through the motions. I have zero interest in a big crowd filling a room. I have every interest, though, and every passion and every commitment to you to fill a city with disciples of Jesus Christ who are locked arms together, saying, let's go into this dark world. And be the light of Christ, because light lights up darkness, and the darkness has to flee. [00:06:44] (30 seconds) #DiscipleshipOverAttendance

We leave this place and move into circles. We leave this place and lock arms for the mission of God. For us, that's called groups and classes and studies. Men's and women's studies on Wednesday nights. Classes that are happening. Right now at 10 30 that are happening right before this at 9 00 AM. And, and man, you should go to one of these classes and even just try that or try Wednesday night. What you have is really significant. [00:17:38] (25 seconds) #MissionInEveryCircle

Please do not just do something in our church to grow through the motions. Please do not. I hear us saying, just get connected. Just come. No, that's nonprofits. There's tons of things for you to do. What I'm inviting you into is sign up for the thing so you can be a part of the eternal mission of God. The great commission to make disciples of all nations. This changes everything. [00:23:33] (23 seconds) #EternalMissionNotMotions

It's a lie that you don't know enough. It's a lie that if people really knew you, God already knows you, and he died for you. And we're meant to reflect that with one another. Amen? That's what makes church so amazing. It's a lie. [00:31:24] (16 seconds) #TruthOverLiesOfBusyness

Because where the enemy will dig at you the most is not about what you do, it's who you are. And he will convince you that what you do becomes who you are. And if you're doing a great job, you'll be self-righteous. If you're failing, you'll be full of shame. And the enemy wants you to go from one extreme to the other, swinging on that pendulum, and never, get this, never give your life away to people or to God because you think you're too busy or you think you don't know enough or can't do enough. [00:33:34] (36 seconds) #OvercomeThroughFaith

You need to be reminded, in this world, you will have trouble, but take heart, I've overcome it. Because the reality is, some of you later today, you're going to experience evil, and you're like, I don't know that we've overcome it, Tim. I don't know, Tuesday night, like, I feel some evil in my own heart, in my own mind. And you need to be reminded that you have overcome in Christ. [00:34:28] (26 seconds) #ForgivenAndKnown

You need to know that you have a father who loves you perfectly. Perfectly. Unconditionally. Who is proud of you. And yeah, that's going to change your life if you really give your life over to that. But you need to gather with some other people who have experienced that love of a father also. [00:40:07] (20 seconds) #MoveTowardsCommunity

Go through a book, fill out a form, get a bracelet. But you get into a relationship like that. And you can experience all the highs and all the lows. And you can do so with a strength and a peace and a purpose and a meaning and a fulfillment. If you walk with people like that. And that's what I'm inviting you into. And that's what I'm inviting you to move. What's moved to one? One. Move towards that. [00:40:51] (29 seconds)

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